Album Spotlight: The Christmas Gig

I often hear of people complaining about the Christmas music that is nearly ubiquitous in stores at this time of year; again, I just don't get it.  I can respect it, for sure, but I'll never ever understand it.  That said, I think it's rather appropriate that today's download comes from Target; I don't know if they actually play any songs from this album in their stores, but if they did, maybe people would complain about it less.  At the very least, you can't accuse any of the songs on The Christmas Gig of sounding like the same old Christmas music that you hear every year.

"Free, original holiday music from Target" is what the download page promises, and the album delivers just that.  I don't recognize any of the artists besides Little Isidore (who has a song on the soundtrack of the 2000 remake of How The Grinch Stole Christmas; incidentally, his "Party Hard", with its old time rock & roll feel, is one of the highlights of this album), but that's beside the point.  The point is that you get 14 original Christmas songs, ranging in style from hard rock to hip-hop to country to R&B.

The album starts off on a high point with the classic rock sounds of Guster's "Tiny Tree Christmas" and the hip-hop of Blackalicious' "Toy Jackpot"; it's a great example of the diversity to be found on the album.  I think my favourite song is Natalie Hemby's beautiful, romantic country ballad, "Perfect Gift"; either that or The Pinker Tones' hard rocking "Súper Mamá (Supermom)".  No matter where your musical tastes lie, I think you'll find something to enjoy on The Christmas Gig.  Happy listening!

URL:

http://www.target.com/b?node=2492229011

P.S. Don't forget to pick up the second song on Joel Rakes' festive​​.​​mood​​.​​inducing​.​music​​.​​vol​​.​​5, which just came out today.  Today's song is "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", and it has a really cool, upbeat country feel to it.