Christmas Everywhere
New West, 2018
8/10
Listen to Christmas Everywhere
A legend most known for his work in country music, Rodney Crowell is also well versed in folk, Americana and rock sounds, and, as evidenced by this effort, holiday music, too.
“Clement’s Lament (We’ll See You In The Mall)” starts the listen with gorgeous vocal harmonies on the brief display of dreamy elegance, and “Christmas Everywhere” follows with help from Lera Lynn on the punchy, finger pickin’ fun.
Near the middle, “Merry Christmas From An Empty Bed” brings Brennen Leigh’s incredible pipes for a pedal steel fueled moment of beauty, while “Very Merry Christmas” picks up the pace and volume with rollicking retro rocker that’s full of swift melodies and upbeat piano work in its rockabilly prowess. One of the album’s best, “Christmas For The Blues”, then showcases Crowell’s smooth pipes on a flowing track of intricate guitar work and crisp percussion.
Near the end, “Let’s Skip Christmas This Year” plants the listen firmly in good old fashioned rock’n’roll with some comical wordplay and “All For Little Girls & Boys”, with Daddy Cool & The Yule, lets Crowell’s kids do the signing on the raw and playful exit.
While there’s no shortage of Christmas albums out there, Crowell’s contribution comes with humor, grace and his always timeless approach that deserves to be played all year round.
Travels well with: Dwight Yoakam- 21st Century Hits; Buddy & Julie Miller- Breakdown On 20th Ave South