A Harvest Star Christmas
Harvest Star Collective
7.5-out-of-10
What an exciting time of year! With the end of the world looming, and Christmas just around the world, the festive spirit is definitely in the air. To accompany me while I stockpile canned foods and shop for presents, I came across the perfect compilation, A Harvest Star Christmas, by the Harvest Star Collective.
Ten excellent artists performing ten beautiful Christmas tunes is exactly what I needed to oppress the thought of Syria preparing chemical weapons and the fact that I don't yet know what to get for my mum. The thing I like most about compilation albums is the wide styles of music you get to hear in a short time. The artists on this particular set are all of the folk/singer-songwriter persuasion, singing charming carols of multiple moods.
Most songs have a similar feeling to Sufjan Steven's Christmas box set released a few years ago, but some offer a unique take on the Christmas carol, like my favorite "Christmas Day" by Justin Cross. It sounds less like a carol and more like a timeless folk song.
Whether you're enjoying the company of loved ones waiting to see what December 22nd brings, or up late on Christmas eve breathing a sigh of relief, revel in the calming sounds of A Harvest Star Christmas and appreciate the fact that you're (probably) still alive.
It is currently for sale at harveststar.bandcamp.com and you get to choose the price.
-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU
The Bedroom Demos
Darren Eedens
7-out-of-10
I hope I never get sick of bluegrass, or folk, or my brother's shortbread cookies. Every time I discover a new, young musician busting out timeless sounding traditional folk, I'm excited. Darren Eedens is my latest discovery of banjo strumming, mustache sporting, folky.
His six-track demo released in November is a quick snippet of rough vocals and an overstated southern drawl. For a Toronto native, he almost had me fooled into thinking he hails from the Appalachians. The banjo plucking and fancy finger work is noteworthy and the song writing is outstanding. There's only so many recurring themes left in this styling, and any fresh take is welcomed.
I'm hoping these six tracks, and another three released in December, are meant to draw attention to a full length coming out soon, maybe in the new year? I'm unsure of what Eeden's plans are but I'll be keeping my ears to his bandcamp page eagerly awaiting something less fleeting.
-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU
