Holly-Tonk opens with Tulsa’s Desi & Cody, who saunter in with the timeless “It Just Ain’t Christmas Without You.” Empty Bottles follow suit with the saloonfriendly “Kiss Them All Goodnight.” The Wurly Birds punctuate their Beatles-esque “Mr. Nicholas” with some Memphis blues while Beau Jennings channels Tom Petty (à la the 1980s) in the charming “Christmas Bus.” “Greensleeves, Blue Collar” proves to be the highlight of Side A, though, finding that perfect balance of cheekiness and earnestness that makes modern carols great.
On Jingle Beats, ADDverse Effects proves why it is one of the most exciting acts around with the Roots-worthy “Christmas in Norman,” while Jabee turns in an infectious, immaculately produced single in “December 25th.” The latter two tracks —? Hector Comancho’s “Peppermint Randy” and David Allen’s spoken word “Chimney Stack” —? both delve into Madvillian and J Dilla territory with their equally freaky and charming offerings.
There’s not a lump of coal to be found in the latest compilation, available as a free download at fowlervwchristmas.com with vinyl copies available at multiple locations across the metro.
A Blackwatch Christmas Vol. III will be celebrated with a holiday concert featuring several of the artists who contributed songs 8 p.m. Friday at STASH, 412 E. Main St. in Norman. — Joshua Boydston
Hey! Read This: • A Blackwatch Christmas Vol. II album review • A Blackwatch Christmas album review
This article appears in Dec 4-10, 2013.