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I have to say that this year's local Christmas music output has been the lowest ever, so much so that three of the five songs here are harvested from the Taste of Christmas Pudding 2016 compilation. Still, I wanted to share Miss
Scott Keo and Miss Krystle– "Baby It's Cold Outside"
I think what I like best about this is getting to hear Miss Krystle on a jazzy standard outside of the realm of her EDM oeuvre. This is Miss Krystle's sixth music video release this year, following the release of her new full-length album, Woman In Motion, and it's simply adorable. Scott Keo sounds great, but it's Miss Krystle who wraps her voice around this song and owns it. I'd genuinely love to hear Miss Krystle tackle songs that show the dynamic range of her voice, or show a different side of it. It's a fantastic, albeit traditional, remake of a holiday classic.
Vintage Wednesday– "What Child Is This"
Vintage Wednesday won this year's Proof is in the Pudding contest, and it's not difficult to hear why, with Taylor
Steff Koeppen– "The Christmas Song"
Last year Steff Koeppen released an amazing version of "White Christmas," and this year she gives and intimate solo performance on "The Christmas Song." I'm a sucker for piano in the first place, but I'm also a sucker for Koeppen's vocals, especially in a warm, minimalist setting like this. I don't know if she's turning this into a tradition, but I kind of hope so. I'd love to hear her treatment on a number of classics. It's nothing groundbreaking or experimental, but it's just a beautiful holiday song performed faithfully by an artist who exudes talent.
Keli Rutledge– "All I Want for Christmas Is You"
This song brings me to the edge of tears every time I hear
Analog Outlaws– "Christmas Is Finally Here"
Analog Outlaws released two EPs in 2015 and won the Proof is in the Pudding Contest in 2015. "Christmas Is Finally Here" is a pretty great rock ’n’ roll seasonal number, to be sure. It's got a great hook to it as well, which means that after repeated listens, it will be stuck in your head. It's one of the most impressive songs, because it's completely original and because the band hasn't even hit their 20s. I mean, it's actually such a good song that it's almost a shame that it was written to be a seasonal number.
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