Hi Pal,
Welcome to another newsletter. Bonus Stuff is an umbrella column for ideas that do not fit into the other content brackets I write here.
You can check out the albums on all platforms using the embedded links on the titles.
In the coming weeks, I plan to write and publish four newsletters for the Christmas season. I already published one (see here if you missed it) and hopefully, I’d find the time to write two more after this. Let’s check out some of my favourite folk Christmas albums.
The Light Came Down — Josh Garrels (2016)
If you’re looking for an indie/alternative Christmas album to sink your teeth into, there aren’t many places better to start than here. It’s one of the most creative albums I have listened to while remaining reverent and reflecting the season's spirit.
Favourite Songs: Shepherd’s Song; What Child Is This; Journey To Bethlehem
Advent, Part One — Sarah Sparks (2020)
Acoustic folk songs with piano accompaniment, soothing vocals and gorgeous harmonies. This is how I’d describe most of Sarah Sparks’ music and this album is no different. Advent, Part One thrives on simplicity and poise making it perfect for a quiet December morning.
Favourite Songs: 400 Years; O Come O Come Emmanuel; The King, Pt. One
I’m currently walking towards 100 subscribers here. I want to hit that target before the year ends. If you end up enjoying this, please consider sharing it with folks that you know.
A Jolly Irish Christmas (Vol. 2) — Rend Collective (2020)
These days, Rend Collective’s sound has evolved past the stripped-down acoustic approach of the past and this album is a reminder that they still got it. Released six years after Campfire Christmas (Vol. 1) — which could have made this list as well — this album and its Irish folk sensibilities remind me of the reason I fell in love with this band in the first place.
Favourite Songs: Silent Night (Be Still); Good King Wencelas (Kindness); In The Bleak Midwinter
A Seed, A Sunrise: Advent to Christmas Songs — Caroline Cobb (2020)
Caroline Cobb’s career is defined by concept albums. As a singer-songwriter, every album she has released addresses specific themes and her approach to songwriting is deliberate and focused. This album covers the expectation of advent, the joy of Christmas and more importantly the return of Christ as King.
Favourite Songs: Comfort, Oh Comfort; Oh Righteous Branch; There Will Be a Day (Isaiah 2)
Lovkn Christmas: Awaited One — Lovkn (2019)
Lovkn has always been able to craft happy tunes. His brand of folk-pop is often bright and uplifting. When you add that to the joy of the Christmas season it creates a listening experience that is pretty special and memorable. This is one of my favourite albums from him ever and I hope he creates another Christmas album soon.
Favourite Songs: King of All Kings; Alive on Christmas; O Holy Night
That’s it for today.
Catch you at the next one!
Have you fully embraced the Christmas spirit yet? What are your favourite Christmas songs or albums?
If you’re not a paying subscriber and want to sign up for additional postings and to join conversations, here’s how: