Fear not, fans of my annual musical round-up; the big one is on its way. But this year has been so full of excellent new music, I find myself with too many records to review than one post will hold. So, as we head into December, here's a selection of cosy favourites - some old, some new - to warm your ears on a dark and chilly evening.
I've organised these albums vaguely from least- to most-Christmassy, in case you're one of those who refuses to let carols or candy canes cross their lips too soon (though I'm writing this on Advent Sunday, so your time is running out regardless). Enjoy, and let me know what you think!
Shawn (2024) by Shawn Mendes
A male solo artist strips back his production setup to release an introspective, guitar-centred record? Is this Stick Season mark 2? Well, not quite. Not only does the production on Shawn have superstar polish, there's also more scope to the sound; the lyrics might be full of regret and self-reflection, but there are real moments of punch, like the gospel-inspired 'Heavy' and the earworm that is lead single 'Why Why Why'.
Like the season Noah Kahan sings about, this album is stuck between Autumn and Winter. But listen through it in the car this December and you'll see why it made the list. Singable choruses, infectious rhythms and a warm acoustic sound perfect for the long drive home for Christmas.
My highlights: That's the Dream, Heart of Gold, Heavy, The Mountain
The Brightness (2007) by Anaïs Mitchell
With its long-awaited arrival on the West End, 2024 has been the year of Hadestown. But while the musical may well be remembered as Mitchell's finest work, her back catalogue is a deep trove of inventive songwriting. The Brightness is much more intimate than the grand scope of Hadestown, but no less compelling.
Like the album art suggests, this record feels like a diary of observations from a high, lonely window - some concrete and nostalgic, others romantic and mythical. We hop from jazz to country to folk and back again, but binding the LP together is Mitchell's Dylan-esque lyrical storytelling, coupled with a very un-Dylan-esque gift for a soaring melody. If you loved Hadestown, you'll love this too.
My highlights: Your Fonder Heart, Of A Friday Night, Santa Fe Dream, Old Fashioned Hat
Sparrow (2024) by Jeff Talmadge
I usually associate country music with fierce summers, homely wisdom and the golden harvests of rural America. But this plaintive, unassuming folk record makes a great case for Winter country. Though the lyrics can be corny on occasion, Talmadge does have a talent for metaphor, transporting his listeners to the past or imagined world of his bittersweet ballads.
In the wrong hands, an album made mostly of one man and his guitar would get boring fairly quickly. But Talmadge's butterscotch voice and masterful finger picking make this a truly delightful listen; one that I've turned to on many a gloomy workday this year.
My highlights: Hurricane, The Sound of Falling Snow, Maybe Next Year, Top of the Hour
Gufigis (2024) by Goofy Geese
One could argue that this album's bright, often sultry tones lend it more to Summer than any other season, but I would disagree. Perhaps it's the Norwegian twang in the vocals, or the ethereal synth pads layered beneath many of the tracks, but for me it's much more evocative of a cosy log cabin in the snow than a lazy day on the beach.
This record punches above its weight in more ways than one: it's very assured and tonally consistent for a debut LP, and its layered musical landscapes belie that Goofy Geese consist of only two members. (I give particular kudos to the intelligent use of backing vocals, all too rare these days.) A warm inviting fireplace on a dark winter evening, this album really is a gem.
My highlights: Divine, Gooseberry, Sensational Bliss, Station REM
Songs for Christmas (2006) by Sufjan Stevens
This album is actually a box set of five EPs, nicely completing the snowflake-like fractal of this fivefold article. As you might expect this record is replete with carols, each given Stevens' trademark indie-folk treatment, which makes it perfect background music for putting up your tree. But it's also peppered with originals that wouldn't sound out of place on Illinois.
But what really cements this as a Christmas favourite is the way it's produced - unpretentious and deliberately rough around the edges, with imperfectly-layered vocals and plenty of room noise, it really feels like listening to a house full of musical family members sitting around the piano, playing their way through favourites old and new.
My highlights: We're Goin' to the Country!, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Come on! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!, Joy to the World, Get Behind Me Santa!
