Snow Angels (Bonus Track Version)

Over The Rhine’s music has changed over the years, but it has consistently been smart and Karin’s voice remains captivating. This practically unknown and woefully underappreciated release is by far the best winter/Christmas themed recording of original music released in many decades. OTR’s Snow Angels and Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown’s Christmas may be the only recordings that can warm my jaded holiday heart. This is not a recording of pop standards and carols rehashed by the celebrity voice du jour. These are thoughtful, literate and tuneful (mostly secular yet spiritual at the same time) meditations on the season. This is songwriting at its best - nothing cutesy or schmaltzy. The songs seamlessly bridge folk, country and pop with a heavy dose of sultry JAZZ (think: Joni Mitchell’s Blue and the classic song “River” or Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me). Some songs are catchy and playful (“Snowed In With You” and “North Pole Man”), some songs are catchy and forlorn - “All I ever get for Christmas is blue… All I really want for Christmas is you…” I suspect you won’t hear these songs in a shopping mall. That’s a good thing.

Heard this album on the Glenn Beck show and it struck a cord. Jazzy and inspirational this album will strike a cord with any true music lover. Sit back have a glass of wine an turn on a relaxing Christmas treat. Thanks Glenn for the recommendation.

When you get tired of the worn-out holiday shopping tunes, this album will make you love Winter all over again. Composing mostly original tunes and creating jazzy rearrangements of songs you thought you knew, Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler have given us a beautiful ode to the season that shreds the holiday genre. Original tunes like "Darlin' (Christmas is Coming)," "Snowed in with You," "New Redemption Song," and "Snow Angel" celebrate the warm coziness of home on a snowy eve, while jazzy, torch singer numbers "One Olive Jingle," "North Pole Man," and "All I Ever Get..." highlight Karin's sultry vocals. Detweiler's piano skills shine on "Goodbye Charles," an ode to Charles Schulz, which will strike a nerve for anyone who grew up watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Do yourself a favor and treat your friends and family to this delightful album.... see if you'd like to be snowed in with Karin and Linford on their 'Nowhere Farm' some winter. I know I would.

These guys are amazing to see live, and whenever you can see them around the Holiday Season, you are in for a special treat with great Christmas Songs. This is the second of two Christmas Albums, done ten years apart. Get "The Darkest Night of the Year," the other Christmas Album too. Amazing vocals and a tight, tight band.