CD Review: Super Hi-Fi's 'Yule Analog, Vol. 1'

Super Hi-Fi
Yule Analog, Vol. 1
Self-Release

Super Hi-Fi dub-masters are back and in a celebratory mood for the upcoming holiday season with the release of their latest venture, Yule Analog, Vol. 1. The instrumental release spreads a bit of holiday cheer in all the right ways. There are fluid beats, jazzy horns, dubby noises, and psych-sensibilities throughout the ten-track release, which is available as a digital release. These guys put a new spin on the Christmas season with familiar and iconic tunes reinvented, including, "We Three Kings," "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear (2 versions)," "Little Drummer Boy," "Go Tell It On The Mountain (2 versions)," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Auld Lang Syne," and one of the dubbiest, horn-driven, and reggae-infectious song imaginable ("Yule Analog"). The upbeat songs are sure to drive everyone into a happy frenzy. Put this on for your holiday party and you won't need any eggnog. It's that good. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: TriBeCastan's 'Coal, Again!'

TriBeCastan
Coal, Again!
Evergreene Music

Christmastime will never be the same once this is released. The folks of TriBeCastan continue to amaze us with a world fusion of sorts, but this time it revolves around a holiday. There are some basic Christmas favorites here with some tongue-in-cheek stuff going on, including "Silver Bells," "Little Drummer Boychik," "Good King What's His Name?," "Carol Of The Bells," "Jingle Bells," and "O Little Town Of Bethlemayhem." The instrumental tunes might have a few spoken words throughout the entire album. The music is loosely based on the Christmas classics, but the main melodies and rhythms are all there. In this case, the group brings together a world presence with a multitude of gifts, including instruments as diverse as a royal benju, fujara, citera, khomak, yayli tambur, and others. The lilting melodies capture a bit of a South Pacific or Hawaiian feel on some of the tunes, while jazzy and layered elements create dizzying possibilities on others. Who knew 'coal' could be this fun? This is an excellent stocking stuffer for the eclectic music fan. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cas Haley's 'Gifts To Give'

Cas Haley
Gifts To Give
Easy Star Records

Probably best-known for his America's Got Talent performances, Cas Haley has lit up the stage across the country with his own brew of Texan-blues-reggae music over the past few years. On this release, Cas starts out with an original Christmas tune, "Gifts To Give," which sets the bar high for the remainder of the album. Cas' unique vocal tricks and vocal swagger is welcoming and never obtuse or harsh. Also, Cas adds his own trumpet embellishments with his voice. In addition, a variety of scat lyrics and finger-snapping sets the acoustic and family-friendly tone of his music. Iconic Christmas classics, such as "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "The Christmas Song" are made personal by Cas' inherent singing abilities and warm guitar strumming. The music is charming, sweet, and carefree without straying too far from the original compositions. Give the gift of joy this season with Cas Haley at your side. ~ Matthew Forss