Suddenly It's Christmas (2:46)
I don't normally share new music on the Web, but I simply had to post this track, recorded live during my December 10 radio show on WMFO in Boston.
Each year, my former cohost and I have a battle to decide who's got better taste in Christmas music. Choosing the songs for this show tends to be an all-year affair for both of us, and I was dismayed to find myself a week from the show with nothing that really blew me away. There were plenty of songs that I liked, but nothing that said Christmas 2008.
A few days before the show, I wandered into Sally O'Brien's in Somerville, MA, which is one of my local haunts. Kevin Byrne was behind the bar, talking about this Christmas song he'd written as a gift for his family in 2007, realizing that he was out of time to buy presents. He grabbed a guitar and played it for me, and I found the song I'd been searching for all season. Kevin was kind enough to let me share the live recording with you.
As we're tightening our belts and gazing cautiously toward the coming year, I think this song sums up what's important about Christmas. It's not presents, it's not money, it's togetherness and thoughtfulness. If you can take the time to enjoy the company of just one friend or family member this season, then it's all worthwhile.
If you'd like to know more about Kevin and his band, be sure to check out his MySpace page.
I wish everyone in WFMU land a most Happy Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Solstice, or just a Happy Day or Two Off From Work.
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