John 3:16 cuts to the chase–swear to Jesus = immortality. Over the Rhine notices the numbering from some dive at some low point in “First Snowfall.” This old dirty city Is cleansed of its sin in this alt-folk Xmas apology.
Christmas Countdown: 318
Katy Shaw and the Search for the Stolen Secret leads to the Wilshire Hotel. Four Christmases ago the shenanigans of rooms 110, 200, 310, and 318 are discovered. (200 is the operative one, but i can’t wait.) Candice Price leads Paul Shapera’s number “Christmas in the City“–a wondering, wandering showtune of noir-ish regret. Haunting.
Christmas Countdown: 321
Luna Wave love-splains, 321 days I spent the Better half of the year just holding your space. Seems “It’s Only Christmas (If You’re Coming Around).” This pretty pop petition pines for your presence, in a co-dependent way. Talk to someone, girl.
Christmas Countdown: 328
The Gentlemen of 328 seem to be address specific in “Christmas at 328,” a grunge exploration of holiday determination. Do as they say, not as they sound.
Christmas Countdown: 330
Getting down to Ohio, “Christmas in the 330” is rap-infused pop that celebrates like there’s no holiday after the 25th. The BreezeWay party hearty. Bring the Akron-curious.
Christmas Countdown: 333 [BLUE ALERT]
“A 333 Christmas” brings together yc boy (ft. shnus, will huge & wn) for a dope-smacked junk food-fueled Satyricon. Lazy, obscene rap–but i can only guess what the triple three means: sex.
Christmas Countdown: 350
Touchline clues us in to “A South African Christmas” during the pandemic, in which a citizen might apply for a grant of 350 rand per month (around 20 bucks). He doesn’t mean to break our hearts, but wish us ‘Merry Christmas’; yet rap being what it is, even in occasional Zulu, downer.
Big Nic gets a “Ticket” for Christmas, from himself to himself. The plane goes 350 miles per hour! But, then in the Caribbean he’s looking for BLUE ALERT connections he won’t find at home. Casual sex rap.
Waylan St. Palan & The Magic Elves spell out the family feast (including Pre heat the oven to 350) in the catchy folk rock “(Doin’ the) Dishes for Christmas.” Check their list: double boiler, candy thermometer, slotted spoon, spatula… but guess what they wish for Christmas (so they won’t have to Do Those Dishes anymore)?! This one’s magic, kids.
Christmas Countdown: 354
After spending too much time on the internet, The Liggetts conclude The holiday’s been here since before year one; Around year 354 the Christians stole it from the Sun (some ref. to the first written mention of Dec. 25 being a celebration, albeit a Roman festival). “It’s Christmas Time Again” is a rock march than breaks down the barriers between Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, and all–for a good time.
Christmas Countdown: 360
Cole DeRuse calls back his ideal childhood by way of video game platforms. After a round of Sega and Playstation2, he raps Take me back to when I got that 360 For Christmas. “Take Me Back” is pretty sweet nostalgia for a parent who can’t play no mo’.
Christmas Countdown: 362
Graveslime appeals to our better angels with some post punk wonderings about being nicer in the ‘pretty’ “362 Days until Christmas.” Worth the ask.