Alright I’m not going to lie. For some reason my panties are in a bunch for Caleb and the Caroling Caravan. I wrote about Caleb’s previous Christmas song outing here. When he’s not coming up with ornate arrangements of traditional Christmas songs, playing all the instruments, directing the “choir”, or writing his own holiday numbers Caleb can be found around Boston playing as Happiest Lion (review here). The 2010 release Mammoth Moon by Happiest Lion is available here via Bandcamp.
Usually I’d just tack this on to the ever evolving Songs:Illinois Christmas mix (and I will) but this deserves it’s own post. To quote myself:
If I were to rename this blog I think something like “Awkward Dude With Guitar…” might be apropo. Some of the best music of the last few decades could be described as such. Think Bob Dylan, Bright Eyes, Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, etc., etc. I’m not saying Happiest Lion is in the same category as those guys but he’s at least on the same planet. Happiest Lion is Caleb Groh.
I feel that “Christmas is the Best” is the unofficial title track. It’s theme of friendship and gathering together in celebration as the main idea behind Christmas is universal and comes though on this joyous track (the choir is 14 members strong and aside from the bass Caleb plays all the instruments). The bonus song is Caleb’s cover of the 1864 carol “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day”. Buy Vol. II of the Christmas collection here and name your own price via Bandcamp.
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
Videos from Mammoth Lion:
“Lo in the Leaves”
“Pretty Deep Thoughts…”