‘Tis the season for Christmas albums by random artists. First out of the gate, at least in the circles I follow, are Pistol Annies with a new album titled Hell of a Holiday.
I don’t typically go for these Christmas releases, even when they come from acts I really like. Aimee Mann delivered a nice one with 2006’s One More Drifter in the Snow but, apart from a lovely rendition of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ it didn’t grab me beyond a couple of listens. Same goes for Bob Dylan’s 2009 Christmas in the Heart.
I don’t expect Pistol Annies to break that trend, but it’s nice to hear new material from the supergroup. One thing setting this album apart is that it’s made up almost entirely of original songs. Apart from a closing rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and a couple of little-known covers, the tracks here are all penned by the trio of Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley, and Ashley Monroe.
As side projects go, Pistol Annies have proved to have real staying power. Ten years into their partnership, the Annies have now released four albums that stack up nicely against each member’s solo work. This album may prove to be the slightest, but it still makes for an enjoyable listen.
So far, the track I can’t get out of my head is lead single ‘Snow Globe.’ It’s a bouncy, joyful burst of yuletide energy.
If I could put us in a snow globe
Ooh, then maybe we could let it go
And we could spin around in circles
In a world that’s all our own
And we could shake it up
Shake it loose
A white Christmas all year through
If I could put us in a snow globe
Then we could let it go
[Verse 1]
We’ll be kissing on the steps of the little white church
From January 1 to December 31st
We could cruise around in a little red Ford
Pick a pretty tree from the All Country store
[Chorus]
If I could put us in a snow globe
Ooh, then maybe we could let it go
And we could spin around in circles
In a world that’s all our own
And we could shake it up
Shake it loose
A white Christmas all year through
If I could put us in a snow globe
Then we could let it go
[Verse 2]
We wouldn’t have to wait around for the magic to finally happen
We’ll live right here in Tinseltown, cuddled up by the fire and laughing
[Chorus]
If I could put us in a snow globe
Ooh, then maybe we could let it go
And we could spin around in circles
In a world that’s all our own
And we could shake it up
Shake it loose
A white Christmas all year through
If I could put us in a snow globe
Then we could let it go
[Chorus]
If I could put us in a snow globe
Ooh, then maybe we could let it go
And we could spin around in circles
In a world that’s all our own
And we could shake it up
Shake it loose
A white Christmas all year through
If I could put us in a snow globe
Then we could let it go
If I could put us in a snow globe
Then baby, let it snow
Meet Me In Montauk 
Given the redundancy of Xmas music, I welcome original songs. This one has a bit of a Bangles vibe.
I prefer Sinatra’s Jingle Bell song 😉