As 2018 slowly winds down, it’s time to deck the halls and trim the trees for one final hoorah. The holiday season is upon us. While it may be easy to be a Grinch and complain about Christmas music being overplayed during the holiday. We’re in and out of stores and malls so it’s a given we’ll hear the same songs over and over again. From classic standards like “Sleigh Ride” to modern all-timers such as “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, it’s a constant wash of familiarity and tradition. But as you might have noticed in some of my articles, I don’t like to dwell too much on nostalgia. Thankfully there are new classics finding their way into the Christmas lexicon. Such is the case with the new holiday 45 from Soul Step Records.
Throughout the past few years, I’ve probably covered more releases from Soul Step than any other label. Not just because I’ve formed good relations with the label, but also because they are one of the most interesting labels on the scene. With a consistent string of amazing release from a diverse group of artists, you’d be hard-pressed to find something you didn’t like from Soul Step! It was only a matter of time before they issued some sort of holiday release. And not a moment too soon!
Side A of Holiday 45 is “This Time In December” by Matt Duncan. Featuring lush instrumentation behind Duncan’s 70s-esque vocals, “This Time In December” is a delightful jazz romp equal parts sentimental and romantic Side B is Pet Envy‘s “Christmas Forever”. Lyrically speaking, Pet Envy covers the importance of being with loved ones for the holiday, but the prime focus is fun. Together, both tracks represent what’s often lost during the hustle of holiday stress.
The remarkable thing about Holiday 45 is how both artists showcase what Soul Step Records is all about. One side we have sophisticated artistry and the other, the kind of music you want to hear repeatedly. Bringing both elements together and it’s a match made in heaven! Matt Duncan and Pet Envy are two very unique sides of the same coin. Despite sounding nothing like each other, Holiday 45 makes total sense. But I guess when you think about it, Christmas is the same way. We complain about shopping and the soul-sucking nature of consumerism, but there’s nothing as satisfying than being with loved ones on Christmas morning.
Holiday 45 is available on red or green vinyl, exclusively at Soul Step Records.
