So far, the seasonal songs that have come my way for appraisal and review have fallen into two camps. Either they have been saccharine singalongs, unimaginative and content to juggle the lowest sonic common denominators, or they have been cynical and sniping, people trying to be ironic and too clever for their own good.
Thankfully, The Holiday Hustle Club has arrived in the (saint) nick of time to restore my faith in Christmas music. Taking the tune of “Tennesse Waltz” as its musical vehicle, Bart King, the Club’s sonic chairman, spins us around the floor in celebration of the style of all those jazz icons and timeless composers that have helped define what the holiday song is – Irving Berlin, Mel Tormé and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as leaning into the style of some country greats too.
And lyrically, “White Elephant Waltz” hits the perfect tone. None of the schmaltz and false glamour, the forced cheer and cliche of the usual Christmas croon, but instead a humourous narrative style that delivers with a twinkle in the eye and a wry smile on the lips, that builds a bridge between the likes of Willie Nelson and Dean Martin.
There you go, faith restored, and all it took was one song—well, as well as an astute and talented artist. Sing along, everyone; the Works Christmas party will never be the same again! Or perhaps it will, but at least now it has a cool soundtrack.
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