The Good Lovelies -- Under the Mistletoe

THE GOOD LOVELIES
Under the Mistletoe
The Good Lovelies
goodlovelies.com

I was talking to Kerri Ough of the Good Lovelies last night at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and mentioned that despite a low tolerance for a lot of Christmas albums, I do really like Under the Mistletoe.

So, what’s it about this album that makes it a winner for me?

Mostly, it’s their irresistible, three-part harmonies and wonderful sense of musicality that delightfully blends rootsy influences with a lot of swing. Even their version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” swings. The musical arrangements, featuring some of Toronto’s finest players, are as delightful as the trio’s terrific singing. Then there’s a Christmas repertoire that, with a couple of exceptions, mostly avoids carols and religious songs in favour of secular songs about the holiday season.

Along with three fine originals, the Good Lovelies devote most of the CD to well known Christmas pop songs like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Blue Christmas” and the best version of “The Chipmunk Song” since Simon, Theodore and Alvin’s original. My favourite, I think, is the Hawaiian-flavoured “Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas).”

The Good Lovelies will be launching Under the Mistletoe with concerts on Friday, November 27, at Petit Campus in Montreal; Saturday, November 28, at the Black Sheep in Wakefield, QC; and Sunday, December 6, at Hugh’s Room in Toronto.

--Mike Regenstreif