Tuesday, 27 October 2020

Dolly Parton - A Holly Dolly Christmas



59 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy A Holly Dolly Christmas here (Dolly's store)
Stream A Holly Dolly Christmas here (external link)

Actual living legend, musical genius and all round good egg Dolly Parton celebrates 30 years since her rather delightful last seasonal set (Home For Christmas - see here) with a brand new festive opus. And A Holly Dolly Christmas is so full of glad tidings and good cheer that by the time you are done listening to it, you are sparkling and shining brighter than the starriest star in the sky. Even the cover art, with Dolly exuding her trademark sass introduces the listener to a set of classic covers and original compositions that will make you glad from head to (mistle)toe. Like any good Christmas party, Ms Parton invites a whole host of revellers to join in the good times and kick up their heels alongside her. In a year that has been gloomy from the get go, this is a charming beacon of light to help lift your spirits and help you finish on a high. Here's a look at the highlights which are bound to be favourites for years to come...
  • Holly Jolly Christmas ~ incredibly, Home For Christmas was my first Dolly Parton album (though, thanks to the record store clerk's good taste, Heartbreaker was my second) and introduced me to the conversational style of Dolly's songs. That is on full display as she launches this shindig with the Burl Ives standard. Convivial style backing singers, chirpy instrumental and a tangible sense of glee in Dolly's voice make this a heart warming start. The "ding-dong-ding" infusing the chorus is a giddy treat as delicious as freshly baked mince pices.
  • Christmas Is (featuring Miley Cyrus) ~ chiming bells and elegant guitar are the backdrop to two incomparable voices blending together, like honey into hot chocolate. With evocative imagery in the soothing lyrics, this is an uplifting mid-tempo ballad that elegantly conveys how the magic of the season brings out the best in people. The song gradually crescendos from contemporary hymn into soaring plea for unity and harmony; the caress of gospel vocals as burgeoning as the emotions this song helps you feel. The dual harmonies of that last rendition of the titular refrain ensure this lingers with you long after the music fades.
  • Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas (featuring Michael Buble) ~ set the tree lights to "romantic flicker" because Dolly has only got Michael "Christmas" Buble (seriously, has anyone ever seen him and Santa in the same room?!) to join her own a sweet, sensuous song. It is like a contemporary, consensual re-writing of Baby, Its Cold Outside with tangible longing practically dripping from every word they sing. There is an opulent yet frisky decadence to their singing, mirrored by flirtatious piano and seductive strings. Your new favourite future oldie to snuggle up with for many Yuletides yet to come.
  • Christmas On The Square ~ sadly, not an ode to the always-dramatic Christmas Day episode of one of the UK's favourite soap operas (Eastenders), but don't remain disappointed too long. This is a knee-slapping, kick up your heels sing-along festive pop bop, complete with bluegrass, jolly japes in the lyrics and a ho-ho-hoe down vibe that is utterly contagious. If it feels like a seasonal take on Bette Midler singing at the summer carnival in Jupiter Hollow (Big Business movie) then that may be because it is the title track for a new Netflix Christmas movie out on Nov 22nd. Can't wait!
  • Circle of Love ~ talking of festive movies, you may recognise this song from Dolly's 2016 movie Christmas Of Many Colours. It is a lovely sincere ode to the greatest story ever told - and all the actions and redemption that moment bought to the world. It is performed with a charming reverence while the celestial choir singing alongside Ms Parton makes it feel like you are at the most picturesque Christmas carol concert you can imagine. Do check out the original version by Jennifer Nettles; both are an exquisite addition to your holiday playlist.
  • All I Want For Christmas Is You (featuring Jimmy Fallon) ~  this is what my old mam would call "chuffing brilliant". Jimmy and Dolly duet on this rollicking, when-in-doubt-add-more-harmonies-and-bells take on the Mariah classic and make it sound fresh and thrilling all over again. Part of that is a testament to the genius of the song, but just as much of it is to do with the sumptuous production, the Jimmy-Dolly chatter throughout the song and (most importantly) that they just seem to be having a blooming good time singing the song. That enthusiasm is the only acceptable infectious element of 2020. Play loud, play often and tell everyone you've ever met - pure dopamine boost.
  • Comin' Home For Christmas ~ What stands out most about A Holly Dolly Christmas is that the new songs stand shoulder to shoulder alongside the standards you already know and love. That's no surprise considering Ms Parton's ability as a songwriter but it sometimes does lead you to check the liner notes to make sure you haven't missed out on a solstice evergreen for years! This is a gorgeous ballad fuelled by the hope and promise that gets us through many a hard day. Dolly is delectably determined on this radiant song - she just makes you believe. 
  • Christmas Where We Are (featuring Billy Rae Cyrus) ~ all the trimmings and the picturesque Christmas Card scenery sure is nice, but Dolly and Billy Rae remind us that Christmas is as much a way of life as it is something you can touch and see. This charming chugger accentuates the sentiments of the lyrics thanks to the effusive vocal performances of both country legends. In a year when many folk have been separated by social distance and lockdown, this is a sweet reminder of the importance of those you love. Now a Zoom inspired video would be a real bonus to show that even distance can't stop the spirit of the season!
  • Pretty Paper (featuring Willie Nelson) ~ of course Dolly gets the song's original writer/singer to join her on this melodic rumination. Based on a true story, this message of this timeless tale is still as relevant all these years later. The lilting melody and delightful chorus still have a melancholy twinge to them; almost like a seasonal Streets of London. Don't hurry by those in need this season - keep Willie's words and Dolly's plea in your head and treat those less fortunate with the kindness we all deserve.
  • I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus ~ jingling bells and country guitar make this a peppy confessional that still retains a naïve innocence. Like a festive Jackanory, Dolly elaborates on the story during the instrumental break - sharing those nocturnal spy missions like your best pal after a glass of egg nog. It is a well earned moment of frivolity after a couple of more serious numbers, bringing a smile to your face.
  • You Are My Christmas (featuring Randy Parton) ~ while quite honestly, any of these songs are a treat for radio DJs and Spotify Playlist curators to add into their mix, this feels like a crossover radio smash. It is a magnificent adult contemporary style, up-tempo song with a message that celebrates the ones you love (made more poignant by Dolly making this a family affair with her brother Randy). There is genuine affection in the performance and the "you you you" moments convey a sense of excitement. Add in the choir of angels singing in the background and everything coalesces for an endorphin rush the size of the North Pole. Don't blame me if I'm still playing this come February.
  • Mary, Did You Know? ~ there is a reflective introspection built within the lyrics to this song that requires the singer not just to melodically recite the words but to really feel every moment of the responsibility placed on a young woman's shoulders. Dolly does a sterling job at absorbing these emotions and it makes the song a thought-provoking few minutes; as if the world outside presses pause just so you can contemplate what you are listening to.
Ghosts of Christmas past:
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