Friday, 19 November 2021

Mitchell Tenpenny - Naughty List


36 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Naughty List here
Read my review of Mitchell's Neon Christmas EP here

This time last year, Mitchell Tenpenny gave us a very Neon Christmas via his festive EP of the same name. This year he is aiming to get on the Naughty List by making it a full album of holiday ho-ho-ho-down songs - though quite exactly how he thinks this will happen is a mystery when Santa is bound to be shuffling and singing along to the four new musical baubles Mitchell has concocted. It is clear that Mitchell has a deep and abiding love for the season, yet isn't afraid to embrace the playful whimsy or the party festivities that come along with the more solemn, reflective moments that the holidays can bring. If you were already familiar with his Neon Christmas EP, this expansion pack (as it were) just brings added glad tidings of good cheer; if it is new to you completely then just immerse yourself in a Christmas album that has a song for every occasion and every emotion you'll experience...
  • Don't Hang The Mistletoe ~ the deep bass guitar pulses alongside the descriptive lyrics, painting a vivid picture of the romantic evening decorating the house (and how mistletoe can be the cause of oh so many lascivious liaisons with your loved one). This is a simmering mid-tempo ballad as crackling as a roaring log fire whilst Mitchell pitches the lip-biting longing of the narrative just perfectly. A lush, textured score as deep and lasting as anything that's gonna happen once that mistletoe is up...
  • Jingle Bell Rock ~ rock being the key word here as a more assertive, thrusting version of the classic unfurls right before your very ears. Those guitars are as delightfully crunchy as boots on well-trodden, icy snow whilst the percussion is a kick-up-your-heels-and-party treat. The perfect song to get your festive soiree going; a peppy welcome for your guests while you pass out the egg nog heavily laced with bourbon (and just as decadent). The extended instrumental moments are an air-guitar blast of fresh air.
  • Santa Claus Is Coming To Town ~ Mitchell is just as feisty and enthusiastic on the re-imagining of this evergreen. That rollicking instrumental has an energy to it that is entirely contagious and you can't help but get swept up in the frisson of excitement that emanates from every note. What makes it even more exciting is that you get the sense that Mitchell is enjoying every single moment performing this - sharing his good vibes to help the crazy of every day life melt away, if just for a few moments. 
  • I Hope It Snows (featuring Meghan Patrick) ~ I love a holiday duet and Meghan is a gifted vocalist who adds a charming sense of nostalgic reminiscence to the performance. Individually, each singer is a mesmerising gift but when their voices meld together it is like whipped cream melting into hot chocolate on a cold wintry night. Their voices are a contrast to each other but work together in mellifluous harmony. This should be an easy add this Christmas season for radio stations everywhere - the type of song that will be your future favourite oldie. 
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