What if a beloved band held off on recording Christmas tunes for a quarter-century, only to unleash a whole album of fresh holiday vibes? That's the festive surprise awaiting you in this episode of World Cafe, and trust me, it's got that warm, fuzzy feeling that makes you want to dive right in!
We're thrilled to share a happy holiday shout-out from the folks at Old Crow Medicine Show, as they drop their brand-new release, OCMS Xmas. This isn't just any holiday playlist – it's their debut full-length Christmas album, packed with original tracks and clever twists on timeless classics. But here's where it gets controversial: Why wait so long to embrace the season? And does adding fresh takes to beloved songs honor the spirit of Christmas, or risk diluting its magic? Stick around, because the band themselves are here to spill the details, and this is the part most people miss – the heartfelt stories behind the music that make it all feel so personal and alive.
Dive into the episode right here: World Cafe featuring Old Crow Medicine Show. You can download the full audio at this link (https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510008/traffic.megaphone.fm/NPR6823069776.mp3?t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5649541&p=510008&d=2102&size=67295696&sc=siteplayer&aw01st.playerid=siteplayer) for easy listening on the go. Or, if you're embedding this on your site, use this code:
Old Crow Medicine Show's image courtesy of the artist – toggle the caption to see it in full glory.
Here's the playlist they performed, giving you a taste of the joy:
* "Jolly Man"
* "North by Northwest"
* "Store-Bought Christmas"
* "December 26"
The holiday season is all about reuniting with loved ones, indulging in scrumptious meals that leave you stuffed and satisfied, and reflecting on the blessings of another year shared together. That's precisely the vibe Old Crow Medicine Show (https://www.npr.org/artists/15397697/old-crow-medicine-show) captures in OCMS Xmas, their inaugural Christmas album. To help beginners understand, think of it like this: Traditional Christmas albums often stick to well-known songs everyone sings along to, but this one blends that familiarity with brand-new creations, making it accessible yet exciting – kind of like adding your own family recipes to a classic holiday feast.
In today's chat, band members Ketch Secor (https://www.npr.org/artists/654080537/ketch-secor) and Cory Younts open up about the decision to craft their first Christmas record after 25 years in the spotlight. They discuss penning a collection of original holiday tunes while putting their spin on some classic favorites, ensuring the album feels like a personal gift to their fans. Plus, they reminisce about cherished Christmas moments, sharing anecdotes that might remind you of your own traditions – like that one goofy family game that always ends in laughter or the scent of fresh-baked cookies filling the air.
This World Cafe segment was expertly produced and edited by Kimberly Junod, with digital production handled by Miguel Perez. Chris Williams engineered the sound, Chelsea Johnson managed programming and bookings, and Will Loftus served as line producer. Together, they brought this holiday cheer to life.
Now, let's ponder this a bit: Is there something timeless and untouchable about sticking to the original Christmas classics, or should artists feel free to innovate and add their unique flair? And here's a thought-provoking question for you – do you believe waiting decades to release a holiday album adds extra magic, or is it just a missed opportunity? We'd love to hear your take in the comments: Agree that originality keeps Christmas music alive, or do you prefer the nostalgia of the old standards? Share your thoughts below and let's start a festive debate!
