The music industry traditionally holds a few things back in an annual basis. Even at this very late point of the year, when the magazines have put their Christmas editions with their end of year best of rundowns to bed.
It wan't always thus. I can remember even in my childhood where Christmas started in and was confined to December. Now it commences earlier and earlier every year. My birthday is September 30th and well before then this year there were already displays laid out in the hotel where my fitness centre is, encouraging potential customers to book ahead for their Christmas meal.
But there's generally a record of note that comes after the countdowns have been decided. This year it seems to be Harp's Albion. Midlake's Tim Smith medieval Christmas pageant, in collaboration with Kathi Zung. Ring out those solstice bells. Ah Jethro Tull ! I'd be willing to wager Smith owns a few Tull records.
Harp a sombre and rather self regarding record but a nicely packaged one. Smith is a custodian first and foremost. A custodian of a splendid record collection. He's well acquainted with the nooks and crannies of Folk lore and history and and unwraps his knowhow slowly here. Harp is a ludicrously slow record. It takes its time about everything.
Smith left Midlake ten years ago citing the well worn excuse of musical differences. He's certainly one to stick to his guns. He and Zung will be mighty proud of Harp and they have every right to be. But if this is a gift opening rite under the Christmas Tree I'm afraid there are no jokes in the crackers. And that's not really in the full spirit of Christmas is it.
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