Melissa Carper is on a hot streak after her last few brilliant solo albums and her work with Wonder Women of Country and she has now released this sparkling new Christmas album. Unlike so many other festive offerings ‘A Very Carper Christmas’ is a collection of nearly all originals, written mainly with her old bandmate Gina Gallina plus Brennen Leigh and Katie Shore.
Melissa’s style of vintage swing, country, jazz already sounds kind of festive to my ears so singing about Christmas is a natural fit for her from the start. What’s fun about these songs are the irreverent lyrics which brings to life her holiday memories.
‘Plug in the Tree’ sets us off with a swishy little ditty about how great it is to bring the light of Christmas into your life. ‘Cats in the Christmas Tree’ is a hilarious tale of her chaotic cats destroying the tree, with a jazzy musical twist.
The laidback cool of ‘Crusin in Santa’s Sleigh’ takes on a tour of the world. ‘Christmas Memories’ gives a nice nod to the Christmas crooners of the past who inspired her music.
The message of the album is made clear on ‘Made With Love’ where she sings of the joy of handmade and passing gifts down through generations. It’s a song not just for Christmas but for life.
The humour of ‘Dumpster Divin’ on Christmas Eve’ hides the truth of how some struggle at this time of year. ‘It’s Not Hard to Write a Christmas Card’ reminds us that it’s the thought that counts and taking a little effort to show you love at Christmas is more important than extravagant spending.
The two covers on the album are a sweet ‘Please Come Home for Christmas’ and a hilarious version of novelty song ‘All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth’ which Caper sings with oodles of charm.
Memory and the importance of tradition is also central to the message of the album. On ‘Christmas in New Orleans’ she reflects on Christmas past, with a rose-tinted glow of nostalgia that Loretta and Dolly would be proud of. The moving ‘Oh Cheeseball’ could have been a silly throwaway but in Carper’s hands it becomes a poignant tribute to the woman who made the effort to buy the snacks and made the day special.
Carper’s voice is so endearing and the style so distinctive that listening to this album feels like a catch up with a friend. A timely reminder too that the festive season is about creating memories, music, sharing love with family and friends, having a laugh and not about how much money you have.
But if you do have some spare cash to support independent artists this festive season consider buying Melissa’s album or something from her merch store here: https://www.melissacarper.com/shop/shop-by-album/a-very-carper-christmas
Highway Queens 
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