A founding member of the Highwomen (with Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris and Natalie Hemby), member and fiddler of Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, not to mention her own solo career, Amanda Shires has been hitting the iron while hot these past few years.
She has released a Christmas album that is not the kind that will give you warm fuzzies. Rather, For Christmas does a better job at acknowledging the complicated feelings and families that this time of year can bring. Her version of 'Silent Night' starts out with a snarl, the single 'Gone for Christmas' is a jubilant breakup song, and 'Always Christmas Around Here' discusses questionable tattoos around the table.
Of the eleven songs on the album, nine are originals from Shires. Joining her on the album is her fellow 400 Unit member Jimbo Hart, longtime collaborator Peter Levin, drummer Fred Eltringham (Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams), Pat Buchanan (Dolly Parton, The Chicks), and guest spots by The McCrary Sisters and LA rocker Lawrence Rothman.
Not a fan of holiday or Christmas music? Try this one on for size. You might like it.
Hear from our album of the week by listening to KAXE/KBXE!
