Because of course my first article for Heeb Magazine is a review of a Christmas record.

My dad was always a big fan of Christmas music. His vast record collection included a separate section just for yuletide LPs and CDs. Needless to say I grew up with an appreciation. To this day, within a fairly restrictive window of time, I’ll rock out to a Christmas jam here and there. Make no mistake, I’m discerning. Just because a band I like records an album or song, it’s not a guarantee I’ll be into it. Just the same, there are plenty of bands for whom I only like their holiday records.

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings lie somewhere in the middle. I’ve always enjoyed their music, but I’ve never been a devoted fan. However, their recent holiday album has won me over and then some. It is the perfect blend of covers and originals. It’s somehow both refreshing and classic. It got me excited for Christmas music before Thanksgiving, and that is definitely outside of that window I mentioned.

Read the full piece–and what’s so unique about this record–at Heeb.