Album Essentials: JD McPherson "Socks" (2018)

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Throughout the years, contemporary artists of whatever genre have tossed their Santa hat in the ring, trying to create a classic Christmas album. Countless takes of holiday standards mixed with self-penned songs of the season would become standard, while at other times, artists would issue special 'fan club only' releases featuring a special Christmas jam for the most die-hard fans.

From the classic Elvis Christmas songs to the legendary Beatles fan club messages to chart-topping pop acts, it's always a seasonal go-to. The Ventures Christmas Album, issued in 1965, is one of the most perfectly executed holiday albums, while albums by James Brown, Booker T & the MGs, and others also hold a special place. We can throw another one on the pile, courtesy of Americana/roots rocker J.D. McPherson, with his album Socks.

Issued in 2018 on the New West label, it is, in some ways, a Christmas 'concept' album, with songs dealing with some of the more trivial aspects of the holiday while maintaining a warmth and heart bursting at the seams with holiday cheer and goodness! Over the platter of 11 songs, we get such modern-day classics as “Ugly Sweater Blues,” “Bad Kid,” “Santa's Got A Mean Machine,” “Hey Skinny Santa’” and the classic title track about the dreaded gift of socks. There are no renditions of traditional material, but rather, all McPherson originals, each with a seasonal vibe not only in the lyrics but in the arrangement as well.

The other thing at play here is that you really have no idea what year this album sprang from. It is so authentic in its vintage vibe that you wouldn't be alone in questioning the 2018 release date, as it could have just as arguably been born 60 years earlier! That doesn't mean it sounds like a novelty or kitsch offering, but it rings so true with performances and a sonic blast that transcends time. Whether it is a long-lost artifact from the early years of rock and roll or a 21st-century adaptation of hip, it totally works. Unsurprisingly, he has spent time in the backing band for Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

McPherson delivers in full throughout, while his cracker-jack band gives it an edge that saves it from cliché and parody. It’s full of smiles and the humor surrounding the season, guaranteed to set a festive mood. It's a modern-day Christmas classic, without question!