- Laufey – Bewitched (2023)
As one of the rising stars in today's music industry, 2024 was a big year for Iceland's Laufey, who won a Grammy for her latest release, "Bewitched.' Fusing classical music with traditional vocal jazz, Laufey has been pushing the boundaries of familiar genres to create a sound completely her own, making her stand out from both her contemporaries, and those who came before her. Currently cultivating a worldwide fanbase, Laufey is one of the best new musicians in the world today. An introduction to her music, and why you should be listening to Laufey.
- The Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and Peanuts Greatest Hits (2015)
As one of the most acclaimed and beloved Christmas albums of all time, jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi mixed childlike wonder and post modern sophistication together for his soundtrack of the classic holiday special "A Charlie Brown Christmas." A look at the special relationship between Vince Guaraldi and the world of Charles Schulz' "Peanuts," and how he created the perfect soundscape, as well as modern holiday classics, for Charlie Brown, Snoopy and all their friends. Extra: "Cast Your Fate to the Wind," "Linus and Lucy," "Little Birdie" and the problematic "Christmastime is Here" sessions.
- The Pogues – If I Should Fall From Grace with God (1988)
"Fairytale of New York," by The Pogues has become the favorite Christmas song for people who hate Christmas songs. A duet between lead singer Shane McGowan and singer/songwriter Kirsty MacColl, its equally beloved and controversial for its combative delivery and blunt lyrics. But while her voice has become iconic for her important part in the song, Kirsty MacColl's story seems to be overlooked by the audiences who play this favorite each year. We look at the life and career of Kirsty MacColl, and the heroic sacrifice that took her life during a Christmas holiday in 2000. Bonus: How Kirsty MacColl helped Tracy Ullman hit the top of the charts!
- David Seville and The Chipmunks – Let’s All Sing with the Chipmunks (1959) and Christmas with the Chipmunks (1962)
Anyone who ever owned an album by Alvin and the Chipmunks remembers their manager/producer David Seville, but who was Ross Bagdasarian? The man behind one of the most enduring musical franchises of all time, Bagdasarian had a massive year in 1958 when he had two back to back number one Billboard hits - "The Witch Doctor" and "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" and unleashed Alvin, Simon and Theodore on an unsuspecting public for the first time! A look at the continuing legacy of "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" and The Chipmunks' rise to fame! Extra: The Christmas that The Chipmunks teamed up with Canned Heat!
- The Pips – At Last…The Pips (1977)
Would you rather be Gladys Knight, or would you rather be a Pip? Despite being remembered first and foremost as the backup group for "the Empress of Soul," in 1977, due to a contractual dispute, The Pips stepped out in front to record a pair of solo albums for Casablanca Records. with mixed results. We look at the lives of each individual Pip in our quest to discover "Who are The Pips?" WHOO WOO!
- Gladys Knight and the Pips – The Greatest Hits of Gladys Knight and the Pips (1981)
One of the greatest soul groups in the history of American Music, Gladys Knight and the Pips have had 22 hit singles on the Billboard top 20 between 1961 and 1989.. However, while Gladys Knight rose to the front as "The Empress of Soul," The Pips were far more than just a back up vocal group. We explore the questions "What is a Pip" with a look at the origins and early struggles of the group, and how a crooked producer tried to steal the profits from their first number one single, "Every Beat of My Heart" which led The Pips to officially change their name to Gladys Knight and the Pips.
