Telecom 101: Sixth Edition 2022

Chris Isaak distinguishes his second holiday album – the first, the plainly titled Christmas, arrived back in 2004 – by designing Everybody Knows It's Christmas as a throwback to the pre-Beatles days of rock & roll. Not for nothing is this released on Sun Records; the album consciously evokes the simple, spare rockabilly pioneered at the landmark Memphis studio in the 1950s. That doesn't mean this is a greasy, Dixie-fried affair, though. Working with producer Dave Cobb, Isaak achieves a clever blend of the Sun aesthetic and the form of early Elvis RCA Records. It's lighthearted and playful – it's a Christmas record, after all – but it's not drenched in extraneous studio sweetening; whenever there are supporting vocal harmonies, they're not pushed into the forefront, they're used as subtle coloring. Isaak and Cobb get the vibe just right, and the singer/songwriter also contributes a number of snappy originals, like the clever "Almost Christmas" that bops like vintage Ricky Nelson. All of it adds up to a minor Christmas miracle: a deliberate throwback that feels fresh and fun.

Snarky Puppy has built a loyal following with their adventurous blend of jazz, rock and funk based around a heavy touring schedule and live-in-studio video content. A rotating roster of some of the most talented musicians and multi-instrumentalists makes for a truly unique sound within the jazz fusion world. Their new live-in-studio audio and visual album, Empire Central, is a love letter to Dallas, representing Snarky Puppy returning to their funk, gospel roots.

Soul Asylum's Grave Dancer's Union (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) features a second LP of bonus, rare tracks recorded from the band’s live performances in 1992 and 1993.

Includes a new mix of the original album, 9 previously unreleased alternate takes and seven Radio Bremen radio session tracks. A 12 page booklet with a foreword by Johnny Marr of The Smiths, unseen images by the late Mick Rock, essays, and memorabilia from the album recording.

Vince Guaraldi’s score from the classic 1965 animated Peanuts special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, is subject of a major reissue campaign from Craft Recordings.

Vince Guaraldi’s score from the classic 1965 animated Peanuts special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, is subject of a major reissue campaign from Craft Recordings.