POP/ROCKElizabeth Chan “If the Fates Allow” (Merry Bright Music) High-octane holiday joy is foremost for this marketing exec-turned-singer-songwriter for whom seasonal has become a cottage industry. Josh Rouse, “The Holiday Sounds of Josh Rouse” (Yep Roc) There are basically two approaches to the holiday music genre: a shopping spree through the existing catalog or, as the indie singer-songwriter does here, write your own. Keb’ Mo’, “Moonlight, Mistletoe & You” (Concord) The L.A.-born, Nashville-based blues musician brings a refreshingly low-key spirit to his holiday outing. He’s cowritten half the songs, enhancing the feeling that he’s truly invested in adding to, rather than merely rehashing, the seasonal music canon. Her irreverent and sharply witty album — with nine smart originals and a crisp version of “Blue Christmas” — is a welcome antidote to the overwhelming sentimentality of the vast majority of Christmas music.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 16, 2019 21:33 UTC