Out of the WOODS

Okay, I admit it: I've been having a lot of trouble mustering my usual holiday cheer this year (as evidenced by the paucity of posts). Like many folks, my family is faced with finance and health woes, the 24-7 news cycle seems hellbent on crushing whatever fleeing happiness I can muster, and two of my least favorite artists — Justin Bieber and Michael Bublé — are flogging Christmas albums.


But then, lo and behold, this mp3 shows up on the Internet today, and I feel a glimmer of hope. Please give a listen to this understated rendition of Vince Guaraldi's classic "Christmas Time Is Here" by the lo-fi dudes in Woods, and see if your spirits don't lift just a tiny bit, too.

Woods also put out a great new album this year, Sun and Shade. You might have heard me playing their song "Pushing Onlys" on KEXP. You can download that excellent tune here.