Kelly Jones Releases Debut Christmas Single

Acclaimed Pop Singer-Songwriter Kelly Jones Releases Debut Christmas Single “Kissing Santa On Christmas Eve”

 

Make room in the Seasonal Songbook for a brand new classic . . . “Kissing Santa On Christmas Eve,” by pop singer-songwriter Kelly Jones (reviewed here) wraps its irresistible hooks around the playful notion of a secret midnight tryst with Ol’ St. Nick himself.

 

Written by Jones and produced by Mike Viola, the song has the familiar, but fresh sound of a timeless holiday favorite. A shimmering two-and-a-half minute bauble with flashes of Spector’s “Wall of Sound,” E.L.O and even '80s Madonna, it delivers its fun yuletide message in a gloriously ornate pop arrangement and ties it up with a bow of winking sensuality.

 

Best known for her acclaimed pop album SheBANG! (2008), Kelly Jones has released three solo albums, as well as a duet EP with Mike Viola, while collaborating with such artists as Daniel Lanois, Buddy Miller, Adam Schlesinger and Brian Blade. With a songwriting style and a warm, soulful singing voice that echoes everything from ‘60s girl groups to ‘70s Laurel Canyon singer-songwriters to ‘80s New Wave, Jones is that rare artist who can sound retro and completely modern at the same time.

 

“Kissing Santa On Christmas Eve” marks her debut holiday release. Available in online stores December 4th, 2012.

Review: Kelly Jones “SheBANG!”

Any disc bearing the names Mike Viola (Candy Butchers) or Adam Schlesinger (Fountains Of Wayne, Ivy) makes my ears salivate. Now I will have to add Kelly Jones (NOT the Stereophonics frontman) to this list. Their collaboration, “SheBANG!”, is a 28 minute blast of some of the highest caliber power pop I’ve heard in recent years.

“SheBANG!” is a contemporary sounding tribute to the golden oldies of the 60s and 70s. Even the artwork radiates a retro feel, with its Polaroid photos and Kelly’s hairstyle and dress. Every track is a joy to listen to – instantly likable and begging for replay. The pop craftsmanship alone makes this disc remarkable, but Kelly’s wonderfully sweet and velvety voice make “SheBANG!” stand up beyond measure. At times you’ll hear the innocence of Sheryl Crow, the cute coyness of Jill Sobule, and the gentle angst of Tracy Bonham. Kelly is a formidable power pop princess and her harmonies with the distinctive vocals of Mike Viola are sublime.

It is hard to pick favorites among such a strong set of tunes, but my picks would include the bouncy piano-driven number, "There Goes My Baby", an ultra catchy tune that sets a perky mood at the beginning of the disc. I also love the rich textures and melodies in "Fire Escape", and the punchy song Kelly co-wrote with Adam, "Crazy Talk". "Subway Song" is Kelly's answer to the Hollies' hit "Bus Stop" or Replacement's "Skyway". "Over Thinking" is another really fun one, a bonus if you happen to love omnichord.

I’ve already compiled my Top 10 list for 2008, but “SheBANG!” will be a strong contender for the Top of 2009. They say that big things come in small packages. The 30 minutes you spend with “SheBANG!” will surely blow you away.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10

Kelly Jones on MySpace. Official Site.