Every week, Rainbow Rodeo brings you the best new queer country music! Listen to this playlist on Spotify! Thanks to Elliott for making a parallel list on Apple Music! Listen to the parallel list on Tidal. Missed a week? Thomas Inskeep is generously keeping an archive of all music featured on this Spotify playlist.
Also — if you’re looking for a stocking stuffer — you can now purchase issue 3 of Rainbow Rodeo!
Jamie O’Neal and Ty Herndon — “Merry Christmas Baby”
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the best Christmas songs are sad songs, and “Merry Christmas Baby” is no exception. Between Ty Herndon’s powerhouse voice and Jamie O’Neal’s magical alto, the longing for a missed love one is so thick you can cut it with enough. But don’t worry – it’s also catchy enough to dance away your sorrows.
Brandy Clark — “My Favorite Christmas”
On the other hand, we’ll see your sad Christmas songs and raise you sad gay Christmas love songs. Brandy Clark casts a keen eye on New York City holiday cheer recounting a loved one who is no longer in her life. Clark made a splash this year with her self-titled solo, and “My Favorite Christmas” is another example of why she is long past due for being recognized as the songwriting legend she is.
Man of the Minch — “I Don’t Care About Christmas”
Scottish folk and pop singer Man of the Minch plays to his strengths on “I Don’t Care About Christmas.” With his trademark layering and piercing voice, “I Don’t Care About Christmas” is about the things that matter the most on the holidays: spending a holy night with the people we love. If only those people felt the same way.
Paula Boggs Band — “Mistletoe and Shiny Guitars”
Paula Boggs has lived more lives than most, so when she exhorts us not to stress about the material trappings of Christmas, we listen. This song, unlike the last four, is from the perspective of someone lucky enough to find someone who would stick around. Boggs knows how much of a gift that is, and focuses on that in her loving Christma-cana song.
Rachel Garlin — “Winter Fuel (Good King Wenceslas)”
Rachel Garlin displayed her storytelling chops in this year’s The Ballad of Madelyn & Therese, and it’s in fine form here on “Winter Fuel.” The song begins as the traditional Christmas carol before imperceptibly shifting gears to modern day, with a touching tale of a small act of kindness that gently reminds us the purpose of the Christmas spirit.
Larry and Joe — “Mi Burrito Sabanero”
Joe Troop, formerly of Che Appalache, his a madcap energy in his own right. Add that to Larry Bellorin’s rock-steady and rockstar musicianship, and their current project, Larry and Joe, is something special to behold. Did anyone else learn this song in Spanish class? I for sure did, and the addition of a rumbling bass and spunky banjo give “Mi Burrito Sabanero” an extra special Americana kick.
Michelle Malone & The Hot Toddies — “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
Guitar hotshot Michelle Malone recently released a charming Christmas album with her band the Hot Toddies. Their rendition of the perennially popular “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” hits all the right notes: a little bit retro, a little bit twangy, and a lot of bit fun.
Mal Blum — “Xmas Eve”
I’m not sure what to make of Mal Blum’s “Xmas Eve” but it sure is funny. I’m pretty sure the narrator steals a nativity baby to get his crush’s attention? So it’s about that, but also about resisting the oppressive nature of Christmas — and Christian — narratives. Nobody does funny and sad quite like Mal Blum.
River Road Trio (ft. Bryan Ruby) — “Small Town Christmas”
In a song destined for an upcoming Hallmark movie, Bryan Ruby and the River Road Trio team up for “Small Town Christmas.” Ruby lends his bourbon syrup-y voice to this country twanger about yearning for a quiet Christmas in a small town with your honey.