It f*cking snowed here last night. I know most people not from the area assume Nova Scotia – and all of Canada for that matter – is buried under snow for ten months of the year, but that’s not the case. We aren’t exactly a desert oasis or retreat from the scarves and mittens that are part of the Canadian uniform, but we’re more climatically enjoyable than you’d guess.

 

Unfortunately, it’s that initial shock of the first blanket of white snow covering the trees and cars that detracts from the beauty of the first snow crested morning. I’d love to look out the window and embrace the quiet calm the snow gives my cul-de-sac, but for now all I can think about is shoveling and scraping car windows.

 

On a brighter note, the first snowfall also means that Christmas is right around the corner. Normally, we don’t get down with posting a holiday playlist (we leave that to the experts, like Songs Illinois), but when we found out road weary warriors Ox decided to record a Christmas record and we felt the need to tell the world and get you even more excited for their 2011 release, Tuco.

 

With a fantastic balance of whimsy and melancholy, Mark and the boys navigate through holiday standards and two originals that will become classics for any alt.country / roots music lover. Here’s one of those originals – “Xmas in the Jailhouse” – and after one listen if you aren’t ready to make Silent Night and Other Cowboy Songs part of your holiday routine (slid in nicely beside your run & eggnogs) I’ll give you my Boney M Christmas CD.

 

In the spirit of giving, Ox is also letting us give away a copy of Silent Night and Other Cowboy Songs. To enter, just send us an email [herohill AT gmail dot com] or leave your info in the comments section below. Good luck!

 

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MP3:: Ox – Xmas In The Jailhouse
WEB:: http://gabelevine.bandcamp.com

One last thing… Ox is going to do an Oxmas tour, and honestly, how awesome does this sound?

Ox takes its annual ‘Oxmas’ show on the road for the first time- to celebrate the release of their ‘Silent Night & Other Cowboy Songs’. Expect a festive event like no other for the holidays- eclectic performances of traditional and oddball carols, fresh baked vegan cupcakes, elves, Oxnog, and maybe even a visit from Santox himself! Ox will be joined at selected shows by special local guests to include, Dave MacKinnon (the FemBots), Nathan Lawr (The Minotaurs), Tim Vesely (Violet Archers, Rheostatics), Jenny Omnichord and many others. Never before celebrated outside of their native Sudbury- this show will forever change how you think of Christmas!

 

Here are the dates:

  • 15 Wed TORONTO @ Mitzis Sister (w/ special guests Tim Vesely, Brent Randall, Dave MacKinnon, Andrew Vincent, and Daniel Romano)
  • 16 Thu LONDON @ Aeolian Hall (w/ special guests Andy Magoffin, Jenny Omnichord, Dave MacKinnon, Allison Brown, and Nathan Lawr)
  • 17 Fri WINDSOR @ Phog Lounge (w/ special guests Ron Leary, Dave MacKinnon, and Brian Dunn)
  • 18 Sat GUELPH @ Jimmy Jazz (w/ Andy Magoffin, Jenny Omnichord, The Parkas, Dave MacKinnon, and Nathan Lawr)
  • 21 Tue SUDBURY @ The Townehouse Tavern (w/ special guests The Statues, Willett, Brian Dunn, The Lightmares, Kate Maki, and Ryan Levesque)