For Christmas

Holiday longing and magic infuse Shires’s Christmas collection

Amanda Shires, solo singer songwriter, founder of the supergroup The Highwomen, and member of Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit band—offers a fresh collection of holiday picks. My favorites include “Home to Me” and “Slow Falling Snow” both, in their way, ballads of holiday separation. Then “Gone for Christmas” takes the total opposite stance and made me laugh out loud. Backing vocals from the gospel quartet The McCrary Sisters are wonderful and Shires’ takes on selected classics like “What are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” and “Silent Night” fit well.  Fans of Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and The Highwomen... check this out.