Blood Oranges in the Snow

Christmas music for people who don't like Christmas music

If you are one of those people whose feelings about Christmas are a mixture of joy and melancholy, give Blood Oranges in the Snow by Ohio-based folk group Over the Rhine a listen. (A selection of songs from this album is also available on Hoopla under the title “Over the Rhine on Audiotree Live.”) If you’re looking for folk versions of Christmas standards, you won’t find them here. Many of the songs were written by Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist, the husband-wife duo who are Over the Rhine. Some of songs take on serious topics like poverty and the death of a parent. But there are more lighthearted songs as well, like the title track that celebrates families gathering for the holidays; and “Snowbirds,” about celebrating Christmas in a warmer climate. Check out Blood Oranges in the Snow--you may find yourself in the mood to listen to it even when it’s not Christmas.