During a locked-down Christmas, at least we can take pleasure in each other. Written on Christmas Day, 2020
from
By the River's Blue (album),
released July 13, 2022
Brian Campbell: voice, guitar, recorded by Bernard Beninger at Studio Fast Forward, Montreal
Arrangements, virtual instruments, mix, master by Martin Bennett at Studio Loco, Montreal
LISTENER COMMENTS:
I love this recording. The music has a tongue-in-cheek melancholy feeling about it, as do the lyrics. The sound is slightly reminiscent of John Lennon. I like the vocals, particularly when your voice goes into the lower range; the spoken word is a nice touch. I really enjoyed the guitars in this piece.
The overall effect of this piece is ironically uplifting as it does break the solitude and invite in many guests. Hopefully this year will be a little different. One good thing: I went away with your song playing in my head.- Elaine K., Victoria B.C.
Fits right in there with the usual repertoire of holiday tunes. And you can take that as high praise! - Andy D., Rigaud, Quebec
Yes, "Not a soul dropping by." Sums it all up. We used to have 90 people in our house on the 30th. Not happening. - Rana B., Montreal
Nice work on your (not-so-) new seasonal song, All alone at Christmas! Bossa Nova meets Bob Dylan? Forgive me if I've got my musical genres a little confused. Nice whimsical feeling. Self pity made lugubrious! Like tasty toffee, treacle with a dollop of maple syrup, peanut brittle and egg nog! You do capture the feeling of that dark, sad period - the short days and long nights, and how all the things that make December a joyful month (for those of us with family and friends) were suddenly removed. As if we had all become, for one season, friendless and without family. Thankfully this year we will not be cut off. As usual you do a lot with your voice. I like the unstrained and relaxed key and tempo you bring to the song. – Zav L., Montreal
I love it, Brian. It should become a new Xmas classic, particularly now that we may be in lockdowns every year. Ugh. - Neil S., Montreal
I enjoyed this! I like that it has an upbeat, playful tune despite the subject of being in lockdown due to Covid. I like also the way you use so much of your vocal range. - Carolyn S., Montreal
It's sad to say quarantined Christmas came back for this year. But it's a very nice tune! It did fill the space we couldn't fill with guests.
- Kaoru M., Montreal
All Alone This Christmas is slice of life - kind of reminds me of songs Steve Goodman could create. The Story line very close to what happens in our lives, ups and downs, and how someone or something makes the down a little special, so in fact it really is not a down. I like the back beat, it is poppy and cheerful in a way. Though you are home alone for Xmas, it is going to be OK. - Debra L., Montreal
I loved this little ‘jaunty’ and whimsical song. I've listened to it 2x. I’m sure that many people will be able to relate to the sentiments , even those who do not have someone to snuggle with. :) Happy holidays to you, dear troubadour! - Evadne A., Montreal
Thank you so much for sharing “All alone this Christmas”. Just finished hearing it! Uplifting and whimsical, regardless it was last year. Your voice and music made me smile and my feet dance. A great choice for your new record. -Gloria M., Montreal
I really liked this new song. Considering the title the lyrics are very fun and joyful. I liked the electric guitar sound too. Keep smiling! - John R., Montreal
The arrangement of the song and the instrumentation is very good. Nice to hear a drummer keeping time. It's easy listening and cleverly worded. Thanks! - Ross M., Toronto
Your song is very apropos, seemingly upbeat until you listen closely to the lyrics, resolving itself in the chorus with a little gratitude and hope. Well done. We have been listening to Lucinda Williams’ rather bluesy Christmas album late so I might put the two in the category of melancholy Christmas versus festive. We need all sorts of songs to get us through the season. - Sharon C., Pierrefonds, Quebec
Fun song! Jaunty is good... relevant lyrics we can all relate to... by the way: nice slide guitar! Keep up the spirits! - Richard C., Montreal
Another excellent composition filled with pithy humor and pathos, Brian! A great all-around performance, and you even hit the whammy bar at the end. This one truly had everything! 😉 - Peter M., Gold Canyon, Arizona
It's engrained in my memory unfortunately forever like a bad dream you can't wake up from when WHO announced a global pandemic in late Feb 2020. Finally got Covid in July of this year (2023) and it wreaked havoc in the household. Brilliant performance and song Brian. Brian M., Tralee, Ireland
One year later and this song still captures the spirit of those times. The lyrics and the orchestration feel both comfy and claustrophobic at the same time. Well done. I just hope that if I hear it again next year, I'll think, "Yeah. I'm glad we're past that business." – Michael C., Toronto
