Since recording SOCKS in the spring, JD McPherson has told some friends and associates of its pending release, then witnessed their faces go from excited to disappointed when he reveals that it’s a Christmas album. “I have to explain to them how incredibly proud I am of it, and how I rate it as an actual album, as opposed to some kind of stopgap or cash grab,” he says in a press release. “It’s 11 original songs. I think it’s some of my very best lyrical work.” The collection sports such titles as “Ugly Sweater Blues,” “Santa’s Got a Mean Machine” and “Hey Skinny Santa!” McPherson says recording them was the most fun he and his band have had in a studio together. The five-piece brings its Rock ’n’ Roll Christmas Tour to The Grey Eagle on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 9 p.m. Nashville-based Eddie Angel’s Guitar Party opens. $17 advance/$20 day of show. thegreyeagle.com. Photo by Joshua Black Wilkins
Thanks for reading through to the end…
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.
We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.
This show has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 25.