New Music Release: "O Little Town of Bethlehem"—Christmas single

Off and on over the years I have committed myself to recording little bits of Christmas music. These began as Christmas presents to my then girlfriend (now wife). Instead of buying her a Christmas card (which I find loathsome) I would instead record her a Christmas card, featuring my take on a classic carol and maybe an original song or brief instrumental. Then I would record my Christmas greeting to her. Yes, it was very cute.

After being married a couple of years I fell out of the practice though. Life got crazy in multiple ways and there simply wasn't enough time to do the songs justice. 

Nonetheless, a couple of years ago I started slowly recording Christmas songs again and this year I will finally be ready to release them as an album. Therefore, I would like to present to you The Hopes & Fears of all the Years: A Christmas Album. (See below for the tracklisting). (Who knows, maybe I'll change the album title and tracklisting several times before I release it, just like Kanye.)

In the hopes of getting the word out for the album I am releasing a free single this week of the song "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Consider it your Thanksgiving Day present.

Before you listen, here's a description: I recorded "O Little Town of Bethlehem" as an intentional Pedro the Lion (David Bazan) ripoff. Or an intentional homage, if you want to spin it more positively. I literally take the kind of chord structures from Pedro's "Of Up and Coming Monarchs" and morph them into the Christmas carol. I try to sing like him as well, though you can also hear hints of Bing Crosby in my vocal delivery. Sufjan's influence makes an appearance from time to time in the music as well. I figure if one mediocre musician fuses together aspects of three geniuses you might get a decent song out of it.

Anyway, here's the song. I hope you enjoy it. Remember, it's a free download (so please download it!):

The Hopes & Fears of All the Years tracklisting (not final order)

1. Lo How a Rose (instrumental)

2. Of the Father's Love Begotten

3. Away in a Manger

4. Greensleeves (instrumental)

5. O Little Town of Bethlehem

6. O Come O Come (Instrumental)

7. The Great Creator of the Worlds

8. Wishing You a Merry Christmas (instrumental)

9. O Come Let Us Adore

(hidden song)
______________
Other music I've released:
Holy Mercy EP
1 + 1 + 1 (an album for my wife)
Perseverance of the Saints EP