To Drive the Cold Winter Away, The Orchid Pool (Whirligig)

These folks (Tony and Kimberly Paglia of Georgia) came to my attention via the Christmas Underground compilation and their acoustic take of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." From 2000, this just finally crossed my desk. I might have waved it away as being a folkie deal rather than the rock 'n roll aesthetic we're looking for here, but despite the mellow sounds, no backbeat and the selection of all traditional tunes (except the original "Tony in Toyland"), this CD definitely has its own vibe, a little bit of Low, a bit of 60s psych-pop with an occasional touch of Melanie, and lots of instrumentals. Some out-of-the-way selections, including the title song, "Somersetshire Wassail" and "Good Christian Men Rejoice." Not a barn-burner, more of a thought-provoker. The band appears to be moribund, but the website is still up and offering this disc for sale.