Seasonal Shift, Calexico (Anti-)

The long-running Americana-Tex-Mex band joins the master playlist of Christmas music in 2020 with an album of originals and covers in their own inimitable style. Among the covers are the traditional "Mi Burrito Sabanero," which appears twice, once in a Latin rhythm style and a second time as backdrop to the band's holiday greetings, a slower take on "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," and a fairly faithful cover of Tom Petty's "Christmas All Over Again." Originals include the mid-tempo opener "Hear the Bells," the Mexican-influenced "Heart of Downtown," the contemplative title song, the slow waltz "Nature's Domain," the dreamy instrumental "Glory's Hope," the folky Latin ballad "Tanta Tristeza" featuring Gisela João on vocals, the syncopated "Peace of Mind," and the sprightly "Sonoran Snoball" featuring Camilo Lara. The band's fans will like this, and those of you who like to hear original takes on the holiday will enjoy the surfeit of original tunes.