Toronto roots-rock veterans Skydiggers released the Christmas-themed Angels EP last year, but the band have added to the holiday cheer by expanding it into a full-length and streaming it right here on Exclaim.ca.
The updated offering builds on last year's five-song collection, adding a John Jacob Niles' arrangement of "I Wonder As I Wander," British classic "The Holly and the Ivy" and "Minuit Chretiens" (known in English as "O Holy Night"). The record also features an acoustic take on "Where's My Baby, Tonight?" and the new original tune "Remember Me."
The set closes on a particularly special note with a cover of Bonnie "Prince" Billy's "I See a Darkness" featuring former Skydigger Peter Cash.
"In expanding the Angels Christmas EP into a full-length album we realized that the most moving moments of the season are more than just expressions of glad tidings and comfort and joy," said band member Andy Maize in a statement. "That there are moments of melancholy, regret and truth that are in their own way as much a part of the Christmas experience as any joyous carol. And that Angels are with us throughout the year, and that with their guidance we are free to celebrate our quieter, more personal moments as well."
The group will be taking their festive spirit on the road as well, with a string of Canadian dates in December. You can see those dates listed below. The Angels LP officially arrives today (November 18), and you can scroll past the upcoming gigs to hear it in its entirety right now.
A portion of the sales from Angels will be donated to the Unison Benevolent Fund.
Tour dates:
12/01 Kitchener, ON - Centre In The Square
12/05 Winnipeg, MB - West End Cultural Centre * #
12/06 Calgary, AB - Ironwood Stage & Grill #
12/10 Burnstown, ON - Neat Schoolhouse Stage
12/12 Ottawa, ON - National Arts Centre (Fourth Stage)
12/13 Ottawa, ON - National Arts Centre (Fourth Stage)
12/19 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
12/20 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
* a portion of the proceeds donated to the Kevin Walters Memorial Fund
# performing as an acoustic quartet (Andy Maize, Josh Finlayson, Jessy Bell Smith, Michael Johnston)
The updated offering builds on last year's five-song collection, adding a John Jacob Niles' arrangement of "I Wonder As I Wander," British classic "The Holly and the Ivy" and "Minuit Chretiens" (known in English as "O Holy Night"). The record also features an acoustic take on "Where's My Baby, Tonight?" and the new original tune "Remember Me."
The set closes on a particularly special note with a cover of Bonnie "Prince" Billy's "I See a Darkness" featuring former Skydigger Peter Cash.
"In expanding the Angels Christmas EP into a full-length album we realized that the most moving moments of the season are more than just expressions of glad tidings and comfort and joy," said band member Andy Maize in a statement. "That there are moments of melancholy, regret and truth that are in their own way as much a part of the Christmas experience as any joyous carol. And that Angels are with us throughout the year, and that with their guidance we are free to celebrate our quieter, more personal moments as well."
The group will be taking their festive spirit on the road as well, with a string of Canadian dates in December. You can see those dates listed below. The Angels LP officially arrives today (November 18), and you can scroll past the upcoming gigs to hear it in its entirety right now.
A portion of the sales from Angels will be donated to the Unison Benevolent Fund.
Tour dates:
12/01 Kitchener, ON - Centre In The Square
12/05 Winnipeg, MB - West End Cultural Centre * #
12/06 Calgary, AB - Ironwood Stage & Grill #
12/10 Burnstown, ON - Neat Schoolhouse Stage
12/12 Ottawa, ON - National Arts Centre (Fourth Stage)
12/13 Ottawa, ON - National Arts Centre (Fourth Stage)
12/19 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
12/20 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
* a portion of the proceeds donated to the Kevin Walters Memorial Fund
# performing as an acoustic quartet (Andy Maize, Josh Finlayson, Jessy Bell Smith, Michael Johnston)