V/A - YOU WISH: A MERGE RECORDS HOLIDAY ALBUM Vinyl LP

To usher in the 2019 holiday season and cap off a fantastic 30th year as a label, we released You Wish: A Merge Records Holiday Album featuring both original music and covers of traditional songs by 15 Merge artists, all newly recorded for this compilation.

Not surprisingly, the sonic spectrum on You Wish is diverse. William Tyler delivers a gentle instrumental cover of Big Star’s “Jesus Christ,” but not before Mike Krol launches into “Won’t Be Alone Tonight,” a self-described “fast Christmas rocker about love and happiness.” The Telekinesis-penned “Christmas Time Is Here (Uh Oh)” almost appeared on a Cheap Trick holiday album, but Michael Lerner made the song his own for our record.

The lyrical subject matter swings just as wide: Mac McCaughan & Annie Hayden yearn for snow on “Down We Go (Sledding Song),” while The Essex Green crave warmer climes on the winking “Green Christmas.” Lucinda Williams’ voice remains as singular as ever, joining Hiss Golden Messenger’s M.C. Taylor for a heartbreaking rendition of the John Prine classic “Christmas in Prison.” Mikal Cronin’s song is inspired by his childhood experience of starring in a present-stealing, Santa-drugging Christmas musical (those exist?). Sure, You Wish may seem contradictory at times, but it’s also a reflection of the season and the mix of emotions that come with it.