"Hey Santa, a sugar sweet slice of power-pop wishing for a better more caring world for Christmas. Can't argue with that sentiment really. The B-side is a well handled cover of the old '60s number Mr Scrooge and is worth a listen too." - Nite Songs
"This two track festive treat gives fans more of “the voice”, but if anything, Lawson’s natural coolness sounds even better here. When applied to music that aims to lift the spirits – first and foremost – but also supply a dose of yuletide nostalgia, it appears that she’s able to summon some pleasingly huge sounds. On the newly written ‘Hey Santa’, the clean opening chords and soaring vocal melody immediately hark back to the Phil Spector stable, providing melodies that are very broad, but they become much more indebted to the works of the Wall of Sound when a classic girl group groove takes a hold via a massive drum part and curly vocal. The 60s derived music comes strongly juxtaposed with ironic, modern lyrics about iPhone accessories and not wanting traditional toys, but nothing here ever leans on novelty. If anything, Lawson approaches each syllable with a great earnestness that sells the song, and by the time she reaches the chorus and drops in various whoahs that are clearly stolen with love from The Ronettes, this sounds like a modern classic in the old school mould. To hear it once is to love it." - Real Gone
"There’s a digital single by Cindy Lawson. “Hey Santa” that has a Darlene Love vibe to it, which is always a good thing. “Mr. Scrooge” is a cover of a 1964 song by The Orchids, which captures the 60s feeling as well as the Christmas one." - Paul Blowfish
Cindy Lawson is releasing a holiday two-song EP that brings to mind not only visions of sugarplums dancing in your head but exuberant rocking around that 'ol Christmas tree.
Both of these songs would be a welcome addition to your holiday song library with the original song "Hey Santa" and a cover of The Orchids' 1964 hit "Mr. Scrooge". Channeling her inner Darlene Love, Cindy and band bring a modern take to the traditional 60's pop reworking of holiday songs in "Hey Santa" and pleads with dear old Saint Nick to bring some love and peace to the world, while "Mr. Scrooge" is a sweet and saucy message to a lover who's stingy with their kisses.
credits
released November 24, 2023
Hey Santa written by Cindy Lawson Cindysongs ASCAP
Cindy Lawson - vocals, guitar
Jerry Lefkowtiz - guitar, vocals
Dave Randall - bass, vocals
Mark Devaraj - drums, vocals
Steve Price - percussion, additional musicality
Mr. Scrooge written by Shel Talmy
Cindy Lawson - vocals, guitar
Jerry Lefkowtiz - guitar
Dave Randall - bass
Mark Devaraj - drums
Steve Price - percussion, additional musicality
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Collected tracks from five bands including Cosmonauts, Susan, and Flat Worms provides a look into the vibrant Los Angeles music scene. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 19, 2017
