On this 2001 release, the generically titled
Holiday Sampler, contemporary singer/songwriter
Slaid Cleaves applies his skills as a writer and interpreter to a set of songs designed to complement the autumn and winter holidays, starting with the Halloween-for-adults song "Monster in Law," working through "November Skies," and rounding out with the valentine "You Don't Have to Tell Me." Sparsely produced by
Gurf Morlix, the album is warm enough to keep everything cozy over the winter months, but interesting enough to sound good all the year round. ~ Zac Johnson