Welcome to episode 60 of Holly Jolly X’masu! In this episode, I’ll be talking about the 1990 compilation, “White Album ‘90.”

This is a fun album overall and I enjoyed listening to it again while preparing for this episode. Some of the tracks are real standouts, and if I were to do a “best of” playlist, I’d include at least three of the songs from this album. I’m still not sure why it took as long as it did to find a copy, but it was definitely a worthy addition to my collection.

It’s been hectic lately. I won’t say I’m back on track, but I’m glad I was able to hit my deadline for this episode. While not every song on here will appeal to everyone, I hope everyone found at least a couple they enjoyed. Be sure to listen in next month as I cover a pair of wildly different albums. Up first, I get back to the sort of music that really drew me into Japanese Christmas music with Kaoru Akimoto’s “Tenor Sax Mood White Christmas” from 1968. It’s a wonderful Mood Kayo album, and one that, when I started collecting, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to get. Then join me on the 25th for NiW! Records’ 2010 compilation, “We Wish You A Happy.” It’s a great collection from a wide array of more recent Indie bands. You won’t want to miss them.

As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know.

Remember, I’ve added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you’d like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!

Welcome to episode 59 of Holly Jolly X’masu! In this episode, I’ll be discussing Mika Kanai’s 1997 album, “Clam Chowder.”

I’m sometimes surprised by how hard it is to find various albums. Some seem to never show up for sale, while others are readily available from sellers on Amazon and other sites, but for exorbitant, unrealistic prices. “Clam Chowder” was in the former category. No matter how much I searched, there just weren’t any copies to be had.

More frustrating, though, are the albums I’ve passed on in the past and not seen since. Seven of my top ten most-wanted albums fall into that category. I’ve seen copies of each of them at some point and either didn’t attempt to buy them, or gave up on an auction, figuring another copy would show up for a more affordable price at some point. Based on what they’ve sold for, most of those seven aren’t particularly rare or sought-after, but I still kick myself for missing out on the copies I had a chance to buy.

Listen in again later this month when I talk about the 1990 compilation, “White Album ‘90.” It’s another album that took well over a year to find. It has an interesting blend of songs and styles, and you’re sure to enjoy it.

As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know.

Remember, I’ve added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you’d like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!