"O Holy Night," as sung by Kate Stanford, is one of the few Christmas songs that has the emotional weight, spiritual depth, and lasting power that it does. The song gives stillness, respect, and attention from the very first line, and you have to follow through to the very end. It's not just a Christmas song; it's an appeal, a declaration, and a beautiful rendition of...

Flavor Wave’s single, “The Optimist,” arrived less like a declaration and more like someone tentatively drawing back a dusty curtain on a grey afternoon. From West Chester, PA, these five lifelong friends – Kyle Loedel (vocals, lyrics), Matthew Stretch (lead guitar), Patrick Blair (rhythm guitar), Noah Montgomery (bass), and Joshua Speaker (performer/drums) – typically tread alternative rock paths nodding to influences like The Strokes....