KC Armstrong comes unravelled over his wife’s holiday fashion choices in his festive new single and video I Hate That Sweater — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
At this time of year, there are two kinds of people in relationships: Those who love a ridiculous, deliberately ugly Christmas sweater, and those who don’t. Ontario Americana artist Armstrong has crafted the perfect ode to that dynamic with this upbeat single. And it’s only fitting that it’s a regift.
I Hate That Sweater was adapted from a song Armstrong penned entitled Don’t Keep Me Waiting, the first song he wrote that he recorded in a studio. It first appeared on a radio staion charity album, then got countrified for his Ranchsongs LP. Then he rewrote it as a “male anthem (tongue-in-cheek) about the trials and tribulations of waiting while your better half prepares herself for a night on the town.” That version appeared on his Finally Crafted album.
In October, Armstrong heard about a Christmas song contest. Instead of crafting an entirely new song, he thought of reworking a song a la Randy Bachman’s Taking Care Of Christmas. “The idea started developing when I pictured the descending motif riff from Don’t Keep Me Waiting being played on bells,” he says. “Humming the chorus tag Don’t Keep Me Waiting a few times to myself, I heard my inner voice shouting, ‘I Hate That Sweater.’ ”
After finishing the lyrics an hour later, Armstrong added a glockenspiel, tubular bells, and sleigh bells, which open the song with a snippet of Silent Night. The result is an uptempo beauty about getting a “green rhinestone, red pleather” sweater from his other half. Toss in some great horns and amusing dialogue, and you have a nifty and newfangled Noel nugget.
I Hate That Sweater features Armstrong on vocals and bass, MaryEllen Allen on vocals, guitarists Barry Haggarty and Scott Utting, saxophonist Sean O’Connor, keyboardist Steve O’Connor and drummer Jake Adams. Marty Hepburn, who worked on Don’t Keep Me Waiting with Armstrong, adds harmonica. And Armstrong’s wife adds her own dialogue as Little Debbie.
Armstrong’s witty, whimsical style brings to mind musicians like Randy Newman, Nick Lowe, and the late Ronnie Hawkins. In fact, Armstrong’s band subbed as The Hawks for the iconic rocker back in 2003. Armstrong has also worked with and shared the stage with countless others, including the late Jeff Healey, while playing festivals throughout North America.
Watch the video for I Hate That Sweater above, hear more from KC Armstrong below, and get in the holiday spirit on his website, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
