In 2020, I interviewed Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker of the indie rock band Low, whose 1999 album Christmas is one of the great indie Christmas albums, and a bold one because rock bands didn't record Christmas music at the time--at least not like that. Maybe they'd contribute a track to a label promo compilation, but they wouldn't tie their financial and artistic futures to such an unlikely project.
Low's music at the time was dubbed "slowcore," and while it wasn't necessarily slow, they did stake out a very individual musical space that was driven by introspection and meditation more than energy.
When I interviewed Alan and Mimi, they were sitting at a table at home in Duluth, Minnesota, and even though we were on opposite ends of a Zoom call, the coziness of their space and the conversation gave the conversation a vibe I'll remember.
I'm re-posting this interview because on the weekend, Mimi Parker died of ovarian cancer. People have been sharing photos and memories of Mimi on social media, so I wanted to add our conversation to the demonstrations of love for her, the band and the way they moved through the world.
Meryl Zimmerman
Nochebuena with Patricia Vonne
A Latin Music Christmas with Arthur Hanlon
Mitchell Kezin of ”Jingle Bell Rocks,” Jim McCormick, and Bailey James
Amanda Shires, Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon, and Julian Koster
Bonus Episode: Twelve Songs x Ranking the Beatles
Kristin Chenoweth, Ronnie Milsap, and Paul Gilbert
Jay Landers, Kristin Chenoweth, and Calum Scott on ”A Sentimental Christmas with Nat King Cole & Friends”
José James, Bruce Cockburn, and The Twangtown Paramours
Bonus Episode: Who Dat Jedi Crossover
The Fleshtones, Susan Cowsill, and Numero Records‘ ”Christmas Dreamers”
Mannheim Steamroller
Quad City DJs
”Christmas Jollies” with Bill Adler
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
A Family-Friendly Christmas with Dan and Claudia Zanes
Santa Baby
A Blues Christmas with Alligator Records
Grant-Lee Phillips
Big Freedia and Boyfriend
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