The Doohickeys - Merry Happy Whatever EP (2025) Hi-Res

I’m not inclined to do holiday music, but this EP is cleverly humorous, well-performed, & done with good intentions. Multi-nominated Grammy producer Eric Corne (stomp/claps) keeps an eye on the reins for the Americana/Country flavored effort that features Haley Spence Brown (vocals/stomp/claps) & Jack Hackett (vocals/gang vocals/acoustic & electric guitars/rhythm guitar).

There’s a clever, original, modern twist to their songs, with a seasonal spirit generously woven into each note & a nod to nostalgic moments. There are 5 original Christmas songs recorded in Los Angeles filled with candy cane & fruit cake performances to celebrate Merry Happy Whatever (Drops Dec 5/Forty Below/15:56). A little naughty “Santa Needs a Beer,” is typically accurate in some respects that even in the old film “Miracle on 34th Street,” the reason Macy’s had to hire some old coot named Kris Kringle to be the parade’s Santa is because the original Santa was inebriated.

The upbeat doo-wop of “Merry Happy Whatever” features the Wolves of Glendale with an opening intro melody reminiscent of The Crew Cuts’ “Sh-Boom.” The expected “Put It On Credit” is what many shoppers will be doing this season. The short set is festive & works. The group is rooted in the skillful musicianship & quirky country humor that was the domain of bands like The Holy Modal Rounders (“Boobs-a-Lot”).

The musicians include Hayley Orrantia (vocals) & they’re all exceptional. The song that ignites the ears is “Santa Is a Stoner,” with the seductive Dolly Parton-like vocals of Ms. Brown (who’s a finalist to play Ms. Parton in a Broadway play). Nothing gets off color during this performance, but they do sound as if there’s rum in their eggnog.