By Andy Argyrakis

PROJECT 86 EP

Hardcore and Christmas don’t always appear to go hand-in-hand, but as long as the holiday message remains loud and clear, why not? Project 86 sets out to prove that very idea on This Time of Year EP (Tooth & Nail), which is the Andrew Schwab-led outfit’s short but sweet foray into seasonal territory. The track listing boasts several curious choices of heavy-handed faire, including “This Time of Year,” “Wrought on this Holiday’s Eve,” “Shiny Skin,” “Misfit Toys” and “What Child?”

CASH READS THE BIBLE

It may not be a brand-new Johnny Cash studio CD unearthed from the posthumous vaults, but The Man in Black does turn in a project of Biblical proportions. Johnny Cash Narrates the NKJV is a DVD packed with over 19 hours of the Good News broken up into each individual book. Outside of the country superstar’s readings, the project also includes an introduction from his son John Carter Cash and a “Walking the Bible” photo gallery.

ANOTHER COUNTRY CLASSIC

Speaking of faith-centered country megastars, Earl Scruggs also turns in a unique project this week that chronicles a 2007 headlining concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (where he first appeared as a support star way back in 1945). Besides the bluegrass-framed icon, The Ultimate Collection: Live at the Ryman (Rounder) includes Gary Scruggs, Randy Scruggs, John Gardner, Hoot Hester, Rob Ickes, John Jorgenson and Jon Rand as special guests.

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