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Low-Christmas

Daniel O. Williams | North Adams, MA | 12/13/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Low's Christmas album continues what is perhaps the most interesting mini-trend of this last brief gasp of Emo '99: an apparent religious reverence. A Christmas album provides a unique opportunity for a band to make a particular statement to its fanbase, and the Mormon duo of Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker use it to more clearly imbue their already charged placidity with sobering religious devotion (and just a few jingly bells). One would suspect other indie bands have this tone of belief (Sunny Day Real Estate), but there are few (Pedro the Lion) that address ideas of God and Christian spirituality specifically and unambiguously. For some listeners, these topics are unpalateable and silly--if there were a Supersuckers or NOFX Christmas Album, I'm sure it would address their concerns more adequately--but for those with an ear and a heart for rimy icicle beauty, the Low Christmas Album celebrates the melancholy joy of the Winter Birth with splendid understatement. (N.B.: The serene, minimal cover art was done by John Porcellino. Those who have not seen his lovely comic book series King Cat, would do well to investigate further.)"

So human and so divine

Jonathan J. Casey | the twin cities | 10/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I declared this to be my favorite record of 1999, right above "The Soft Bulletin." I still stand by that choice (even if I do listen to The Flaming Lips more often). For a Low fan, it was a beautiful Christmas gift and an unexpected surprise. "Just Like Christmas" is one of their poppiest tunes, a totally great, uplifting Christmas anthem. Watching Alan's dad play the jingle bells on stage with them at First Avenue was a real joy. If you celebrate Christmas or not, are into Low or not, I think I can still safely recommend it objectively as a great Christmas record. "Little Drummer Boy" is a song that usually bugs me (except maybe the David Bowie/Bing Crosby version) but Low gives it a spooky electronic buzz that I highly recommend experiencing late at night while surrounded by christmas lights. "Blue Christmas" gets a more traditional, but no less gorgeous treatment. Mimi's voice wraps around Alan's guitar with a sensuality that nicely balances the Christian/family vibe present on most of the rest of the songs. The original songs here are mostly more ponderous, "Long Way Around The Sea" has a funereal touch that seems a bit more suited to Easter. But then that's Low.For a generally cynical person, this record makes me all melty and happy. The aural equivalent of coming in from the snow and sitting in front of a fire. I'll probably buy it for my parents this year. Maybe not everyone will love it as much as I do, but it's hard to imagine anyone not enjoying at least one of the songs on here. Love it, hug it, take it home."

A remarkable band, with an unmistakable sound.

J. A. Glasgow | DC or Glasgow | 12/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am so glad that Low did this Christmas album, no matter what pseudo-intellectuals like Lolitapop say, it is a wonderful album, full of Low's perspectives on these songs, and even if you are not Christian, it is a wonderful album to add to your Low collection, they are just wonderful songs, done by wonderful people. And I think Woody Guthrie, who wasnt exactly religious, once said that it was a pleasure to sing the old religious songs, because they meant so much to so many people.......not just because of their message."