Search - Various Artists :: Folk Era Christmas

In an era when what was once standard holiday musical fare has been cast aside in favor of package upon package of vainglorious, irony-laden stuff, there's something to be said for the occasional cornball throwback. A Folk Era Christmas is as upright as an episode of The Waltons, and about as timely. But that's its appeal. Four obscure folk acts--the White Mountain Singers, the Shaw Brothers, Nick Reynolds, and the Northeast Winds--tackle an assortment of mostly familiar Christmas tunes in a spirit that makes one think of the ever-upright Flanders family in The Simpsons. Jaunty banjo and equally sprightly vocal arrangements carry the day in sing-along songs of the "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"/"Jingle Bells" ilk. Not for the hard of heart--or for the musically discerning, for that matter--A Folk Era Christmas is nevertheless the ticket for those looking for a wholesome holiday. --Steven Stolder