Sounds Like Somebody Drank Too Much Cup of Cheer
Flap Jackson | State Road, NC | 12/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Since 2003, "A Santa Cause" has been in my opinion the best place for original punk/pop/rock Christmas songs around. It has most of the genre staples, the Christmas classics, and the highly original originals. So until, or if we ever get a 3rd volume, we have this nice little packaged set that contains both Vol 1/2 for a complete rockin' Christmas. And it goes to charity, so how could you go wrong?
Vol 1:
Christmas albums are always the hardest to tackle, since everybody either knows the classic songs, or the original songs either don't fit, or don't stick. But to add an element of punk to your Christmas party, you can't go wrong with this charity record with the stalwarts and new faces of the genre. The result? A surprisingly great record, with excellent takes on the classics, and originals that should be classics.
The Highlights:
Forget December
Yule Shoot Your Eye Out (The song is a whole lot better than the title)
I'll Be Home For Christmas (Best song by the group, Christmas or otherwise)
Ex-Miss (NFG almost never disappoints, and this song is no exception)
So This Is Christmas (One of the best takes I've heard of the song)
The Most Wonderful Time of The Year
A Cradle in Bethlehem (Probably the best of the disc)
Sure you have your sleepers (Sleigh Bells and Wine), and punk for punk's sake (Christmas Night of the Zombies), but there's certainly enough holiday cheer and Grinchiness for the price of admission. So if you're looking for a rockin' and original Christmas record, or if you just like one of the bands, I promise you, you won't be disappointed.
Vol 2:
While more obscure, both in release and in the artist roster, this volume actually improves over the previous in some ways. This time around, the project is much better produced, while the covers are good, the originals truly shine this time around.
Highlights:
Christmas on the Coast
New Year
All I Want For Christmas
Gary The Green-Nosed Reindeer
O Come Emanuel
Holly Jolly Christmas
In fact, "Gary The Green-Nosed Reindeer" is worth the price of admission on its own. But combined with the talent loaded into the other tunes, this is a well-rounded and more complete record, even gaining some maturity on the journey. However, with all these great songs, the worst song of the series also appears in the form of "Joey Had A Smoke," which is to music what "Black Christmas" was the movies. The theme just doesn't mix with the season.
Overall:
$20 or less, for 44 tracks, with some truly exceptional holiday fun and brilliance? Add it some great music, a worthy cause, and you can count me in! A great find, I can truly recommend this great holiday 2-disc set."
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1