Värttinä Featuring Sari Kaasinen & Mari Kaasinen - Can We Have Christmas Now?

Title: Can We Have Christmas Now? Artist: Värttinä Featuring Sari Kaasinen & Mari Kaasinen Release Date: 9/15/1998 Re-Released On: 9/7/1999 Label: NorthSide Records Album Type(s): christmas UPC: 021561601925 Genre: Folk Styles: Christmas, Folk-Pop, Worldbeat, Holidays, Nordic Traditions, Finnish Folk Moods: Exuberant, Quirky, Summery, Energetic, Manic, Rousing, Sweet, Cerebral, Irreverent, Rollicking, Visceral, Volatile, Complex, Amiable/Good-Natured, Intense Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 0 Number of Discs/SwapaCD Credits: 1

1. Joko Jouloun Alkaa Saa (Can We Have Christmas Now?)
2. Me Kaymme Jouloun Viettohon ('Tis Time to Celebrate)
3. Varpunen Jouluaamuna (The Sparrow's Christmas Morning)
4. Joulukirkkoon (Going to Chruch on Christmas Morning)
5. Jouluaattona (Christmas Eve)
6. Heinilla Harkien Kaukalon (There in the Manger)
7. Joululaulu (A Song for Christmas)
8. Joulun Odotuksessa (Waiting for Christmas)
9. Jouluna Jumala Syntyi (God Was Born at Christmas)
10. Joulun Taikaa (The Magic of Christmas)
11. Jouluyö, Juhlayö (Silent Night, Holy Night)

Year Type Label Catalog # 1999 CD NorthSide Records 6019

No other editions were found for this album.

Can We Have Christmas Now? lives up to NorthSide's claim that "while the lyrics and style are decidedly Finnish, the universal spirit of Christmas shines through." The album will be a bit of a shocker for those used to the sprightly rhythms and rockin' folk sound of Värttinä as it reminds one more of early Kate Bush in places than the leaders of Finland's folk roots revival. The vibrato-less voices ring with the innocence of children. The melodies are the simple verses and refrains common to carols the world over. Can We Have Christmas Now? was arranged by Timo Alakotila of Finland's well-known group JPP. The piano is in the forefront of the sound, accompanied by harmonium, guitar, mandolin, violin, kantele, bass and accordion in various combinations. The instruments are all played in a very contemporary manner. Sari Kaasinen has left her mark on the music and lyrics of several pieces, while others are old chestnuts of the Finnish caroling repertoire. It's a charming and introspective album, just the thing for sitting by the fire with mulled cider and a copy of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. ~ Megan Lynch, All Music Guide

Name Credits Drew Miller Graphic Remix Mari Kaasinen Performer Pauli Saastamoinen Mastering Pentti Hokkanen Photography Risto Hemmi Engineer, Mixing Sari Kaasinen Performer, Producer Susan Sinisalo Translation Timo Alakotila Producer, Arranger