Jars of Clay

Item: Little Drummer Boy
Author: Robert Berman

Little Drummer Boy

Reviewed by Robert Berman

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Label Essential Record GroupThe LighthouseDecember 1995

acoustic alternative rock folk rock

When Jars of Clay's self-titled debut album hit the shelves earlier this year, I knew it would be a big hit. And as I watched the singles and the album climb the radio and sales charts, I believed that they would be able to equal the talent of their first album with an impressive follow-up. I still believe they're capable of putting out a great second album. But until that album is recorded and released, Jars of Clay has chosen to whet our appetites for their brand of modern acousticism with Little Drummer Boy, a four-song Christmas release. This project may not be their next big hit, but it's a respectable collection.

First on this release is a peppy version of the title song which sounds much like several of the songs from their debut CD; indeed, the drum program is suspiciously similar to the one used on "Like A Child," but hammered dulcimer and chordal surprises give a distinctive sound to this Christmas classic. A vocals/guitar/string arrangement (inspired by Peter, Paul, and Mary) graces "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" next. Both of these carols are reasonably entertaining, if not scintillating, and should play well on holiday CCM radio or at Christmas parties.

These are followed by what seems to be an extended demo version of "He," the anti-child abuse song from their debut. The original was never one of my favorites, but this version is pleasant enough, with more piano and less percussion. A "Grinch Mix" of "Little Drummer Boy" rounds out the collection, with more percussion and almost no other background instrumentation but the occasional distorted guitar.

The collection is being marketed as an EP, but these days, four songs qualifies more as a "maxi-CD single." But $4.99 ($2.99 cassette) is a reasonable price, and a portion of that paltry sum goes to benefit a child abuse prevention center. Think of this project more as a stocking stuffer for your favorite Jars of Clay fan than as a great Christmas gift for people who have never heard of them. If you don't have the first Jars of Clay album, buy that one first, then get this if you want a little more.