Ever wanted to hear the Supertones do "Joy to the World?" Sounds very joyful, with the horns and Morginsky's trademark vocals, but sometimes sounds more straight ahead rock & roll than ska. That's cool, I don't mind. Plus, it breaks into jazz toward the end of the tune. Want more ska? Listen to Five Iron Frenzy's version of the Rich Mullins classic neo-carol "You Gotta Get Up." Joy Electric's "Winter Wonderland" was a treat, but pretty much what the JE fan will expect. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," performed by Chasing Furies, is especially beautiful, as the sweet distortion-filled guitar and vocals exude more light and passion than the glow from that tree standing in your living room. Several original songs were included, making this disc even more unique: Puller's "Savior of the Fools," Starflyer's "Holiday Song" (which is also on their latest record), "Heaven's Got a Baby," by Sarah Masen, Huntingtons' "It's Always Christmas at My House," and Switchfoot's "Evergreen," etc. This disc also affords us the opportunity to hear the first recording from the new Plankeye incarnation (Eric Balmer and Luis Garcia), performing a rousing "Away in a Manger" with the help of Fold Zan's Frank Lenz on drums and BGV's. Pep Squad's "Feliz Navidad" sounds very little like what you may have heard the band do, with the latin beats, Spanish guitar, and trumpets. Also on the ethnic end of the musical spectrum, One Eighty's "Mele Kalikimaka" explodes upon the ears, energetically breathing blazing life anew into the cheesy old song. There's so much variety on this disc, there literally is something on here for everyone.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #21Reviewed by Chris WellAh, the sounds of Christmas. It's all too rare to find a Christian rock Christmas album, which makes something like Happy Christmas such a happy occasion. With a fun mix of traditional and new songs, Happy Christmas sports fresh arrangements that still play it pretty straight. Representing the classics: The Supertones rev up "Joy To The World"; Joy Electric puts a futuristic bounce on "Winter…The Lighthouse Unsorted 1998Reviewed by Stacey Lee FeldmanThis just might be the Christmas collection of the year - or the last few years, for that matter. There's always been a shortage of good rock or modern Christmas tunes compared to contemporary or traditional music, but Happy Christmas should make up for it at last. Featuring both traditional carols and original songs, both favorite artists and new faces, it's got something for everyone and plenty…ReAL Magazine 1998Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksThe king of Christian alternative music, Brandon Ebel has finally put out the alternative Christmas record. As the liner notes say this is something he's always wanted to do. And now he's done it with style. The album features 18 Christmas favorites, ranging from the classics like 'Joy to the World' and 'Away in a Manger' to newer favorites like 'Holly Jolly Christmas' and 'Winter Wonderland,'…Similar sounding releases
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