If you're looking for an alternative, rock and roll Christmas, you've come to the right place. If you're looking for a traditional Christmas album in every sense of the word--don't touch this CD. Once again, BEC has put out the alternative Christmas compilation of the year. This year they've snagged Sixpence None the Richer, MxPx, All Star United, Starflyer 59 and more (complete listing below).
None of the songs are done in a traditional style, with a little bit of everything including ska, punk, techno, rhythm & blues and rock & roll. From Hangnail's punk version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem," to Starflyer 59's soft, wispy 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' to Flight 180's (formerly 180) ska/swing/punk "O Come All Ye Faithful," the album is anything but what you'd expect.
If you buy the CD for only one song, it would have to be Sixpence None the Richer's 'You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch.' Their oddball rendition is just too much fun, even if it was recorded several years ago. The Normals make an impressive appearance with one of the slower songs on the album, an acoustic 'Peace Child (O Come Emmanuel).' Plankeye's 'Jesu Bambino (The Infant Child)' offers an enjoyable mix of piano and electric guitar. On the downside, the production feels hasty on a few tracks, especially the quirky All Star United number.
It's not nearly as good as last year's Happy Christmas, and probably won't enjoy such a broad appeal--but it is a Christmas CD for those who shudder at the thought of one more Amy Grant Christmas album. It's a fun Christmas CD, and when you're celebrating the birth of your Lord, isn't that what matters?
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Josh HurstUnderground, or lesser known bands are often underground for a reason. Often, they just do not have the accessible sound that most music fans crave. Still, underground and unsigned bands almost always have admirable levels of enthusiasm and energy. All of that energy is channeled through classic Christmas tunes on Happy Christmas Volume 2, a Christmas compilation disc that features mostly…Art for the Ears 1999Reviewed by Marco PovervestDo you like those Christmas Carols too? Like Bing Crosby's: "I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas". How sweet and peaceful that song! Sitting besides the tree and dreaming away. If you're into that type of Christmas songs, quit reading this review! These are alternative songs from an alternative label. Though not only bands from the label itself. This is a first class compilation with these artists:…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Michial FarmerThe powers that be at Tooth & Nail Records have done it again--put together a bag of holiday candy so mixed that even Forrest Gump would be amazed. Last year's Happy Christmas, featuring new and classic Christmas songs by the likes of Sarah Masen, 7 Day Jesus, Starflyer 59, and others, was greeted with a reception so warm that a sequel has been produced. Predictably titled Happy Christmas Volume…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Tommy JollyIf you have ever bought a Christmas album with a variety of artists, then you already know what Happy Christmas Vol. 2 is like: more cuts than you need to hear, some of which you like, some of which you can't stand. After one listen, you'll never play through the whole thing again. Some of the selections are indistinguishable from one another, namely most of the punk tracks. From MxPx's…
