SOUNDTRACK: XFM-It’s a Cool Cool Christmas (2000).
This is a long Christmas collection (about 72 minutes). So it’s a bit hit and miss. But the hits are pretty great. The problem really is that the disc gets a little bogged down and slow in the back half. The first half is bright and fun. Either re-sequnce or add in some peppier songs! There are a couple that just don’t belong on a Christmas collection. Remove them, and you’ve got a good one.
GRANDADDY-“Alan Parsons In A Winter Wonderland”
I’ve loved this version of this song ever since I heard it here. By making the simple substitution of Alan Parsons for Parson Brown (which doesn’t make any sense, really), they are able to make all kinds of weirdo jokes and musical changes to an otherwise completely faithful version of the song. It’s terrific.
THE DANDY WARHOLS-“Little Drummer Boy”
Generally I don’t like this song. It’s a little too ponderous and repetitive, but The Dandy Warhols totally rock it out. It’s not crazy or anything, it’s just super catchy with a cool synth riff and great backing vocals on the “bum bum bum bums.”
THE WEBB BROTHERS-“Every Day is Christmas”
I feel like this compilation is the first I’d heard of this song, but since then I see that others have done it as well. This version anyway is slow although it’s catchy–particularly the chorus. I’m not sure I get exactly what the chorus is saying though: “every day is Christmas, if only tonight,” What does that mean>
EELS-“Everything’s Gonna Be Cool This Christmas”
This is a poppy punky track that’s upbeat and fun. Just before the solo E (the singer) even mutters, “Baby Jesus, born to rock.”
El VEZ-“Feliz Navi-nada”
One of my favorite Christmas songs–rocking and silly but with the spirit still in tact.
MORGAN-“Christmas In Waikiki” [NSFC]
This track opens with a Merry Christmas to the soldiers, in what sounds like Marilyn Monroe’s voice. It then turns into a keyboard-heavy, almost reggae march through a wah wah instrumental. Then there’s a quote from, I assume Richard Pryor, who jokes about a 300 pound honky. This f-bomb dropping joke makes this not safe for Christmas.
DRUGSTORE-“Maybe At Christmas Time”
This a slow song filled with hope for Christmas.
BELLE AND SEBASTIAN-“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
I have always been puzzled at the way they change the melody of the song–they sing the “and random captive” part without a pause, so the first line runs right through. It feels rushed, but is anything but. Once you get past that though the music sounds lovely with those gentle guitars and voices.”
GIANT SAND-“Thank You Dreaded Black Ice, Thank You” [NSFC]
This is kind of a dark song, spooky and whispered vocals. Even if there is a happy message, it’s not really a very festive song.
THE FLAMING LIPS-“White Christmas” [NSFC]
Despite my love for The Lips, I never cared for this version.
SAINT ETIENNE-“My Christmas Prayer” [NSFC]
A pretty, moody piece of longing. Not really anything I want to hear on Christmas.
DEPARTURE LOUNGE-“Christmas Downer” [NSFC]
This is surprisingly catchy for such a downer. But it is indeed a downer.
SIX BY SEVEN-“I Believe In Father Christmas”
Things pick up with this version of the dark, but wonderful Greg Lake song.
SNOW PATROL-“When I Get Home For Christmas”
This seems like its kind of dark and mopey, bu the sentiment is actually quite nice. Sounds a bit like Sebadoh.
TITÁN-“Spiritual Guidance” [NSFC]
Titán are a Mexican electronic band. This instrumental samples a movie which has a guy telling a young woman to remove her panties. It’s a shame it gets dark like that because the disco Jingle Bells in the middle is good fun.
BIG BOSS MAN-“Christmas Boogaloo”
This is a groovy, funky instrumental with random chants about Christmas. Its good fun indeed.
TEENAGE FANCLUB-“Christmas Eve”
This is a beautiful guitar based mostly instrumental. It’s a lovely piece and far too short at only 2 minutes.
CALEXICO-“Gift X-change”
Despite Calexico’s usually bright sound, this song is pretty sad, musically and lyrically.
GORKY’S ZYGOTIC MYNCI-“Hwiangerdd Mair”
This is a very pretty song which, if Google Translate is to be believed actually means Mary’s Halloween in Welsh. But whatever. Gorky’s always has a great way with a melody.
LOW-“Just Like Christmas”
I actually thought this was Aimee Mann singing. Despite Low’s penchant for slow, broody songs, this one is upbeat, even if it wasn’t just like Christmas at all. But the big thumping drums keep it moving along nicely.
LAUREN LAVERNE-“In The Bleak Midwinter”
This sounds like a children’s choir very far away. I’d never heard of her before and I have learned: Lauren Cecilia Fisher, known professionally as Lauren Laverne, is an English radio DJ, model, television presenter, author, singer and comedian. Wow. This is pretty neat but could use a bit more oomph.
[READ: December 15, 2017] “The Copy Chief”
Once again, I have ordered The Short Story Advent Calendar. This year, there are brief interviews with each author posted on the date of their story.
Hello. Welcome. It’s finally here: Short Story Advent Calendar time.
If you’re reading along at home, now’s the time to start cracking those seals, one by one, and discover some truly brilliant writing inside. Then check back here each morning for an exclusive interview with the author of that day’s story.
(Want to join in? It’s not too late. Order your copy here.)
This year I’m pairing each story with a holiday disc from our personal collection.
I had to play catch up with these earlier stories because this collection arrived late (my fault, not theirs). I put this one off because it was so long, and yet it turned out to be one of my favorite stories in the collection so far.
Not because of anything flashy or exciting, just because of good writing and compelling characters. (more…)
I Just Read About That... 