Customer Reviews

Christmas Time Again

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The dB's were one of the great unsung groups of the burgeoning Southern alt-pop scene in the 1980's, and like much of their catalog, this Christmas offering has been largely overlooked over the years. I only discovered it myself a couple of years ago, and I'm glad I did. It apparently started out as an EP, expanded to a full-length album, and more recently was re-released as an expanded version with 21 tracks. The dB's - Chris Stamey and Peter Holsapple - do a fine job with some familiar old tunes as well as new and original ones, and their collection of "friends" is impressive as well: Alex Chilton and Big Star, Marshall Crenshaw, Ryan Adams and Whiskeytown, Don Dixon, et al. There aren't many clinkers here, (Ted Lyons' bizarre "The Only Law that Santa Claus Understood" is one exception). Overall, it's a very enjoyable collection of jangle-pop mixed with a downbeat ballad or two and even a somewhat jazzy arrangement (Don Dixon's version of "I Saw Three Ships"). In short, it's a nice departure from the "same-old same-old" holiday fare.

Chris Stamey Group released "Christmas Time" in 1986. Collectors Choice release "Christmas Time Again" includes many of the tracks from that set and expands with added selections. Marshall Crenshaw works up a sweat on "Lonely Christmas" with a boy scout vocal wringing the most from the track. Big Star's "Jesus Christ" has a good religious sentiment, "With love they did rejoice, fine & pure of voice; & the wrong shall fail & the right prevail." The dB's "Holiday Spirit" satirizes commercialism, "I've got that holiday spirit, gimme, gimme, gimme." Whiskeytown with Ryan Adams on vocals relates a sad story, "I found a bunch of letters, they were written for the fellow who broke your mama's heart." Ted Lyons does a parody of Gene Pitney's "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" on "The Only Law that Santa Claus Understood" casting Santa as a gunslinger. Don Dixon provides a jazzy bass-thumping version of "I Saw Three Ships." Musically, Wes Lachot's vocals recall the Beach Boys on a song with a sad message, "Christmas is the only time I think of you." Cathy Harrington's "Sha La La" sounds like the Go-Gos channeling the Crystals, but unfortunately, Harrington's voice is not one you want to hear again & again. With his warbling vocals, Alex Chilton sounds like he's trying to make fun of Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire). "Christmas Time Again" is a varied set with a few nuggets & a few clinkers. It fills the spot for those not wanting to hear the same old thing at holiday time. Enjoy!

Who were the Lamberts? Bret Lambert's short "Silent Nocturne" is incredibly beautiful, and should be on
anyone's Christmas Mix tape. Their light jazz touch on "Silver Bells" makes for a great version too. The rest
of this sort of Alt Country Christmas is very good indeed. Highly recommended.

There might be 2 clunkers on this disc but most of it is quite enjoyable. For power-pop fans that might enjoy Christmas tunes. Not necessarily for Christmas fans that might enjoy power-pop. 4.5 stars.

Based on the reviews for this CD I decided to buy it without having sampled it. Big mistake. I love, among others, Marshall Crenshaw, Don Dixon and Peter Holsapple, but what happened here? This was so not fabulous.