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64 of 66 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
WAY too short and a somewhat half-hearted effort, October 9, 2008
Let me start by saying I've always enjoyed Steamroller's Christmas albums. The first two were brilliant, the rest were, at the very least, enjoyable. But something about this latest one is just lacking.
The first thing you should know is that this is NOT a typical Steamroller Christmas album, and maybe it's not even fair to compare it to the previous ones. Unlike those earlier albums, almost every song on this CD has lyrics, and the styles of music occasionally depart drastically from what we've come to expect from a Steamroller album. There's a big-band number, for example, and a screeching electric guitar solo on the finale. There's also an R&B song, and even a bizarre kiddie song ("Humbugs.") On one hand, I'm glad they're stretching themselves creatively, but sadly, it stills ends up feeling very half-hearted.
The biggest problem with the album is the length. This CD is barely half and hour long... WAY too short to be charging full price. This should be priced as an EP. With the amount of money Chip Davis rakes in from fans for these albums every year, it's practically offensive that he can't take the time to release a proper length album. Three of the 12 tracks clock in at under 2 minutes, which is ridiculous. Adding insult to injury, two of the longer songs are recycled from previous albums ("Messengers Of Christmas" appeared on "The Christmas Angel" CD, and "The Sign Of Love" appeared on both "Impressions" and "Romantic Melodies." The only difference this time is that they added schmaltzy lyrics to it.)
There ARE a few highlights, though. Even though "Messengers Of Christmas" is recycled, it's a good piece, and since it wasn't from one of their more popular Christmas albums, a lot of people may have missed it the first time around, and it will be new to them. "Where Are You Christmas" is a really touching song, beautifully arranged and sung. "The Man With The Bag" is a very successful attempt at the big-band sound (so successful, in fact, that it feels out of place on a Steamroller album.) The rest of the tracks range from "okay" to "forgettable" to "cringe-worthy".
Bottom line: This is the first time I bought a Steamroller album and really felt cheated. If you're a diehard Steamroller fan, there may be just enough good stuff on here to make it worthwhile, but ONLY if you can find it for very cheap. I regret paying full price for it.
If you're new to Steamroller, start with one of their first two Christmas albums ("Christmas" or "A Fresh Aire Christmas"), or buy yourself a copy of "Christmas Celebration", which offers a solid collection of the best tracks from their first four albums.
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