Customer Reviews

Drummer Boy

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD is wonderful although it was released twice. I personally prefer the original releasing which instead of "Little Drummer Boy" (Grinch mix) and "Blind" (Fluffy Sav mix) it had "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "He" (Acoustic). If you can I suggest you get the first release but I will comment on both.

Both CDs have the extraordinary rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy" and a great instrumental "Wicker Baskets". I enjoy both songs immensely. "The Little Drummer Boy" is just done beautifully by Jars of Clay. It is awe-inspiring. The vocals are really superb and the music is incredible. "Wicker Baskets" is also a nice soothing song of reflection.

Regarding this CD's songs, the remix of "Drummer Boy" is good as well. I enjoyed the original more but the remix does add some "spice" to the song with some great effects. I personally didn't like the "Blind" remix too much though. It isn't all bad but it didn't seem like it belonged on the CD.

Now the original release of this CD had an excellent version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" on it. The song had exceptional guitar work on it. Then there is the song that I think is the best out of both releases. "He" (acoustic) is just beautiful. It sounds magnificent and is very emotional and touching. Both releases are great and should be added to your personal CD library but if you can try and get the first release. I personally own both and enjoy them both very much.

This CD was released twice with different songs. Both are outstanding CD's, but I actually prefer the older one (the 1995 release). You may want to check the auctions for it before buying this one. This CD (the 1997 release) has one of my favorite version of Blind (the fluffy sava mix, remixed by Scott Savage). It also contains a couple cool version of "Little Drummer Boy", very cool tracks around Christmas time. However the accoustic version of "He" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" make the older version are even cooler in my opinion. Both are great CD's, and must haves for Jars of Clay fans.

I must admit that I was somewhat biased in favor of this album before I bought it -- "Little Drummer Boy" is one of my fave Christmas songs and Jars is one of my fave bands. But it lived up to my expectations! The original version of "Drummer Boy" has a great bassline, one of the reasons I love Jars of Clay, and it adds a little rhythm to the song. The Grinch remix is one of the few remixes that's totally different but just as good. They take out most of the music and put in a lot of drums -- but it works! I'm a little confused about Amazon's EP, because the one I bought had "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "He (acoustic version)", while this has Blind and Wicker Baskets. By the one with "God Rest Ye" -- it's a beautiful arrangement that's only got a little muisc but a lot of pretty harmony. "He" I could take or leave; it's a little different. But I bought the EP for Drummer Boy, and I wasn't disappointed.

I have the CD with the acoustic version of "He." "Wicker Baskets" and the "Blind" remix are cool, but the other version has a beautiful version of "God Rest Ye Marry Gentleman" and, most importantly, the acoustic version of "He." "He" is without a doubt my favorite Jars song. There's some inexplicable feeling I get from that song. Many of you who know the song will know what I'm talking about.

The best way to explain this album is that "It works". Jars take a classic christmas song and make it thier own without detering from the original feel. on Drummer Boy, the blend of accoustic guitar with stings and haunting backing vocals is really amazing. And they make it sound so easy. Coming from a huge Jars of Clay fan, this review might be slighted, but this really is a gem. The "grinch mix" may not appeal to everyone instantly, but after repeat listenings, it catches on. The Blind remix is another example of Jars' awesome range creativity parting completely from the feel of "Drummer Boy". And ends perfectly with "Wicker Baskets", an instrumental works really well with this collection. If you can find the original release of the Drummer Boy cd with "God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (a dark accoustic rendition), and an accoustic version of "He" from thier self-titled debut which is amazing, I HIGHLY advise you buy it. Bottom line, this album works well anytime of the year, I listen to it reguardless of the season.

I became a casual fan of Christian rock group Jars Of Clay through their hit single "Flood", but once I heard their version of one of my favorite Christmas songs on the radio several years ago, I instantly feel in love with its modern acoustics which blend flawlessly, and without detracting from the original feel of the classic Christmas tune, perfectly! I can seriously listen to this one song over and over again without growing tiresome of it! That's honestly how good their rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy" really is! And while the Grinch Mix of the same song pales in comparison to the original single version, having it be slower in pace as it reduces to nothing but drums and subtle synthesizers work rather nicely.

The next two songs aren't exactly Christmas tunes but they're very nice to listen to if you feel the need to relax or to rewind from the stresses that Christmas sometimes generates while trying to manage your money while shopping!

I especially enjoy the Fluffy Sav Mix of "Blind", which I would recommend buying if it was a song by itself! And then there's "Wicker Baskets" which is a short, mellow instrumental that closes the album with calm acoustics.

I have not heard the later version with the newer tracks. The first version, with "He" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," is absolutely splendid. Jars of Clay prove their versatility and artistic prowess. They are definitely not crackpots, rather they are indeed treasures in jars of clay. You'll love the way they sound on these favorite Christmas tracks.

When purchased from this link, this IS the old, '95 version with God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and He-Acoustic Version. Great album, but at $2/song you're better off buying it on iTunes.

Excellent Christian music. Only 4 songs, but each one is so great. This was my very first CD, great for all Christians. Really something to keep your faith strong.

This CD rocks. My fave would have to be the first track, Little Drummer Boy, but all of them are great. Blind (fluffy sav mix) is one of those songs that when it starts you think, oh this is soo bad, but after a few minutes you start to get into the song and really like it. Buy it