Customer Reviews

A Kimmy & Klasse' Khristmas

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This album truly is one of the most incredible pieces of art I have ever heard. 1974 gave us Dark Side of the Moon, 1997 brought us OK Computer, and last year in 2004, it's very difficult to say for sure, but A Kimmy and Klasse Khristmas might just be this generation's defining landmark under-the-radar classic.

When we received this at our radio station, WRSU FM in New Brunswick, NJ, many of the other guys passed it along as your run-of-the-mill subpar Christmas album, but despite its cheesy cover art, I had a feeling it might be something more special than that. Upon taking it home for further inspection, I realized my predictions were correct, and that I had stumbled upon a gem.

Listening through my Grado SR-60 headphones, the first thing I noticed about the CD was its impeccable production. What Brian Eno did for Talking Heads and Nigel Godrich did for Radiohead, George Melvin has done for this group ([...]). The keyboards are mixed perfectly with the vocals, and while all the songs are covers, Kimmy, Johnita, and LeVondra (my favorite) do them with the most wonderful charm. You'll immediately notice a sense of familiarity: as the vocals come in, within 30 seconds you feel like you've known these ladies forever. They start the disc out reminiscing about their favorite Christmas moments, proceeding to courtesouly represent diverse celebrations by wishing a Happy Channuka, Happy Kwanza, and Merry Christmas, as well as a cheery Happy Holidays, before segueing beautifully into "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

Likewise, LeVondra's narrative in the middle of "Silent Night" is enough to move one to tears, as is their heart-wrenching rendition of "Star-Spangled Banner". Once again, the incredible production is apparent on all of these tracks, forcing oneself to question why every CD can't have this sort of behind-the-scenes studio work. I cannot think of a better reference CD to test new audiophile equipment (I think that might be why the price is a little high--most reference discs are quite pricy, so you're getting quite a bargain here).

All in all, with the holiday season approaching, I cannot think of a better purchase or gift for this time of year. This CD will be on every top-10 list in 30 years. Please do not be put off by the low-grade cover art; the CD inside is really an amazing one and I cannot fathom living without out. Everyone needs to own this classic.

This album truly is one of the most incredible pieces of art I have ever heard. 1974 gave us Dark Side of the Moon, 1997 brought us OK Computer, and last year in 2004, it's very difficult to say for sure, but A Kimmy and Klasse Khristmas might just be this generation's defining landmark under-the-radar classic.

When we received this at our radio station, WRSU FM in New Brunswick, NJ, many of the other guys passed it along as your run-of-the-mill subpar Christmas album, but despite its cheesy cover art, I had a feeling it might be something more special than that. Upon taking it home for further inspection, I realized my predictions were correct, and that I had stumbled upon a gem.

Listening through my Grado SR-60 headphones, the first thing I noticed about the CD was its impeccable production. What Brian Eno did for Talking Heads and Nigel Godrich did for Radiohead, George Melvin has done for this group (you can read more about him at gerogemelvin.com). The keyboards are mixed perfectly with the vocals, and while all the songs are covers, Kimmy, Johnita, and LeVondra (my favorite) do them with the most wonderful charm. You'll immediately notice a sense of familiarity: as the vocals come in, within 30 seconds you feel like you've known these ladies forever. They start the disc out reminiscing about their favorite Christmas moments, proceeding to courtesouly represent diverse celebrations by wishing a Happy Channuka, Happy Kwanza, and Merry Christmas, as well as a cheery Happy Holidays, before segueing beautifully into "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

Likewise, LeVondra's narrative in the middle of "Silent Night" is enough to move one to tears, as is their heart-wrenching rendition of "Star-Spangled Banner". Once again, the incredible production is apparent on all of these tracks, forcing oneself to question why every CD can't have this sort of behind-the-scenes studio work. I cannot think of a better reference CD to test new audiophile equipment (I think that might be why the price is a little high--most reference discs are quite pricy, so you're getting quite a bargain here).

All in all, with the holiday season approaching, I cannot think of a better purchase or gift for this time of year. This CD will be on every top-10 list in 30 years. Please do not be put off by the low-grade cover art; the CD inside is really an amazing one and I cannot fathom living without out. Everyone needs to own this classic.