Customer Reviews

Sleighed: The Other Side of Christmas

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

 

 

This not-so-conventional Christmas CD has a great variety of songs ranging anywhere from the illustrious Beck to the comical Red Peters. When you look at the names of these songs you'll see this is not your average Christmas collection. And you won't want to play it for your parents on Christmas Day either. But overall, this CD's diversity and comical genius provide for some of the best Christmas songs/parodies around.

For instance, the first track by Red Peters ("You Ain't Getting Shxt For Christmas") is a hilarious tale of two parents who suffer through a first Christmas without their children. Next you have Plankeye's brilliant rendition of "Away In A Manger". Which, surprisingly enough, may be the best song on the CD. It's the best blend of pure rock and Christmas I've ever heard. The reason I bought this CD was for Local H. They do a brilliant cover of another classic song: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", which is my personal favorite song on the compilation. Both Local H and Plankeye's covers are easily the best; whereas Goldfinger, Less Than Jake, and The Smithereens all attempt a traditional cover ("White Christmas", "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer", and "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer" respectively), but don't really succeed. Their songs are too short and too undemanding to really take shape as "hits".

Being that the first half of the CD is the best, there's not much towards the end. In fact, the final two songs, you will find, are almost to the point of annoying. But if there is a high point on the second half it's Beck's techno-like, semi-cover "Little Drum Machine Boy". The song lasts 7 long minutes and swings in and out of electric guitars, heavy pumping bass, and catchy new lyrics. Of the songs that are left: "Xmas Time (It Sure Doesn't Feel Like It)" (Mighty Mighty Bosstones); "Christmas Crush" (Home Grown); and "Christmas With The Devil" (Spinal Tap), Home Grown's truly original song is the best. It's the best true punk song on the CD and also one of the funniest.

By now I think it's safe to say if you're looking for a new type of Christmas music to take you to the 25th with a bang, this CD will be perfect for you. Its assorted and sometimes twisted songs will either make you laugh or put you in the Christmas mood. It depends on the song, really. I gave 'Sleighed-The Other Side Of Christmas' 3 stars, and yet it really deserves about 3.5 stars. It is better than your average compilation (whether Christmas or not), and at many points its songs are downright brilliant and enchantingly clever.

This is a solid compilation album, spotlighting the "other" side of Christmas. What the "other" side is isn't too clear, since there are a wide variety of styles here. But who cares, since there are a lot of good songs here. The comedy tracks by Red Peters and the Little Stinkers are very funny. There are some solid rock songs by the likes of Plankeye and Home Grown. Beck contributes a very strange but interesting song. And Spinal Tap is awesome, of course. Most people probably won't like everything here, but there's a good chance they will find something to like.

CD is a riot. Perfect combination of anti and pro holiday music with a twist. Highly recommend, but not for kids (except one, very lovable song).

Certainly a different Christmas CD. The Red Peters' song (Your Ain't Getting S**t for Christmas) and the song by The Little Stinkers (I Farted on Santa's Lap) are hilarious! I enjoyed it.

This is a great example of a Christmas album, with a neat twist on it. There are lots of punk and ska bands featured that really make the season bright. Good gift for anyone who likes good music and Christmas time. Great songs from Great bands, you can't lose.

The good ones are really good - Red Peters has the best and most memorable tune. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones song could be a classic. I also like the contributions by the Smithereens, Local H, Beck and Spinal Tap. I'll pass on the Little Stinkers cut....

With the elves dressed in leather and the reindeer surely running away, this merry-merchandized-mirth-mix is more like a hoodwinked hoochie coochie dancer with a case of the heebie-jeebies.As in the real world, YULEage must have a darker side if one is to appreciate what's in the light.Over time I've grown fond of several YULEridGEMals as many make thier only mass market release.~~~Merrily Mix~ 1$, 2#1\2, 4#1\2, 7#1\2, 8#, 9#, and 12#1\2 ~~~Post Script: There may be no bells in hell, or no snow below, but for YULEtide Treasure Seekers or Merry Mixmiesters not all these sugar plums are rancid.Once again the compliers failed to include any instru-tinsel to aid in reflection, nor did they hide any customary seasonal surprisal, other than Old Saint Nick ripp'n one.***buyit*savesome*sharesome**** YULEridGEMality Factor = 7