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45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Let's boogey to the Elf Dance!, November 21, 2006
For some years now, Sufjan Stevens has been recording little EPs of Christmas songs for people he knew, to "make himself appreciate Christmas more."
Now thankfully he's sharing these songs with his eager listeners, in a five-disc collection that includes his folky reinterpretations of classic carols -- and then the festive ones he made himself. This is not the treacly garbage they put on the radio or in malls -- this is enchanting, festive, fresh music for the holidays.
The first EP -- recorded in 2001 -- is very much old-school Sufjan. Much folkier and banjoey, especially in the lo-fi "O Come O Come Emmanuel," folksy little songs about going to the country, and "Amazing Grace." But there are exceptions -- a shimmering reinterpration of an old hymn, and some bouncy sleigh bell pop.
But the collection blossoms with the sparkling "Angels We Have Heard on High," which is the lead-in to his more polished style. In the four EPs that follow, Sufjan flourishes out into synthy pop, xylophone tunes, dancey holiday music, mellow folk, and exquisite piano balladry. There's the occasional banjo tune, but they grow rarer as time goes on.
And as the collection moves forward, Stevens' music becomes more accomplished with each passing year. His music becomes more complex and more enchanting, right up to the rather pensive and downbeat fifth disc -- which is album-length -- with the shimmering piano of "Winter Solstice" and the offbeat synthpop of "Jupiter Winter."
Sufjan does repeat himself occasionally -- there are multiple versions of "O Come O Come Emmanual," "Lo! A Rose E'er Blooming," and "Once in Royal David's City." Fortunately each time he records the same song, it's radically reimagined. And even songs that most people are heartily sick of -- like "Jingle Bells" -- lose that appalling shopping-mall feeling when Sufjan plays them.
As well as the traditionals and classics, Sufjan injects a lot of his own songs. He makes a festive mishmash of instrumentals -- Hammond, guitar, a little flute, banjo, and lots and lots of bells! Lyrically this is right up his street. He can switch effortlessly from "K-Mart is closed/So is the bakery" to singing about the little Lord Jesus laying down his head in a manger.
And Stevens isn't afraid to look at the side of Christmas that isn't filled with love, joy and goodwill ("Our father yells/Throwing gifts in the wood stove... Silent night/Nothing feels right"). But then, he also has whimsical pop tunes like "Come On! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!" which is suitably jolly for the holidays. Not to mention the sweetly romantic side as well ("I might kiss you on the back of your neck/Because it's Christmas time."
Sufjan Stevens is in excellent form with his collection of Christmas tunes. Old songs get a new spin, and new songs are absolutely enchanting in his psychfolky way. Now that it's Christmas time...
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28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A solid Christmas album from Mr. Stevens!, November 23, 2006
The lofty dreams of Sufjan Stevens have always been one of his most admirable features. Whether it's a double album based on the state of Illinois, or better yet, an entire project based on the 50 states of the United States, Stevens has always captivated his audiences with some of the grandest music today! Like his most recent projects, his latest box-set, titled "Songs for Christmas," is a collection of 5 short Christmas albums that were recorded by Sufjan every year since 2001. Any die hard fan of the artist should have heard most of these songs before (they have been available on the Internet for some time now), but a low-price tag, attractive packaging and additional fold-outs, stickers and a songbook make this package a must-have for any Sufjan fan!
There are far too many songs on this collection to critique individually (42 in all), so I will simply point out that "Songs for Christmas" is one of the best Christmas albums that I've yet to hear in my life. There are traditional Christmas songs on here (both Christian and secular), Christian hymns, and even original songs by Mr. Stevens, himself. Each song is treated with the utmost care and respected for its worth and history, yet they manage to sound distinctly like Sufjan Stevens. With the exception of Volume 5 of the collection, "Peace," you won't find any of the symphonic embellishments that you've come to expect with albums like "Illinois" and "The Avalanche." Instead, what you'll find is a very toned-down Sufjan Stevens, reminiscent of "Seven Swans" or the lighter moments on "Michigan." More often than not, these songs will only feature Sufjan on guitar, banjo, or piano as he humbly sings the songs we've loved since our childhood.
The original songs on this collection are all surprisingly top-notch, though I doubt many of them will translate into pop culture quite as seamlessly as the other songs have. After all, a song titled "Did I Make You Cry On Christmas Day? (Well, You Deserved It!)" probably won't appeal to everyone. Regardless, these songs feature the charming nature that fans have come to expect from Sufjan over the years. They are not genius, by any means, but they are good and they definitely serve their purpose by putting you in the holiday spirit.
"Songs for Christmas" is not Sufjan's greatest album, nor is it meant to be. What it is is a charming collection of old classics and new songs from one of America's most talented musicians. Obviously, this album is not going to be for everyone. Those who don't identify with Christianity or celebrate Christmas probably won't find as much to enjoy here as they would on other Sufjan albums, but those who can identify with the subject matter will absolutely love it! For the price, there's no better Christmas album that you could possibly buy. So stick with "Songs for Christmas." You'll be thankful you did.
Recommended for fans of Sufjan Stevens, and anyone looking to get into the Christmas spirit without spending ludicrous amounts of money!
Key Tracks:
1. "I Saw Three Ships"
2. "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"
3. "That was the Worst Christmas Ever"
4. "The Incarnation"
5. "Get Behind Me Santa"
6 out of 10 Stars
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sufjan Doesn't Dissapoint (Has He Ever?), November 29, 2006
Sufjan has exceeded my expectations with every album he releases, and this is no exception. For any fans of Sufjan; this is a must have. For any fans of Christmas Music; this is a must have.
All of your favorite Christmas songs are here, wonderfully redone with an unmistakably Sufjan sound. This album covers the entire spectrum of Sufjan's sound. There are quiet, folky, banjo pieces reminiscent of "Seven Swans", or parts of "M!ch!gan!", but he also inclusdes some of the large, complicated, orchestral compositions prominent on "Illinois"
Sufjan has many people help out on this album, including; "a college friend, a Presbyterian pastor and his wife, a string quartet, my little brother, to name a few." I was pleasenty surprised to find that Denison Witmer contibutes to a few songs on "Ding! Dong!" (vol. 3).
The best parts of this album, in my opinion, are the original songs that Sufjan has written. "It's Christmas!, Lets be glad!", "Come on, Lets Boogey to the Elf Dance!", "Hey Guys, It's Christmas Time!", and many of the others are now my new favorite Christmas Songs. Sufjan even includes lyric sheets and chord charts so that you can sing and play along!
Also, The packaging of this album is the best that I have ever seen. Stickers, a comic, a poster, 5CDs and a booklet with short stories by "Santa Sufjan" and many other things. If you are going to buy this album, buy the actual album, don't download it. And read through the entire booklet, Sufjan puts a bunch of very funny little comments all through it.
This album makes me glad that I have a 5CD changer in my CD player. I doubt I will listen to much else this holiday season. This album is one of the best christmas albums ever made, and I am sure that years from now I will still be roasting chestnuts to the beatiful music of "Santa Sufjan". This album makes a great gift, or a great addition to your own collection. And come on, when was the last time you got 5 (awesome) CDs for 20 bucks? Definetly buy this album right now.
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by Sufjan Stevens 
