Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the most thoughtful Christmas offerings, November 18, 2008
If you couldn't tell, I went on a binge in the "Holiday Music" section this year. It's rare I pick up a CD from an artist I don't have some familiarity with, but when I saw "Fairytale of New York" in the titles, I knew this was my kind of Christmas album. Wasn't wrong, either. If you're looking for a bright, cheery Christmas CD, move on. On the other hand, if thoughtful and different with a slightly dark edge is the type of music you want to add to your collection, I strongly recommend you listen to this collection.
Kensrule, who is soloing from the group Thrice, is a singer-songwriter who hails from Orange County, CA. According to his press, he doesn't go along with the local superficial vibe. That's definitely true.
The ten song collection is is a combination of 4 traditionals, 3 contemporary songs, and 3 new songs. Kensrule has a smoky voice and a strong rock-style guitar that reminds me somewhat of a cross of Don Henley and Bruce Springsteen. According to the artist, the material came from his time busking and he wanted to keep that sentiment in the songs.
"Christmas Blues" reflects a theme I am hearing a lot in Christmas songs. There are far too many lovers apart this year.
"This Good Night is Still Everywhere" is the song I predict we're going to hear a lot this holiday season. It sounds like a a classic with its hopeful tone.
"This is War" is a self descriptive title. The tune's got a powerful, plangent guitar bridge that speaks as powerfully as the lyrics in between. The ending's powerful and one you won't soon forget.
Rebecca Kyle, November 2008
|
|
|
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dustin comes through again..., January 7, 2009
Dustin Kensrue is back! I love him in Thrice, and love his solo work.
He brings his awesome soulful blues sound to Christmas music. Original songs and remakes of classics are both great. The first track is definitely my favorite. I can't wait until Dustin Kensrue comes out with a full length of non-seasonal music (that is, if he ever has time away from Thrice).
|
|
|
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dustin never fails to deliver, December 17, 2008
In this album Dustin Kensrue has succeeded in delivering not only a wonderful album musically, but also a heart warming Christmas ode to joy and love.
I ,myself, am not a Christmas song collector. I don't enjoy hearing artist after artist cover old hymnals that you could find a 1000 different variations of by easily "youtubing" the song title. However, in this Dustin has successfully given me something that is unique in it's stripped down acoustic tones, that reflect not only earthy folk tunes that you might sing with your own family, could you play an acoustic guitar, but also brings the sense of Christmas with it.
I'll end this by saying one thing. It was not Christmas for me, till I bought this.
Wonderful.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
Interact With Your Music: Discover, listen to, and buy new music, all from the pages of SPIN's digital edition, free to Amazon customers.
