Just in time for your July / August really early shopping compulsions, Eric Alexandrakis has a 4-song CD EP with esoteric pop Christmas songs. The first two numbers are kind of similar to Rick Altizer, except with lots of shakers and bells and piano keys and layered vocal effects, making for crafted, cheery, original holiday fare for the ladies and the soft hearted gents. For the tough guys and smart alecks, though, Alexandrakis gives us the macabre "Santa Claus is Dead," which is, frankly, brilliant in its dark comedy. "Tragedy has struck the North Pole community / One which the whole world will definitely pity / A crime has been committed / to all of humanity / not one out of vanity / but cold-blooded insanity," Alexandrakis sings stoically. Tone changes to ornery and loud for the chorus, "Santa Claus is dead / shot three times in the head / most likely rumor has it by a reindeer fundamentalist." Humorous speculation on the motive for his murder is explored throughout the rest of the song, until events turn suddenly for a rousing conclusion stanza of, "Santa Claus is not dead / that was his outcast twin brother. . . (etc.)" Alexandrakis follows that irreverent romp with the apocalyptic tech-brooding, "Christmas Shopping Can Be Stressful," which takes a repetitive phrase, "What should I get Him for Christmas," and shoves it down your throat mercilessly (kind of like "All Your Base Are Belong To Us," without the catchy techno beat). Creative is the nice word for Eric. Stark raving mad could be more apropos. Whatever. He writes great songs.
