Various Artists
Happy Christmas
Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovern
Ever wanted to hear the Supertones do "Joy to the World?" Sounds very joyful, with the horns and Morginsky's trademark vocals, but sometimes sounds more straight ahead rock & roll than ska. That's cool, I don't mind. Plus, it breaks into jazz toward the end of the tune. Want more ska? Listen to Five Iron Frenzy's version of the Rich Mullins classic neo-carol "You Gotta Get Up." Joy Electric's "Winter Wonderland" was a treat, but pretty much what the JE fan will expect. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," performed by Chasing Furies, is especially beautiful, as the sweet distortion-filled guitar and vocals exude more light and passion than the glow from that tree standing in your living room. Several original songs were included, making this disc even more unique: Puller's "Savior of the Fools," Starflyer's "Holiday Song" (which is also on their latest record), "Heaven's Got a Baby," by Sarah Masen, Huntingtons' "It's Always Christmas at My House," and Switchfoot's "Evergreen," etc. This disc also affords us the opportunity to hear the first recording from the new Plankeye incarnation (Eric Balmer and Luis Garcia), performing a rousing "Away in a Manger" with the help of Fold Zan's Frank Lenz on drums and BGV's. Pep Squad's "Feliz Navidad" sounds very little like what you may have heard the band do, with the latin beats, Spanish guitar, and trumpets. Also on the ethnic end of the musical spectrum, One Eighty's "Mele Kalikimaka" explodes upon the ears, energetically breathing blazing life anew into the cheesy old song. There's so much variety on this disc, there literally is something on here for everyone.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #21Reviewed by Chris WellAh, the sounds of Christmas. It's all too rare to find a Christian rock Christmas album, which makes something like Happy Christmas such a happy occasion. With a fun mix of traditional and new songs, Happy Christmas sports fresh arrangements that still play it pretty straight. Representing the classics: The Supertones rev up "Joy To The World"; Joy Electric puts a futuristic bounce on "Winter…