Underground, or lesser known bands are often underground for a reason. Often, they just do not have the accessible sound that most music fans crave. Still, underground and unsigned bands almost always have admirable levels of enthusiasm and energy.
All of that energy is channeled through classic Christmas tunes on Happy Christmas Volume 2, a Christmas compilation disc that features mostly underground Christmas rock bands, with a few exceptions. The artists cover favorite Christmas songs, as well as a few new ones, with mixed results, but all of the artists on the disc make a valiant effort.
Punk trio MxPx kicks things off with an original song called "Christmas Day." The song sounds just like their usual fare, and makes a good album opener for this eclectic album. The second song is arguably the best on the album. Sixpence None the Richer recorded "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" several years ago for another compilation, but the song sounds as fresh as ever. Sixpence is usually a very serious, even melancholy band, but this song has "fun" written all over it.
Track #3 is All Star United's upbeat, jolly "I Wish it Would be Christmas Every Day," which is another highlight of the record. Some other memorable tracks include Starflyer 59's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," despite the fact that the happy lyrics and slow, gloomy pop sounds contradict each other a bit, The Normals' acoustic "Peace Child," Fanmail's "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," and the hilarious album closer, Lost Dogs' "The Chipmunk Song."
The downers of the album are Joy Electric's very un-Christmasy "Lollipop Parade" and Norway's "White Christmas." Maybe I just don't like their style.
Happy Christmas Volume 2 is about as strange as Christmas albums come, but it is sure to please any fan of solid rock music who needs a little bit of Christmas cheer.
Josh's Score: 3/5
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 1999Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksIf you're looking for an alternative, rock and roll Christmas, you've come to the right place. If you're looking for a traditional Christmas album in every sense of the word--don't touch this CD. Once again, BEC has put out the alternative Christmas compilation of the year. This year they've snagged Sixpence None the Richer, MxPx, All Star United, Starflyer 59 and more (complete listing below).…Art for the Ears 1999Reviewed by Marco PovervestDo you like those Christmas Carols too? Like Bing Crosby's: "I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas". How sweet and peaceful that song! Sitting besides the tree and dreaming away. If you're into that type of Christmas songs, quit reading this review! These are alternative songs from an alternative label. Though not only bands from the label itself. This is a first class compilation with these artists:…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Michial FarmerThe powers that be at Tooth & Nail Records have done it again--put together a bag of holiday candy so mixed that even Forrest Gump would be amazed. Last year's Happy Christmas, featuring new and classic Christmas songs by the likes of Sarah Masen, 7 Day Jesus, Starflyer 59, and others, was greeted with a reception so warm that a sequel has been produced. Predictably titled Happy Christmas Volume…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Tommy JollyIf you have ever bought a Christmas album with a variety of artists, then you already know what Happy Christmas Vol. 2 is like: more cuts than you need to hear, some of which you like, some of which you can't stand. After one listen, you'll never play through the whole thing again. Some of the selections are indistinguishable from one another, namely most of the punk tracks. From MxPx's…
