If 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 "Christmas Day" to Hangnail's "O Little Town of Bethlehem" to Fanmail's "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," there isn't exactly a freshness in approach. Female-fronted band Element makes "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" sound fun, but that's about it.
Things are the same on the electronic front. "Lollipop Parade (On Christmas Morn)" is a fine new song from Joy Electric. Norway, however, makes "White Christmas" sound like Erasure with a hangover, and House of Wires' "Caroling, Caroling" is just flat-out boring.
There are a few songs definitely worth hearing. In fact, the Lost Dogs' hilarious version of "The Chipmunk Song" is almost worth the price of the album. The more reverent tracks, like Plankeye's "Jesu Bambino (The Infant Child)" and The Normals' "Peace Child (O Come Emmanuel)," also make the album somewhat worthwhile. The harmonies on Flight 180's "O Come All Ye Faithful" make for good listening, and Sixpence None the Richer's "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," although available elsewhere, fits in well here.
Buying this CD is like getting assured risk insurance. You know you're paying for something you might enjoy one month out of the year. If in January you suddenly feel disappointed, what were you thinking when you bought it?
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Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Josh HurstUnderground, 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…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…
