There are some Christmas albums that are indisputable in their "Classic" status, and some merely subjective. While I prefer the more rock-oriented or untraditional music of Christmas, I do love the classics. These next two bands may now be lumped in the "Classic Rock" category, but their seasonal outings still prove they have yet to relent to laurel-resting, in fact they both released another album aside from these holiday selections.
CHeap Trick "Christmas Christmas"
The band acts as a riotous child raising mirthful heck, then realizes it's really close to Christmas, changes their tune and tone, and then reverts to their antics in this romp of a Christmas album. Its safe to say that their cover of "Silent Night" felt out of place, for me anyway, among all of the energy and vibrancy of the rock, in good faith. The one two punch of their original tune "Merry Christmas Darlings" and their cover of "I Wish it Could Be Christmas Every Day" set your spirit alight and even encouraged that sentiment. I'm not a big fan of the band, but they brought a seasonal treat for the fans, even with another cover of "Run Run Rudolph" which incites me to run away at the mere thought, but the execution is appreciated; then covers of edgier Christmas tunes by Slade, the Kinks and The Ramones. "The Father of Life" is a song that while more tender than their cover of a traditional classic sounds more genuine, and not as displaced ; a pleasant original that allows the listener to breathe and contemplate the serenity of the season, before throwing the listener back into the bustle of the season with the title track.
"Not So Silent Night: Christmas with REO Speedwagon"
An important mantra to remember before opening that mystery box from a familial wild card or an anticipated gift from a family favorite: It's the thought that counts. While a majority of the songs have been heard countless times from a multitude of musicians, there is still some magic left to be shared in another interpretation. The blend of gospel and rock in the seldom heard, and hardly covered, to my knowledge, "Children, Go Where I Send Thee. is an example. However, I would not skip the yuletide extravagance of the songs that precede it, especially "I Believe In Santa Claus ( Remix 2017)." While there have been newer versions of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" that rock, this was recorded before they were conceived and is worth the listen.
The majority of this record was released eight years prior, I did not know until recently, and while I cannot name any others that stand out to me, it is merely because the quality of the renditions and their components are of similar quality and these compositions have been overdone., but have aged well.
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