Not many would appreciate the pundt cake on the word plate, but would be fine saying "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season" sure brings about some magical moments, this version? Yeah, it's nice.
If I had any relevancy, this next notion might render what is present "Dead!" but "Christmas Dance" (accurately spelled, although he could share this hit on another word playte) marches to a similar beat, with a vibrancy and harmonies that the black parade utilizes, which in turn energizes.
We'll skip the two pleasant covers that follow to focus on a one two punch that really surprised me, "St. Patrick's Day" and "River," respectively. I knew the latter, but didn't realize right away that it was John Mayer's lament on holidays and heartbreak; which one would be best to end the savior from winter loneliness? His performance and emotional impact parallels that of Mayer's, utilizing his own strengths to make it his own.
Circumstance not only brought me my favorite version of the latter, but my second favorite version of the latter. Rachel Yamagata's version was the first version I heard on a compilation album and it cemented my belief in how it should sound, everything else paled in comparison. Criss was a little more Darren when he chose to present the song in a more upbeat and lively fashion, which made it memorable
Darren trades in the Crisskates, for a guitar full of heartstrings to tug on in the sentimental "Welcome Home" that reads like another version of Goodnight Moon; to me anyway.
He loosens the strings to sing about "All Those Christmas Cliches" that in spite of their status still make the holidays more special, but not as effective as family. I did not realize this was a cover of Nancy LaMott's original, nor did I know of her existence, but maybe I will learn more about her music in the future, but I am not making any promises.
Then before tugging on the strings of the heart-ar again, he sings a song that includes one of the common associations with the holiday that sounds better in song than in practice.
"Somewhere in My Memory" has been a song without a name for over twenty years, until I started to hear more covers of this gold coin from the treasure chest of memories this movie seems to present to some people. I will continually associate the first sequel with a family reunion (and sleepover where it was watched) because that was the first time I saw it, and it does present "precious moments, special people, and happy faces," just none I can see clearly; it's been almost three decades.
His duet with Lainey Wilson is a nice wobbly step into Santa's Pub, or another honkey tonk when "Drunk On Christmas," or during the holidays. It never said it had to be alcohol, you can be drunk on spirits (good spirits, not necessarily the liquid kind) (or not)
Darren suggests that you "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" before presenting an original to celebrate the new year, and the fact that anyone reading this, or not, has been blessed with another chance to elevate their lives. We made it through another year full of various experiences that have given us more than we know because most see things at face value, or believe they have to wait until the 1st of January to initiate that change. Also, a "New Year" cannot merely erase old feelings; the song is a beautiful nod to the holiday.
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