It’s difficult to find a Christmas album to appeal to the taste of those who listen to the alternative rock genre. But when artists such as Jessica Simpson and Clay Aiken release holiday albums, alternative fans can rest assured that an album with holiday covers from Death Cab for Cutie, Lisa Loeb and Jars of Clay is available, too.
“Maybe This Christmas Tree” is the third installment in a series of alternative rock Christmas albums from Nettwerk Records, and it offers a fresh soundtrack that is sure to spruce up anyone’s holiday collection. The artists on the album are varied, making this album appealing to everyone. The only downfall is that a few songs don’t quite fit in and others aren’t covered as well as they could be. Some classic tunes are hard to reproduce.
The album is launched with a fine rendition of John Lennon’s classic holiday hit “Happy X-Mas (War is Over)” by The Polyphonic Spree. With a full choir and eclectic instruments that include chimes and horns, this new version suits the old one well.
The album continues with Death Cab for Cutie’s fun take on “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” It is surprising how close this track sounds to the original, given Death Cab for Cutie’s not-so-traditional sound. This, however, is a wonderful cover with not much wavering from the original.
Not all of the tracks on this album are covers, with originals from The Raveonettes, Belasana and Jars of Clay. The Raveonettes “The Christmas Song” could easily become a holiday classic, and is the shining star of this album.
The album ends with Copeland’s cover of “Do You Hear What I Hear,” which leaves listeners wishing they didn’t have to. It’s too bad this great album ends on such a poor note, with Copeland destroying this classic song. The band’s attempt at jazzing up the original doesn’t fair well.
Besides Copeland’s butchering, this album would look great in any music fan’s stocking. Hopefully next year the “Maybe This Christmas” tradition will continue and more indie bands can find their voices through Christmas tunes.
Seth Cohen (Adam Brody), the eccentric teen character on Fox’s television show “The O.C.,” is not your typical teenager. Therefore, a holiday album dedicated to the holiday he invented, “Chrismukkah,” is not your typical holiday album.
Chrismukkah (Christmas and Chanukah) is the holiday of choice celebrated by the half-themed episode, this is a great holiday album for everyone, even those who do not watch “The O.C.”
Some songs are originals, many are covers, but all give the holidays a fun, edgy vibe that spruces up the holidays .
The album begins strong with The Raveonette’s “The Christmas Song,” followed by another sure hit, Jimmy Eat World’s cover of “Last Christmas.” With an alternative rock vibe with all the feel of the original, this revamped version is fun and catchy.
“Rock of Ages,” has never been the most upbeat Christmas song, but Ben Kweller makes it enjoyable with a acoustic rendition. Another Christmas classic is made better on this album with The Eels’ take on “Christmas is Going to the Dogs.” It’s impossible not to dance to this song, with its fun guitar riffs and strong drum beat.
“Christmas with you is the best” by the Long Winters is definitely not your typical Christmas song: “We both hate the holidays/ our parents act crazy/ and the mall is insane/ let’s skip it all” and having a “non-traditional, non-denominational, celebration.” The lyrics go on to explain how Christmas lost its enjoyment as the singer got older. This is an interesting take on the holiday season, but probably rings true for many people.
The album continues with Leona Naess’s original song “Christmas.” With her throaty, crooning voice, this track doesn’t quite fit with the upbeat album, but is beautiful nonetheless.
Josh Schwartz, creator of “The O.C.,” continues his collection of The O.C. Mixes nicely with this album. Rarely do you get a whole album based on two episodes of a show, but thank goodness Schwartz did. Offering an eclectic collection of holiday music, any “O.C.” or alternative rock fan should put this on their Christmas (or Chanukah) list.