Various Artists - "The Broken Christmas"

Various Artists - The Broken Christmas

1988, Broken

1. "The First Noel" - Riki Michelle

2. "O Come All Ye Faithful" - Undercover

3. "Born in a Stable" - Level Heads

4. "Rudy Red" - J.C. & the Boyz
5. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" - Ojo

6. "What Child is This?" - 4*1*1*

7. "Angels We Have Heard On High" - Adam Again

8. "O Holy Night" - The Reign

9. "Silent Night" - The Holidays

10. "Follow the Star" - House Party

11. "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" - Gene Eugene, Riki Michelle, Ojo

Uvulapie's comment about The Broken Christmas reminded me that I do actually have this! Granted, I don't have the actual CD, sadly, because they're about $100 on amazon and I'm just not going to pay that much for a CD (someone reissue this will ya?!). Anyway, I heard that this had some Adam Again Christmas songs on it so that's why I checked it out. Both the tunes featuring Gene are really cool. Definitely a different spin on those holiday classics. I'm kind of ambivalent about the rest of the songs though. I'm sure if I had heard 4*1*1*, Level Heads, The Reign, etc. I might be more excited but when this CD came out I had just gotten into Christian metal and my fondness for alt rock wouldn't develop for another five years or so. Still, I do like the album and it's definitely different from anything you would hear anywhere else. Ojo's take on "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" almost reminds me of Mannheim Steamroller. "Rudy Red" is no "Christmas in Hollis" but it's fairly amusing - kind of bizarre in the fact that it makes Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer a strung out junkie that finds Jesus. I think one of the sites on my link list has this available for download. Don't feel too bad... it's long out of print and I don't think anyone plans to rerelease it anytime soon.

Useless Fact: Not a fact, a request. The cover art looks like a Mike Knott creation. Can anyone confirm?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy Turkey Day. Hopefully you'll be reading this just seconds before digging into yummy turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy.

MMMMMMM....gravy....*drool*

Anyway, I'm going to take some time to jot down some things I'm thankful for:

1. My wife who loves me even though I sometimes forget to flush the toilet - God bless you dear.
2. My daughter who is the most beautiful, perfect thing that God has created so far.
3. My friends and co-workers at Bear Creek Ranch - your friendship and kindness have been invaluable. Thank you for taking me in!
4. My parents for their continued support of my family in whatever the hell we think we want to do each day.
5. The fact that I do have a job, even if it's not my favorite, and the fact that at least MOST of the bills get paid.
6. Music! It animates my life and provides frames for my memories. Without it life would be colorless and drab.
7. My blog - this past year has been the most fun I've had on any blog I've done. If you're a regular visitor, thank you! Don't be afraid to leave comments!
8. Little Ceasars... seriously... you guys are the bomb.
9. I'm thankful to Dann Gunn for visiting my little corner of the Internet and being so honest and open about the old 'Pede days.
10. Also a thank you to Bridegroom and Bentley who sent me a free CD to review. Don't worry it'll get up here next month.
11. Finally, I am thankful for God, who remains the same no matter where I am or what I'm doing. The One who keeps the flame alive in my heart even when I'd sometimes rather punch Him in the face. All my faith I owe to You.

God bless everyone this Thanksgiving!

Various Artists - "Happy Christmas Vol. 2"

Various Artists - Happy Christmas, Vol. 2

1999, BEC

1. MxPx - "Christmas Day"

2. Sixpence None the Richer - "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"

3. All Star United - "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday"

4. Plankeye - "Jesu Bambino (The Infant Child)"

5. Hangnail - "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

6. Joy Electric - "Lollipop Parade (On Christmas Morn)"

7. Flight 180 - "O Come All Ye Faithful"

8. Starflyer 59 - "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

9. Viva Voce - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

10. The Normals - "Peace Child (O Come Emmanuel)"

11. Fanmail - "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"

12. Norway - "White Christmas"

13. Element - "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"

14. The Deluxtone Rockets - "Santa Claus is Back in Town"

15. House of Wires - "Caroling, Caroling"

16. Lost Dogs - "The Chipmunk Song"

I got this CD for two reasons and two reasons only. First, I wanted a legal copy of Sixpence's "Mr. Grinch" on CD, second I wanted to hear the Lost Dogs version of "The Chipmunk Song" without shelling out $15 for their Christmas disc (which I've heard isn't very good). As a bonus I get a bunch of songs by a bunch of bands I've never really heard of (except MxPx and Starflyer 59) because by the time 1999 rolled around I wasn't really into the music scene much. The disc was only 75 cents so it's not like I was going to be disappointed if all the other songs stunk. Imagine my genuine surprise when I found that the rest of the songs didn't suck. Not only do they not suck, the CD as a whole is pretty enjoyable. Of course, pop-punk can be a pretty fun genre anyway so marrying that with Christmas tunes seems like a no-brainer. I like MxPx's offering as well as Flight 180's ska version of "O Come All Ye Faithful." Awww... remember ska? Viva Voce's shoegazery take on "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is a highlight as well. I've got a Viva Voce disc laying around the house somewhere, I guess I'll have to go check it out because their version has become one of my top favorites of that song. Joy Electric, Norway, and House of Wires provide some electronica, though I think Joy Electric's tune is the best out of the three. Their music has always sounded to me like it came from a video game. I was slightly disappointed by Starflyer's version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" but I'm betting it will grow on me. I also don't like the Deluxtone Rockets though I think that's because I've never really liked the song they cover.

Naturally I would do a disservice to the Dogs if I didn't mention their entertaining cover of "The Chipmunk Song" with Gene Eugene (gosh, it's good to hear him again) playing the adult and the other three dogs playing the Chipmunks (Mike Roe is Alvin). It's funny and they sound great. I especially appreciate the use of "Virtual Derri." What's that you ask? You'll just have to get the CD and listen. I'm sure this CD will become essential in the coming years and I'm really glad I picked it up!

Useless Fact: "The Chipmunk Song" also appears on the Lost Dogs Christmas album, We Like to Have Christmas. As I've said, I've heard that it's kind of mediocre. Maybe someone out there with the CD can chime in and change my mind.

Deliverance - "A Decade Of..."

Deliverance - A Decade Of...

1995, Intense

1. Victory

2. No Time

3. The Call

4. Flesh & Blood

5. This Present Darkness

6. Rescue

7. After Forever

8. Prophet of Idiocy

9. Words to the...

10. Ramming Speed

11. Stay of Execution

12. Learn

13. Desperate Cries

14. Sanctuary

While I don't need this on my ipod anymore (since I have all the songs already) I thought I would include it anyway. A Decade Of... is an interesting little retrospective on the big D's career. I listened to it a lot when I first got it - mainly because of "Rescue" which is a smokin' awesome track that never made it onto Weapons of Our Warfare. Another highlight of this disc is the short liner notes written by Jimmy P. Brown himself. They're rather informative and enjoyable. I will say that it's kind of odd that tracks like "Weapons of our Warfare" and "What a Joke" didn't make it on this comp, but I never really cared. It's kind of nice to have a comp where the absolute most popular songs aren't tread out again. I wonder if Jimmy got to pick the track list?

Useless Fact: "Rescue" was eventually added as a bonus track on Retroactive's Weapons reissue. There's also a mistake on the back of the CD case where the title doesn't match the album artwork above it. I can't remember which ones are wrong though.

Dr. Octoroc - "8-Bit Jesus"

Dr. Octoroc - 8-Bit Jesus

2008, Independent

1. We Three Konami

2. Ryu the Red Nosed Ninja

3. Silent Knight Man

4. Carol of the Belmonts

5. Joy to Commando

6. Deck the Kremlin

7. Little Drummer Nemo

8. The Legend of Noel

9. Super Jingle Bros.

...and now for something completely different. I stumbled upon this little Christmas oddity while doing an article for a local paper on Christmas music. The good Dr. Octoroc specializes in what are called "chip-tunes." For the uninitiated "chip-tunes" are songs that sound like they came straight from the ol' Nintendo. The original 8-bit Nintendo. Dr. Octoroc produces Christmas tunes as though they came from your favorite classic games. "Ryu the Red Nosed Ninja" is "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as done in the style of the game Ninja Gaiden. "Silent Knight Man" is "Silent Night" as done in the style of Mega Man. It's quite an interesting combination, especially if you grew up with the old Nintendo like I did. I will admit that it's hard to pick out the actual melody of the Christmas tune in question in songs like "The Legend of Noel" and "Little Drummer Nemo." Then there's songs like "Carol of the Belmonts" and "We Three Konami" that are really fun - you can pick out the melody pretty easy. The edition of this album on my ipod is the free 9-song download that Dr. Octoroc offered on his website. You can find it here. The actual album itself has 18 tracks. I decided not to buy the whole album because while it's a lot of fun for me, my wife doesn't like it at all. Also, it's not really something I'll listen to while driving in the car or anything - money's tight and I've gotta save for stuff I know I'm going to listen to a lot. That being said, I've totally been digging these a lot more the past few days so who knows? You can order the full album here. If you're a Christmas lunatic with a deep abiding love for the old grey box, check out Dr. Octoroc.

Useless Fact: Dr. Octoroc has also produced chip-tunes based on Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog.

Music Musings: 5 Christmas Songs That Need Updating

Even though it’s only November I’ve pretty much said, “Screw it, I’m doing Christmas now.” So in my head it’s Christmastime and will be until January 2nd. That being said, I’ve been thinking about Christmas music and which songs should be updated. There are some more obscure songs that I think need a fresh coat of paint. Likewise, there are some songs that should be remade, yet remain “original.”. Quick note: just because a song is on this list doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with the original.

1. “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevey – I first heard this song a couple years ago on the radio. Up until then I’d never heard of it. I had no idea that a song about wanting a hippo for Christmas would make me giggle like a school-girl, but it did. There’s also something about Gayla’s Shirley Temple-esque vocals that appeal to me as well. I think it’s about time for a fun pop-punk version of this song. A band like Paramore could probably pull it off. Anyone know Paramore’s phone number?

2. “Snoopy’s Christmas (Snoopy vs. the Red Baron)” by the Royal Guardsmen – When I was little (and I mean little, like 4 or 5) I had this record with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang. It was a Christmas record and I remember listening to it over and over. “Snoopy’s Christmas” was one of the songs and my personal favorite. I heard it a year or two ago on the radio and thought that it was time someone did a good cover of this tune. I’m not sure what direction you could go but I think this is a song that deserves some more airplay. After all, it does have some basis in fact – during WWI Allied and German soldiers would call a temporary truce on Christmas Day. Sometimes they even exchanged gifts! So the story of Snoopy’s one-day truce with his nemesis, the Red Baron, is a holiday story that deserves more exposure than it currently has. Also, if anyone knows what record I’m talking about, please let me know because I can’t find any information on it.

3. “Last Christmas” by Wham! – I have included this song not because it’s one of my favorites, but because it is one of the most over-played songs of the holiday season. You’ll hear it at Walmart, Walgreens, the radio on your car, the elevator, the doctor’s office, any restaurant with music. Doesn’t matter where you might find yourself during the season you will hear this song. It is inevitable. RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!! Um… so anyway, it’s time to update the synth-tastic original. Also, George Michael’s whispery vocals annoy me for some reason. I propose a nice acoustic guitar version with a decent singer that’s NOT Jon Mayer.

4. “Same Auld Lang Sine” by Dan Fogelburg – Here’s another song that’s didn’t make this list because it’s a favorite. In fact, I hate this song. If this song were a person I would probably punch them right in the throat. If you read my “5 Worst Christmas Songs” list from last year I think this was number 2. This song’s presence on my list is a request. I’m calling on a metal band to do a full on metal cover of this turgid holiday turd. I want fast down-tuned riffs, death “cookie monster” growls, blast beats, and a few face-melting leads. That would be the ultimate salvation for what is one of the worst Christmas songs ever.

5. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” traditional – I know what you’re thinking. “But Adam,” you say, “there’s, like, a zillion versions of this song! Why does it need updating?” Well, gentle reader, I will tell you why - because among that zillion there is not one version that I like. Not. Even. One. I don’t know what it is about this song, whether it’s the repetitive nature of the lyrics or the fact that no one has really done anything spectacular with it but we need a “definitive” version of this song.

Favorite Albums of 2010

It’s that time again… time to run down my top picks for this year. Remember as with last year, the albums on this list didn’t necessarily come out this year but are just stuff that I’ve found this year.

Lost Dogs, Old Angel – The Lost Dogs have truly engineered a triumph with their newest album. I have gone back to this again and again. While not my favorite Dogs disc it’s easily the second. I love the sense of collaboration here. I like that they dialed down the country a little bit. Oh, and I LOVE “Dead End Diner.” Amazing song.

Grave Robber, Inner Sanctum – I never would have thought that a Christian horror punk band would produce one of my top picks of the year, let alone become one of my favorite bands. Their brand of punk/metal is so upbeat, positive, and catchy that I can’t help but love them. Whenever I want to get myself pump (spiritually or otherwise) I give Inner Sanctum a spin. They also get bonus points for doing a cool version of “Awake” for the Deliverance tribute album.

Lady Gaga, The Fame/The Fame Monster – Seriously, I don’t care what anyone else thinks. I like Lady Gaga. She writes good pop songs and can actually sing. Lady Gaga pretty much dominated the late spring this year. As a bonus, some of the best songs aren’t even the singles!

The Choir, Burning Like the Midnight Sun – So I think my initial blush of love has worn off on the Choir’s latest. While I don’t know if it’s quite the best thing they’ve ever done, it’s certainly good enough to make my “top picks” list.

Swirling Eddies, (all) The Midget, The Speck, and the Molecule – This year was a good year in that I was properly introduced to the Swirling Eddies. I downloaded Outdoor Elivs and was in love with it from the very first note. Several purchases followed and I love them all. I put the latest up as the pick of the year but they’re all my picks. Outdoor Elvis, Zoom Daddy, and The Midget. All good. Now if we can just get Let’s Spin and Outdoor Elvis re-released so I can complete my collection.

Sixpence None the Richer, My Dear Machine EP - I found this almost by accident early this year. Apparently they’d released it for free on some obscure website but I missed it originally as it came out in 2008. Like I said in my review, this is just enough new Sixpence to piss me off. The four songs on this EP are some of the best that Sixpence have laid down and I hope, nay, I DEMAND that they finish their new album!

Knott, Michael, Alternative Worship: Prayer, Petitions, and Praise – I’ve found that albums that I never liked when I was younger I love now that I’m older. So is the case with this “worship” album. I didn’t really care for it for various reasons but now that I’ve got a few more years on me I think I can appreciate the heart of this album. “Call on You” has quickly become on of my favorite songs of all time.

Various Artists, Temporary Insanity: A Salute to Deliverance – The big D have remained one of my favorite bands since I was a teenager. It took some warming up but this two-disc collection of D covers is probably the best way to cap off this year. Out of 30 tracks there’s only a handful that don’t cut the mustard, but there’s so much that’s good. Josh Kramer from Saint singing “If We Faint Not,” Scott Waters singing an ultra-heavy version of “What a Joke,” Whisper From Heaven’s epic take on “Anymore.” Oh… and “Hunger and the Thirst” finally on CD, a remixed and powered-up version of “In-U” by the D themselves. I could gush forever. This was worth every penny I spent.

Disappointments of 2010:

Coheed & Cambria, Year of the Black Rainbow – I usually count Coheed as one of my favorite bands but was sorely disappointed by this year’s release. The hooks just aren’t there, the cool riffs just aren’t there, and I never find myself really wanting to go back to it. I wouldn’t say it was terrible, but it’s definitely a disappointment.

Jet Circus, Look at Death Now – You know what I miss here? Terry Haw. I just don’t think the band is the same. It’s also not nearly as much fun. Aside from “Lizzard Love” there aren’t any songs that really stick out. It makes me sad because Step On It remains one of my favorite albums.

Weezer, Raditude – I think I’m just about done with Weezer. I’ve never been one that expects them to do another Blue Album or Pinkerton but I’d at least like something with a little more depth than Raditude. This album is pure sugar with little to hold my interest past the occasional listen. I’ve heard the samples from Hurley and it doesn’t seem like anything I’m going to like either.

No new D, no new Sixpence - *sigh* Both Deliverance and Sixpence are supposedly working on new albums that were supposed to be released this year but they’ve yet to appear. I’ve heard no news on release dates or nothin’. It makes me sad.

No Deconstruction or Ghost – This really isn’t anyone’s fault but my own. I was under the impression that the last two discs in The Devin Townsend Project would be out this year, but they won’t be out until 2011. That means no new Devin this year and that’s never a good thing.