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.