THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2002
MUSIC
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 5
No sorry selections: holiday CDs for all
From the sophisticate to the non-traditionalist, the choices are endless for celebrating the season
By Amy Kelly akelly@kansan.com Jaypley writer
The Christmas season is upon us and that means record stores are pushing their infinite holiday collections with gusto.
To the untrained eye, the numerous Christmas CDs may appear to have relatively the same content — a little Santa here, a little Bethlehem there.
The shopping excursion for the perfect holiday album has gotten just a little easier, however. Jayplay has organized a list of CDs that are sure to appease even those with the pickiest sensibilities.
The Sophisticate: Christmas with the Rat Pack, Various Artists
Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin are going to make
this one swinging holiday. You can almost hear the cling of ice in Ol' Blue Eyes' cocktail as he belts out "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," making this collection of songs a must for those who fancy themselves from the wrong era. Other featured songs include Martin's "Peace on Earth/Silent Night" and Davis' "Jingle Bells."
The Traditionalist: Seasons Greetings, Perry Como
The options are limitless in the traditionalist category, but you certainly can't go
wrong with Perry Como. Sure, the man was the target on Canada's variety show SCTV for seeming infamously drowsy, but don't let that scare you. Como has mastered the art of singing Christmas songs and makes you feel like all is right in the world. Whether singing "White Christmas" or "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," the man is flawless.
The Non-traditionalist: Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics, South Park Series
This CD is not for those who may have a heart condition, may be easily
offended or don't like the idea of Christmas in hell. Yes, South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker released this record during the heyday of their series and Mr. Hankey's surely didn't disappoint. Taking jabs at everyone from Hindus to the Christ child himself and full of sexual innuendo, the record should not be touched, let alone looked at, by a traditional holiday enthusiast. And for Christmas haters: Your ship has arrived.
The Kid at Heart:
Chipmunks Greatest
Christmas Hits, Chipmunks
Yes, the Chipmunks may now be considered passé.
with many a young college student not aware of their genius, but the cute little trio deserves to be brought back into the limelight this Christmas. Before head-tilting high notes were brought in style by Mariah, the Chipmunks revolutionized them in "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)." Released in 1958, this holiday hit sold 5 million copies that year and went on to win two Grammys.
The Romantic: When My Heart Finds Christmas, Harry Connick, Jr.
Christmas is not just for families, so let's give a little love to the couples out
there. Finding a Christmas CD that is both true to the season and to your lovey-dovey feeling may seem unfathomable, but don't you worry. Connick's Christmas album is this generation's answer to Sinatra. Sultry and intimate, Connick's voice has the ability to make "Let It Snow!" make you feel like being in love.
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