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The University Daily Kansan
Friday, December 5, 1997
Consider it your end-of-being-a ..
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Holiday music spews forth
By Ashlee "Rock 'N' Roll Kansan music reviewer
It's that time of year when corporate America bombards us with the annual Christmas propaganda. So, instead of fighting it, I'm going to join in this year with a review of Christmas albums. There is one catch though; these are some of the most unusual ones that I could find. Enjoy a diverse holiday season.
Various Artists — "Christmas On Death Row" — "Death Row"
What could conjure up warm and fuzzy memories like "Christmas On Death Row?" I couldn't think of anyone better to sing Christmas classics like "The Christmas Song" and "Silent Night," than Snoop Doggy Dogg or Tha Dogg Pound. But to be fair, this CD is pretty good. The majority of the songs are good slow-jam versions of traditional songs.
The first track is by far the best. It is a rendition of James Brown's "Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Getto." Although Brown's version is by far better than Snoop Doggy Dogg's, the backup vocal of Isaac Hayes (the voice of Chef on "South Park") makes the song decent. The track "Silver Bells" performed by Michelle is great. Her vocals and arrangement lend a new soulful twist to this standard song. If you are looking for a modern Christmas song, "Party 4 Da Homies" is
for you. It may be Christmas, but Sean Barney Thomas still wants to "get his groove on with you." This CD is warm, sweet and 'tight' all at the same time.
Various Artists — "Bummed Out Christmas" - Rhino
Does Christmas make you sad? When you hear holiday cheer do you want to douse Santa with hot chocolate? Welcome to a "Bummed Out Christmas," the album that dares to say, "I'm not going to have a merry Christmas!" Rhino records has complied novelty Christmas songs from artists like the Everly Brothers, Clyde Lasley and the Cadillac Baby Specials and country legend, George Jones. And let's face it, when it comes to suffering, no one knows more than George Jones. With songs like "Santa Came Home Drunk," "Christmas in Jail" and "Santa Got A DWI." it will make you appreciate your holiday plans.
To prove that you can take a movie tie-in too far. Rhino has re-released the "Christmas in the
Original Cast — "Christmas in the Stars: A Star Wars Christmas Album" — Rhino
Stars" CD. Originally, the album was made to coincide with a TV special by the same name.The songs on "Christmas in the Stars" are sung by original cast members of the movie. But don't expect to hear Harrison Ford or Carrie Fisher belting out tunes. The only actual cast member on the CD is Anthony Daniels, the voice of C3PO, and the special effects that created R2-D2 and Chewbacca. The best song on the CD is "That's What You Get A Wookiee (When He Already Has A Comb?)." Imagine a Cascio keyboard and munchkins singing, and you have the song. On an interesting note, on the track "R2-D2 We Wish You A Merry Christmas," the teenage lead singer is none other than a young Jon Bon Jovi. May the Force be with you.
Various Artists- "Ultra Lounge-
Christmas Cocktails" -Capitol
Once again, the Ultra Lounge folks show us it'S OK to be cool, even during the holidays. The CD swings with jazzy versions of "Winter Wonderland" by Peggy Lee and "I'd Like You For Christmas" by Julie London will make you want to forget the eggnog and grab a martini instead. Ray Anthony adds a bit of Mod music to this Christmas scene, and Billy May provides the Mambo. The infamous 'Rat Pat' is represented by Dean Martin and "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm." This CD is so good that if were an Christmas party, someone would get fired. So ditch the sentiment and pony on over to this swingin' good time.
CD's provided courtesy of Seventh Heaven
All kinds of music at Kief's!
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ON DECEMBER 9th
BRINGS YOU LOVE, LAUGHTER & FREE COFFEE!
AT THE PREMIERE OF OCTOBER FILM'S
still breathing
Starring BRENDAN FRASER & JOANNA GOING
check your campus paper for more details
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