I discussed another one of Mathis’ albums, “Heavenly,” a couple articles ago for Variety Show. I mention in this article that the orchestras behind Mathis’ voice are strong, but I don’t focus too much on the vocals themselves. I do remember that his voice had a way of complexifying the lyrics he was singing, even if the song had been sung a million times before (and most of them had been). He is by far not my favorite jazz singer, but he is definitely something special.

Based on the sound of the rest of the albums I’ve discussed from the 1950’s, I’m not expecting anything to be unique. I’m assuming that this Christmas album is going to blend pretty well with the rest of the songs repeated on the radio for the duration of December. I’m also expecting to enjoy them more now than I would around the holidays since I haven’t heard all of the classics for a couple months.

At the same time, I am really, really hoping for original Christmas music. Not only for the sake of an interesting article but because I think that brand new Christmas songs can be refreshing. Every time I see a new Christmas album, I hope that there is something original on it, or at the very least, a fresh perspective on a classic.

When I began listening to “Winter Wonderland,” the first track on the album, I couldn’t help but immediately think “Wow, I really could do without hearing this right now! I’m not a huge fan of this at all!”

Then I got just over a minute into the song and fell in love with it because there was something added to this classic Christmas jam that I had never heard before. Mathis adds a verse to “Winter Wonderland” that makes it much more romantic and precious than it already was. I already see his voice making the lyrics deeper like I did in my last review.

By the second track, “Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire,” it’s undeniable that I’ve been thrust into the most full-blown Christmas spirit possibly ever! I’m two months too late, but that keeps me consistent with how behind I am this semester, so I suppose it isn’t terribly inconvenient.

“Blue Christmas,” as always, has my heart soaring because what a banger. The orchestral/musical arrangements for this song are always stunning, in every single recording I’ve ever heard of it (Michael Bublé’s, The Beach Boys’, Dean Martin’s especially, and of course Elvis Presley’s).

Next come an assortment of songs that feature Percy Faith & His Orchestra, including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “White Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “What Child is This?” and “Silent Night, Holy Night.” This musical addition is amazing and does a great job of making these songs more enjoyable to me because of the full string orchestra.

“O Holy Night” is my second favorite Christmas song ever behind only “Hallejullah”. I wouldn’t say that this is the best recording of the song I’ve ever heard, but I do think that it’s alright. It isn’t anything particularly spectacular, but I’m not angry at it since it’s still one of my favorites.

If I’m being honest, “What Child is This?” sounds extremely creepy. Mathis sometimes uses a subtle vibrato in his voice, especially when he’s singing more quietly. In this song, he’s singing just softly enough in the first verse to make me super uncomfortable! Perhaps if he weren’t singing about an infant I would be less unsettled. However, the last twenty seconds are absolute bliss because wow can Mathis belt those notes into the heavens.

The last song on the album, “Silent Night, Holy Night” has some fantastic harmonies in the background vocals from beginning to end. There is something to be said about a voice that works with a chorus behind it, instead of drowning it out. This just reinforces my thought that Mathis’ best vocal attribute is adding meaning and significance to the things around it, such as the orchestra and other vocals.

This album does stick out from the others I have listened to from this decade, but only because Christmas music could easily be considered its own realm, separate from any other genre. There’s a specific mood and feeling that Christmas music is meant to evoke, a feeling of happiness that the holiday season can create in people. This album reaches that goal for me. While I would’ve liked to see more originality in these songs like you can see in “Winter Wonderland,” I’m still happy because of how timeless the album is.

Finally, even though this album literally couldn’t be any more irrelevant because it’s mid-February, I’m in the Christmas spirit again. Kudos to Johnny!

Listen to “Merry Christmas!” by Johnny Mathis here or below!

Variety Show is a bi-weekly column in the midst of analyzing the best-selling albums from the 1950’s to the 1990’s. One of the top 10-20 albums from each decade will be reviewed, discussed and/or analyzed each week in chronological order. The column aims to draw cultural, musical, and other contextual connections between artists and albums over time, as well as go on a broad but refined journey. Next week we’ll be talking about The Oklahoma! Motion Picture Soundtrack, the fourth best-selling album from the 1950’s.

The post Variety Show: “Merry Christmas!” by Johnny Mathis appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Ahh yes, ’tis the season! If you’ve been out and about shopping at pretty much any retail store this holiday season, then you’ll know that Christmas music has been playing since November 1st. I love Christmas, don’t get me wrong. However, it gets very monotonous by the time Christmas actually arrives. This year, l’ll provide you with some Christmas songs that will get you in the Christmas spirit and not make you want to rip your hair out. Without further ado, lets dive into the 12 Days of Pop Punk Christmas.

1.) Jingle Bell Rock by Hot Chelle Rae

Let’s start with a classic Christmas song with a pop punk twist. With a rockin’ guitar rift added to the jingle bells, it makes for a great listen if you want to keep things classic.

2.) All I Want For Christmas Is You by My Chemical Romance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8rjrPIGZ5U

While many people opt for the Mariah Carey version, many of us will settle for the MCR version. If you like My Chem’s raspy, emo, pop punk/post hardcore sound, then you will probably like this version a lot better than others.

3.) White Christmas by Panic! At The Disco

Okay, seriously, Brendon Urie’s voice on this track is stunning. It’s low enough to compare to Bing Crosby’s version, but it still has it’s own distinct sound. If you’re a fan of anything Panic!, you’ll surely love this.

4.) Yule Shoot Your Eye Out by Fall Out Boy

This one is probably my favorite of this list. It’s basically just a break up song with a Christmas twist on it. Some of the lyrics are remnant of their first album, Take This To Your Grave, with lyrics like “All I want this year / is for you to dedicate your last breath to me / before you bury yourself alive”, “You’re the last thing I wanna see / underneath the tree.” I mean, that’s kind of implied when you look at the title.

5.) Fool’s Holiday by All Time Low

Fool’s Holiday is another favorite of mine. It’s catchy, and also kind of cheesy. The song follows a boy who wronged a girl, and he’s waiting for her to return to him. “I swear that I’m more than just broken promises / decorations can change like tinsel and ribbon so / do not open til you’ve got forever to spend / with me on a fool’s holiday.”

6.) Nothing For Christmas by New Found Glory

This solemn sounding tune isn’t actually a depressing Christmas song. NFG sings about falling in love, and how they already have everything they want. “And Christmas is coming / so don’t buy me anything / I got what I wanted / I got what I needed / it’s you, it’s you, it’s you.”

7.) I Don’t Wanna Spend Another Christmas Without You by The Ready Set

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bHfYzXRUnc

This catchy tune is about two lovers spending Christmas apart. “Oh, if I could choose / I would never spend another Christmas without ya / and if the fat guy in the chimney comes through / he’ll give me the opportunity to unwrap ya”. While it lies on more of the pop side of pop punk, it still features some catchy guitars and clapping in there, mixed with (you guessed it) jingle bells.

8.) This Christmas by The Summer Set

The Summer Set put a really nice spin on this song, with the high pitched vocals, drums, and electronic beats. It’s a nice break from your average cover of “This Christmas,” plus it has modern day electronic elements thrown into it, making it a great listen.

9.) Alone This Holiday by The Used

This break-up Christmas song is the opposite of what we think it would be. The lyrics go, “Make Christmas your own / you throw the thought of us away / you’ll be alone this holiday.” This song is perfect for that bitter friend that hates everything related to Christmas.

10.) Last Christmas by The Maine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE8BiThO1Ok

While this version doesn’t have many differences from the version by Wham!, it still serves as an updated pop punk version that we all asked Santa for.

11.) Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass by All Time Low

This song is perfect for anybody who is going through heartbreak during the holiday season. The song itself is upbeat sounding, with lyrics that essentially curse a girl that did them wrong. “Don’t ya think, it’s kind of crappy / what you did this holiday? / when I gave you my heart / you ripped it apart / like the wrapping paper trash.”

12.) Happy Holidays, You Bastard by Blink-182

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oqcju1Tw_c

This song is definitely not for the faint of heart. You probably don’t want to play this on Christmas in front of your grandma, unless she is a die-hard Blink fan. To say that this song is pretty vulgar would be an understatement. It has a lot of repeating lyrics such as “It’s Christmas Eve and I’ve only wrapped two fuckin’ presents,” “I hate, hate, hate your guts / and I’ll never talk to you again / unless your dad will suck me off.”

Happy Holidays!!

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The post 12 Days of Pop Punk Christmas appeared first on KRUI Radio.