It's A Very Local Christmas Review

1: Thinner - It Must be Christmas
I like the feel good vibe going on in this one. The Lazy vocals
Blend wonderfully with the Rocking guitar riffs. The production on
this track is great.
I give it 8 out of 10

2: Mossberg - Let It Snow
Now I really got into this track. Great vocals, Tight rhythm section,
Impeccable timing, and ever so Christmassy. Excellent Job all the way
around here.
I give it 10 out of 10

3: Hollow - I'll Be Home For Christmas
Just excellent! If our troops over seas heard this it
Would break there harts. What an emotional version of this song.
It is so haunting and beautiful.
I give it 10 out of 10

4: The Furies - Christmastime Is Here
Not bad. This track didn't really move me.
I wasn't real crazy about the mix. The cymbals sounded
really tinny to me.
I give it 4 out of 10

5: The Balls - Jingle Bells
Funny at first but, not my cup of tea.
I don't think there was a lot of thought or
effort put into this track. The vocals where
all over the place. It just didn't do it for me.
I give it 3 out of 10

6: Brainless Wonders - I Hate Christmas
An anti Christmas song if there ever was. I didn't
really get into this track. But I'm still uncertain exactly how
I feel. I really need to give it a few more listens.
But, as of now..
I give it 6 out of 10

7: Huck - Christmas Don't Be Late
Now this is just a good ol' Christmas tune.
I loved the horns on this track. Well done Huck.
I loved this song when I was five years old and,
now I can love it all over again.
I give it 10 out of 10

8: The Clanging Chimes Of Doom - Do They Know It's Christmas
I have to be honest. I really didn't like the original version of this
song. And, except for the acoustic guitars in this version, I still find this song to
be boring. I think TCCOD did an excellent version of the song.
It's just not a song I like.
I give it 6 out of 10

9: The Deadites - White Christmas
This track was interesting. I dug the bass.
But other than that I really wasn't into this song.
I think it's cool for what it is. The vocals creeped me out a bit.
But hey, I guess that's cool too!
I give it 5 out of 10

10: Bee's Knees - Black And Blue Christmas
I got such a kick out of this tune. Well done!
I'm a fan of old school country and rockabilly.
So this song is right up my ally!
I give it 9 out of 10

11: Hothead - Heatmiser
I liked this one. Not the most impressive track
on the compilation but, fun all the same.
I give it 8 out of 10

12: Kizmet - Santa aint real
Not to shabby. One thing I like about this track is it
has the ability to stick in your head. I like the punky
guitars. My biggest gripe is the mix. Again, the cymbals
have that real tinny sound.
I give it 7 out of 10

13: Brilliant - Christmas Always
Hey, I can't help but like this tune.
Smooth acoustic guitars. Some really nice vocal harmonies.
I never thought I would like a song with the words "slide" and,
"toboggan" but I like this one.
I give it 9 out of 10

14: The Curtain Society - Sleigh Ride
This is just well played in every conceivable way.
TCS did one hell of a job with this one.
I give it 10 out of 10

15: Twelfth Of Never - Silver Bells
This is one of my personal favorites on this
compilation. Beautiful vocal harmonies. Excellent
production and, emotionally moving. Great song!
I give it 10 out of 10

16: Duncan Arsenault - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
This track wasn't bad. A little to synthetic sounding for my taste. For
what it is it's all right. Just not what I wanted to hear on a Christmas
album.
I give it 4 out of 10

17: Bury Her Quick-Xmas Is...
Dark, depressing, just not that Christmassy.
This is a good tune. Just not a good Christmas tune.
This track is just not getting me into the Holiday spirit.
I give it 4 out of 10

18: Lucubro - Silent Night
Usually I don't like mixing my heavy music with my Christmas music.
But, I have to make an exception with this track. Heavy, Dark, Gloomy, yet
I still feel a Christmas vibe. How the hell did Lucubro pull that off?
I give it 8 out of 10

19: Joe Rockhead - Christmas In The Black Lagoon
Not bad, nice groove. I wasn't blown away. But, it sounded good.
Nice mix.
I give it 6 out of 10

20: Snakes And Ladders - Santa Clause Is Coming To town
Snakes nailed this one right on target. It's fun, uplifting. It's everything
I think a holiday song should be. I really liked the jam at the end too.
I give it 10 out of 10

21: The Numbskulls - Auld Lang Syne
Do the Numbskulls take anything seriously? No of coarse not. And, we love
that about them. I thought they did a really good version of this tune.
It sounds like they where having a blast when they did this song.
Makes you want to get wasted, crank it up and, party your way into the
New year!
I give it 9 out of 10

22: Bob Jordan - Salmagundi Carol
I found this to be a bit confusing. Maybe I just didn't get what the artist
was trying to do here. I just didn't care for it.
I give it 2 out of 10

Over all this has got to be one of my favorite Christmas albums ever! I know I'm going to be listing
to it well into June. All the bands, producers, everyone involved, that came together and made this album
possible in such a short time, you deserve all the credit in the world. Great Job!

I wish you all the very best.
Happy Holidays,
Mark A. Holmes
http://worcesterrocks.us