Greetings everyone, and welcome back to Rave Up Music’s
month-long Christmas celebration. As always, I am your host, Barius, and though
I have long hair, a beard, an obsession with Christmas time, and enjoy giving
you the gift of written entertainment in these reviews, please do not confuse
me for Santa Claus. With that terrible joke out of the way, let us talk about a
common practice for many musical groups when they need an album sell boost:
Selling out by releasing a Christmas/holiday album.
It amazes me how many bands and singers release a Christmas
album, and for many different reasons. Some musicians really love Christmas
music, and want to put out an album that blends their unique musical styles to traditional
holiday music. Others are either forced and contractual obligated by the record
companies to put one out, be it to fill an album release quota, or to possibly
give their career one last breathe of air with a possible chart topper during
the holiday season. Sadly, there seems to be a stain in the eyes of pop culture
that once a band releases a Christmas album, it is a sign that they have no
more original ideas, and that their career is dead.
Okay, not all groups are considered sellouts for releasing a
Christmas album. Some groups make a great career releasing Holiday-based
albums, such as Manheim Steamroller and Trans-Siberian Orchestra (more on them
next week). Also, some artists make Christmas albums that are absolutely
beautiful, and that really capture the spirit of the season.
I might talk about this album some day…
However, there are times, more often than not, when a group
releases a Christmas album, that you just want to groan at either how bad it sounds,
or how absolutely ridiculous the concept really is.
An Afroman Christmas. Yes, this does exists…
Today’s album is, in my opinion, not only one of the most
ridiculous concepts for an album, but also one of the most fun Christmas albums
I have ever heard: Twisted Sister – A
Twisted Christmas.
Now, I know what you are thinking: Twisted Sister, the 80s
metal band, released a Christmas album? As odd as it sounds, not only is there
a Christmas album, but they even frequently tour the album around the winter
months. From what information I could find on this album, this was an album
that the band actually wanted to do, with little influence from the record
label. I will admit that, being a long time listener of hard rock and heavy
metal music, when I heard that Twisted Sister was going to put out a Christmas
album, I thought it was going to bomb, and be terrible. But, in all honesty, I
found it to be a fun, enjoyable take on Christmas music.
So, why did I and many other people out there seem to enjoy
Dee Snider and Crew’s unique “twist” on Christmas music? Well, let us take a
look Twisted Sister’s A Twisted Christmas.
The Album Cover:
Now this is the kind of wreath I would proudly hang up on my
door during the holidays. The classic Twisted Sister “TS” logo is made nicely
out of bones and is the perfect centerpiece for a heavy metal Christmas. I
mean, I could think of a lot weirder wreaths…
Is it supposed to be a peppermint or a life preserver?
Anyway, this album covers gives us the idea that this is
going to be a very unique “twist” on all of these classic Christmas songs. And yes,
I know that was a bad pun. So sue me. I am allowed a little cheesiness during
Christmas time.
The Tracks:
“Have Yourself a
Merry Little Christmas”
The album starts off with a nice and easy acoustic guitar
intro to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” That is until someone
reminds the band that Twisted Sister is more for twisted, hard rocking music
than acoustic group. The heavy metal section starts out very slow, but heavy.
Suddenly, the music picks up, making it feel like a bunch of elves rocking out
in a mosh pit. There even is a really cool crowd chant a la The Ramones that
goes “Ho Ho Ho. Let’s Go.” Honestly, I love this version of the song! Dee
Snider’s voice is very powerful, yet still has sincerity that comes with this
song. While most versions of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” are slow
and reflective, this one is full of life and energetic, giving the song the
sense of excitement people get about Christmas. Overall, it is a great
introduction to the band’s Christmas album.
“O Come, All Ye
Faithful”
Twisted Sister’s take on “O Come, All Ye Faithful” is a very
weird one. First off, do you recognize that main guitar riff and drum beat?
Yep, it is the same riff to their famous rebellious anthem, “We’re Not Gonna
Take It.” Who know that it follows the same chord progression as “Adeste
Fideles”? Twisted Sister’s take on this carol really puts a smile on my face. It
is such a ridiculous take on the song, but it is full of happiness and
excitement that it makes it an enjoyable song. The guitar riffs are catchy, and
Snider’s vocals compliment all of the instrumental parts. Plus, the little bit
at the end that sounds like “Hava Nagila” is really nice, though it makes me
wonder if anyone in Twisted Sister is Jewish. The only real complaint I have
about the song is the music video. Although it is a very well-made video, it is
a bit sexualized for a song about adoring the newborn Jesus. I guess Jesus
equals sexy…? Yeah, let us move on…
“White Christmas”
Hmm…Is that the guitar riff to “I Wanna Rock”? I have a
feeling that Twisted Sister is being a little lazy with this one. But then again,
if it worked once, why not use it again? Anyway, Twisted Sister version of
“White Christmas,” one of the most recorded songs of all time (which we will go
into more details about next year), is a pretty nice interpretation. Most
artists like to perform this song slow and full of nostalgia. Twisted Sister
adds a youthful energy to the song, like a child waiting for Christmas Day to
arrive. According to liner notes of the album, female metal singer Doro is
performing backing vocals on this track, but I am not hearing her on there.
Regardless, it is a nifty little track.
“I’ll Be Home for
Christmas”
Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a nice monster rock
ballad. This one of the few songs that is not based on a previous Twisted
Sister song and it is arranged very well. The mother of metal herself Lita Ford
does a guest vocals on this song, and she sound amazing on the song.
Surprisingly, I am not a big fan of Dee Snider’s vocals on this one. He is
putting too much edge in his voice, making some of the notes a bit out of tune.
Still, it is not too grating on the ears that it ruins the whole song.
“Silver Bells”
The blatant borrowing of other guitar riffs continues on
this song, this time from legendary rockers AC/DC and their song “Problem
Child.” This will not be the last time we hear other artists’ riffs being
borrowed on this album. As for the song itself, it is a bit catchy, especially
the chorus that has a nice call and response. I love that it has a crowd chant
to it, like something a metal audience would do at a concert. There is not a
lot to say about this one except that it is another great cover from Snider and
company.
“I Saw Mommy Kissing
Santa Claus”
How appropriate for this twisted metal band to cover a song
about mommy cheating on daddy with Jolly Old St. Nick. (NOTE: Rave Up Music does not condone adultery, especially with mythical
holiday figures. That is just plain wrong and weird). It is at this point
that some of the novelty of having a band like Twisted Sister playing Christmas
music wears a little bit thin. If you hear this track after listening to the
previous five songs, they sort of sound very similar to other songs, especially
with this one borrowing a bit from Judas Priest’s “You Got Another Thing
Coming.” This is probably one of the weaker tracks on here, but it is still and
overall enjoyable track.
“Let It Snow”
This song adds a bit more edge to the Christmas music. The
beginning of the song is a bit dark, almost like the snow is more of a
blizzard. Of course, lifting some of the guitar riff from “Children of the
Grave” by Black Sabbath does not hurt. However, that dark edge is quickly
replaced with laughter and fun. The song goes into full on cheesy mode, and I
cannot help but smile and laugh the whole time. Near the end, when the sleigh
bells are performed in the back ground, I am also rolling on the floor laughing
my ass off. Even if it is a bit cheesy, this is a very fun track to listening
to.
“Deck The Halls”
This cover starts out as what sounds like a bunch of metal
guys getting drunk and having a good all times. Which after describing it like
that makes it sounds like some of my brother’s friends on an average Friday
night. “Deck The Halls” is meant to be a celebration of the Winter Solstice,
which could be interpreted as a party, and this song takes advantage of that
idea. The surprisingly best spot in the song is when it switches part way into
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” and it is a well done interpretation of the
song. Again, this is a very vigorous song that will work at any holiday party.
“The Christmas Song
(Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)”
This one just grooves really well. Snider’s vocals are just
spot on here, and the guitar solo works well with the rest of the parts of
instrumental parts. There is not a lot I can say about this one except it is a
really excellent arrangement.
“Heavy Metal
Christmas”
In this twisted take on the ever-annoying “12 Days of
Christmas,” Twisted Sister presents different gift ideas for that special
metalhead in your life. Here is the list they give in the song:
On my heavy metal
Christmas my true love gave to me,
12 silver crosses
11 black mascaras
10 pairs of platforms
9 tattered t-shirts
8 pentagrams
7 leather jackets
6 cans of hairspray
5 skull earrings
4 quarts of Jack
3 studded belts
2 pairs of spandex pants
and a tattoo of Ozzy!
12 silver crosses
11 black mascaras
10 pairs of platforms
9 tattered t-shirts
8 pentagrams
7 leather jackets
6 cans of hairspray
5 skull earrings
4 quarts of Jack
3 studded belts
2 pairs of spandex pants
and a tattoo of Ozzy!
Honestly, this list really tries to stereotype metalheads,
and honestly, it is not an accurate list. Every metalhead head knows it is 8
leather jackets and two tattoos of Ozzy. But, I digress. This song is both
clever in the gifts the band comes up with, but at the same time, it suffers
from being repetitive and a bit exasperating like the original “12 Days of
Christmas Songs.” I do like that it features each member of Twisted Sister
singing, and really nice guitar/bass guitar fills here and there. It is a fun
way to end the album.
“We Wish You a
Twisted Christmas”
Even though the album technically ends with “Heavy Metal
Christmas,” there is a bonus track. It is a brief group chorus of “We Wish You
a Twisted Christmas and a Twisted New Year,” followed by some rousing applause.
There is really not much to talk about on this one.
OVERALL
IMPRESSION:
If you like more of a traditional approach to your Christmas
music, this is probably not the album for you. But, for you metalheads who want
to have a little more edge to your holiday music, this is the album for you.
Though the music is similar to a few famous rock songs, it is arranged in a way
that it does not take away from the essence of the Christmas songs. The musicianship
is excellent here, as the band demonstrates great guitar and bass technique,
and is chalk for of energy and aggression. Dee Snider voice is for the most
part an excellent match to the instrumental parts. A Twisted Christmas is just a entertaining music listening
experience, and one that I recommend playing it during the holiday season alongside
the likes of Bing Crosby, Burl Ives, and Kay Starr.
Well, that brings as to the end of another blog post. Next
time, we continue this rocking holiday celebration with a special holiday
edition of A Little Slice of Metal.
Until then, I am Barius, and I will leave you with a collection of tattoos of
Ozzy. Enjoy, and keep on rockin’ around the Christmas tree!
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