| Abstrakt: |
SHE & HIM A Very She & Him Christmas (Double Six) A TAKE on the old Christmas chestnuts by trendier types who won't over-sweeten the pudding. "She" is Hollywood actress Zooey Deschanel, while "Him" is singersongwriter M Ward. They strip the classics (Blue Christmas, Sleigh Ride, Baby, It's Cold Outside) down to bare bones. Like Deschanel's voice, the whole is pleasant but forgettable, picking up slightly when husky Ward joins in the singing on Christmas Wish. It's the polar opposite of Noddy Holder screaming, but shouldn't this be the time when we welcome a bit of excess? DAVID SMYTH MICHAEL BUBLE Christmas (143/Reprise) THIS is far from the worst Christmas album ever made. It's not in the Phil Spector league, nor even the Dean Martin, but Bublé's effort is classy, well arranged and impeccably performed with some decent jazz inflections. Think of it as a secular Christmas in a lounge bar near you. The old favourites are out in force. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town is uplifted by great gusts of brass and Holly Jolly Christmas has a sharp guitar break. Needless to say, schmaltz is not completely kept at bay but the collection, overall, can be consumed after a hearty lunch without the prospect of throwing up. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] |
