A John Waters Christmas
click the image to get it in cd-cover size
| Release Date: |
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| Label: |
New Line Records |
| Rating: |
4.5 |
Description: Baltimores greatest filmmaker has demonstrated a deep appreciation for that very American crossroads of kitsch and sensationalism since the late 60s, at least. Of course, quirky Christmas anthologies abound already the three best probably being
Christmas Party With Eddie G,
American Song-Poem Christmas, and
Where Will You Be Christmas Day. But the songs on
A John Waters Xmas are novelty songs for the true connoisseur, including recordings so saccharine and horrifying you wonder how the engineers did not run from the booth screaming; "Happy Birthday Jesus" by the precocious Little Cindy is likely the scariest thing you will ever hear in your life. Not everything is so "Outsider"-y and thrift store score; theres the rocking, funny "Fat Daddy" by Fat Daddy, a delightful song by the Coctails with the singing saw as the lead instrument, and a gorgeous obscure doo-wop number called "Christmas Time Is Coming (A Street Carol)" by Stormy Weather.
--Mike McGonigal
Tracklist of A John Waters Christmas
Reviews:
Amusing Chrismas CD
John Waters, the legendary 'prince of puke' director of "Pink Flamingos" and "Hairspray" has compiled a perfectly enjoyable collection of strange Christmas music. Among the tracks are Tiny Tim singing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," Alvin and the Chipmunks' "Sleigh Ride," the hilariously profane "Here Comes Fatty Claus," and a strange Kwanza Carol "Santa Claus is a Black Man." While repeated listening might get tiresome (there are only so many times I can stand to hear "I Wish You A Merry Christmas"), the CD is a funny and interesting collection of Chistmas music that is not too often played on the radio. Liner notes by Waters are also included.
Don't Waste Your Money!!!
If you are a hardcore John Waters fan, you are in for a big disappointment. Where's the sleeze, John? You owe me 15 bucks!!
You simply have no idea, I promise you.
This album, while not meant for easy listening or general Christmas cheer, is a true gem amongst the zillions of schmaltzy holiday albums foisted upon us every year.
It ranges from saracstic pop (I Wish You A Merry Christmas), to diabetes-inducing child showcases (Happy Birthday Jesus; Sleigh Bells, Reindeer And Snow), to bah-humbug sentiments (Here Comes Fatty Claus), to simply jaw-dropping urban black power sentiments (Santa Claus Is A Black Man), to spine-tingling theremin tunes (First Snowfall).
But I promise you, you'll love every minute, and count your holiday blessings that John Waters took the time to put together this eclectic and genius compilation.
Note: NOT work-safe, for sure. Happy Holidays!