rage rhythms by jeff chandler
Santa’S Two CenTs on seasonal CDs
Kathy Griffin
Suckin’ It for the Holidays
In what sure looks to be a ruthless attempt to cash in on the holiday spirit, Kathy Griffin has released a holiday-
inspired comedy album—but the material released (other than the first reference in her opening which men-
tions Christmas or Kwanza… “whatever,” as Kathy so foully puts it) is just more Kathy-cut…nothing new, nothing
pure… nothing more than re-slung hash about her mother, her mother’s caregiver and one more mom-bash
for good measure—over nine minutes of Kathy diss all about her mom. Next, it’s on to Kathy and her Gracie
Award. “It’s all about the pussy,” as she rants on about Katie Couric, Suze Orman, Gayle, Dr. Maya Angelou...
whom she calls “insufferable!” What used to be funny is just mean-spirited for the sake of a joke. Hmmm. What
should Kathy get for Christmas…? “Some new material and a lump of coal, but she’ll get someone’s cold-hard
cash instead. I’m sure of it. “Gee. I’m not one of HER gays…I feel so bad.”
StraiGht no ChaSer
Christmas Cheers
Now, if you want to spend the holidays with a smile instead of a scowl, pick up a copy of Christmas Cheers by
Straight No Chaser. Done up with a ribbon of witty flair and perfectly toned male voices, this collection mixes
some wry humor and classic Christmas songs done up in a mixture of jazz, reggae, rhythm & blues and tradi-
tional delivery. Whether it’s their Elvis-inspired rendition of “Hey Santa” or their version of “We Three Kings of
Orient” done up with a Mission Impossible intro…the end result is fresh and full of holiday energy. Perfect to
get you through the wrapping frenzy after shopping or that holiday bash after a few eggnogs. The group’s
founder, Dan Pounce cuts to the chase on creating Christmas Cheers, “It’s a little more what you might
expect from an a cappella Christmas album. With the new album, we took a few more risks, and there’s
definitely a comedic element that weaves through the album. We wanted to capture that aspect of our
stage performance in our recordings.”
SuGarland
Gold and Green
You ever have one of those “moments” during this time of year? Whether it is Christmas day when all the presents are
opened and you are sleepy and content in the afternoon just enjoying the smells from the kitchen? Or maybe you had an
awful day at work and just want to stare at the glow of the tree lights in your living room with a strong vodka and tonic?
Sugarland is perfect for these precious and few moments over the holidays. This country-western power duo has really
captured an essence of beauty, calm, joy and memories with their 10 selections on Gold and Green. Sugarland delivers
both their own original compositions to add to your holiday playbill and also those Christmas standards familiar to all
of us such as “Winter Wonderland” or “Silent Night.” Jennifer Nettles pulls all the stops out on one song called “Coming
Home” co-written with Kristian Bush. The song and her delivery excel in the grand tradition of gospel and soul. Her
powerful and poignant voice could just put a holiday tear in your eye when those holiday emotions overwhelm…
keep a box of Kleen-ex close for another one of their new compositions called “Gold and Green.” Sugarland under-
stands just how to catch the beauty, majesty and vibrancy of family, celebration and those single moments alone.
Wynton MarSaliS
Christmas Jazz Jam
“I can dig it! Keep it cool for Christmas.” Grammy Award-winning Wynton Marsalis is doing just that with his first holi-
day album in 20 years. The results put a vivacious spin on the material. He and his group of accomplished players are
sure to liven up the season, making it a must for jazz lovers everywhere to put in the player at this time of year. Wynton
calls this new collection “a hip new twist on the classic holiday tunes.” Well! All right then! The CD is injected with an
enjoyable dose of seasonal standards that swing with a soulful style. Vocalist Roberta Gumbel adds to the spirit
with vocals on “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Mary Had a Baby.” Christmas Jazz Jams is available exclusively at
Target and iTunes.
20 RAGE monthly | December 2009
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