Saturday, 21 November 2020

Straight No Chaser - Social Christmasing


34 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Stream-buy Social Christmasing here (external link)

If you check out the Ghosts of Christmas Past links at the bottom of this article, you'll see I always seem to write about Straight No Chaser's Christmas music at this time of year. Quite honestly, Text Me Merry Xmas (with Kirsten Bell) remains one of the quirkiest, most charming contemporary classics of recent years. The a cappella ensemble are back for another seasonal romp of vocal magic and, this year, have conjured up the most appropriate and ingenious title for their selection box. Social Christmasing is a reflection of the times we are living in but also an opportunity for this gifted group of (wise) men to deliver some festive cheer down your chimney (and through your speakers/fancy new Bose noise cancelling headphones). It is an innovative sleigh ride of an experience so factor this into your holiday playlist now!

The charming opening track, Silver Bells, sees the group conjure up images of bustling winter streets and flickering fairy lights. They effortlessly convey a warming sense of joy that can't be muted by the reality of the world outside. A smooth, soulful solo gives this a shimmering gospel vibe - which leads nicely into The First Noel; the vocal score is as ornate and opulent as if it were played on a cathedral organ. The precision in each note is respectful and reverent to the awe-inspiring lyrics they sing with such tenderness. An SNC original, I'm Your Snowman, follows, fuelled by romantic doo-wop backing vocals and finger click grooves. It is like a 60s Motown classic that has been waiting for SNC to deliver it in modern times with a romantic finesse. It as if the magic of that sparkles up Frosty The Snowman - sung with an unfettered glee. The guys sound like they are having a rollicking good time and that vibe is utterly contagious. 

Holly Jolly Christmas is a cheeky reminder about how easy a cappella can sound to deliver but a masterclass in how it has to be done as superbly as this to be so memorable. Their harmonies slide together as easily as a toboggan over snow - a mesmerising romp. The Cold Don't Bother Me is a beautifully constructed contemporary adult contemporary ballad with BoyzIIMen style suave and dreamy lyrics that any boy band would kill for. Placing it next to Please Come Home For Christmas gives that latter song an added sense of poignant pathos. Their bluesy vocal arrangement is a stellar accomplishment that accentuates the yearning longing of the lyrics. What Christmas Means is a tick list sung with such melodic elegance and ebullient celebration that you can't help but get caught up in the sweeping joy of the song. Oh and that soaring lead vocal feels absolutely heaven sent. 

I'm all for A Long December. 2020 has been a bit of a pill and the lyric "maybe next year will be better than the last" has a hopeful resonance to it that you can't help but cling to. It is performed with a laid back vibe that lets the guys - and the listener - savour every single note and word. It is time for some carolling with a vibrant take on Away In A Manger - so textured and intricate is the arrangement that it takes several listens to appreciate the complexity of it all. Like pass the parcel, it unveils something new with each subsequent listen. Now, I always think What Are You Doing New Year's Eve should be placed at the end of a Christmas album but I'm not going to argue with these guys and the elegant majesty of the song takes you back to glorious Hollywood movie musicals where songs like this were the order of the day. It is an invitation that would be very hard to refuse - exactly how it should be!

Everyone is going to have the Office Party Blues this year - and this is the best song of its ilk since Elizabeth Shue had to perform the blues in Adventures in Babysitting. The lyrics will have you nodding in emphatic agreement while the duh-na-na-na are as effective as any bass playing. Luckily the delights of Snow Globe will lift us out of the doldrums. The "shake shake shake" riff will have you kicking up your heels, while the romantic optimism of the lyrics will ensure you grab the one you love and shimmy around the living room. Happy Holiday - The Holiday Season is an ageless medley that never fails to give me a big ol' happy. The musical notes from the guys give it a frisson of excitement, the same you would get on Christmas Eve just before your parents would make you go to bed. O Come O Come Emmanuel closes the album and I take back everything I said about New Year's Eve being the finale. This has a solemnity to it that elicits those memories of coming out of church the night before Christmas - a true and lovely reminder of the greatest story ever told. A fine ending to their lovely set. 

at

No comments:

Post a Comment