Christmas Songs by Jars of Clay CD / Unwrap the Gift of Holiday Harmony with Jars of Clay's "Christmas Songs"
Christmas Songs by Jars of Clay CD / Unwrap the Gift of Holiday Harmony with Jars of Clay's "Christmas Songs"
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Christmas Songs by Jars of Clay CD / Unwrap the Gift of Holiday Harmony with Jars of Clay's "Christmas Songs"

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There are many ways to approach holiday music, and for its contribution, Jars of Clay have chosen to take the mellow, thoughtful route.

Christmas Songs is a simple, warm collection of holiday-themed music that is great for those quiet moments between the bursts of the holiday hubbub. That calm and gentle approach is evident from the very beginning; the disc opens with the strumming of an acoustic guitar for the instrumental piece, "The Gift Of St. Cecilia." That segues into Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime," but it has been completely transformed. The lively tune has been reworked into an extremely gentle rocker that feels soothing and comfortable. It celebrates the season, but it is as if they've slowed it down to focus on the meaning of their words.

With a pleasant blend of new, original music and a few old familiar songs, Christmas Songs is a breath of fresh air in the onslaught of holiday releases. They've taken nothing for granted here, and approach each track -- even the well-worn classics -- from a new point of view. Tracks such as "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" are nothing new, but Jars of Clay give listeners much more than another batch of cover songs. On "Drummer Boy," they present a different version than the single they released of the song in 1995. As they build the momentum of this alt rock version, they pour all the appropriate emotion into it, and deliver a stunning and thoughtful end product.

With the addition of a handful of original songs, Jars of Clay create some new holiday magic as well. "Hibernation Day" is a fabulous song that embraces the kind of cozy-up-and-stay-inside feeling that often accompanies those cold winter days. The song is like a warm hug on a brisk morning, and it paints great visuals about shutting out the rest of the world for a day.

Similar themes are explored on the new track "Winter Skin," and they also unwrap a beautiful new song with "Peace Is Here." It's a timely carol for the new generation and a reminder that the Christmas message transcends all time.

Many listeners recognize Vince Guaraldi's "Christmastime is Here" from A Charlie Brown Christmas. The holiday standard has received plenty of makeovers through the years, and here it works well as a jazzy kind of alt-rock number.

Christmas Songs is unique in that it embraces the feelings of the season with a spirit of quiet reflection. There's a sense of happiness flowing throughout the disc, but the mood is definitely more one of contemplation than celebration. This isn't the holiday album to get the party started. But when you're ready for those quiet moments -- snuggling in front of a fire or perhaps sitting alone with a hot cup of cocoa -- there's not a better Christmas disc out there.

By Paula Felps

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