Compilation Produced By: Jeff Feltenberger
Executive Producers: Terry Selders, Robert Scott Richardson & Bill Wray
I'm not really into Christmas music because, come December, that's all you hear.
On the radio, on the television, it's everywhere. But, as most of you know,
I do collect Pennsylvania music and, to be honest with you, I don't
think there's a lot of local holiday music floating around out there.
Besides the odd song here and there, the only other full length album
that I've ever seen was "A Hometown Christmas," which was released
in 1995 (or somewhere around there). Since I first heard of this
release when it was nothing more than an idea, I thought, well,
let's check it out and see (or should I say hear) the end result
of that idea. Now, to be honest with you, this is not a release
that I'm gonna listen to on a regular basis. After all, it's a
holiday album and that's probably the only time I'm gonna pull
it out. I mean, it's not an album you're gonna throw on during
the summer to kick back to. Unless, of course, you're really
into Christmas music.
Anyway, there's a lot of talent on this album.
Some of the artists I was familiar with, some I wasn't.
So, it was a rather interesting listening experience for me,
at least the first time around, you know? The Martini Bros.
start it all off with "Santa Claus Is Back In Town"
and they kind of set the tone for the rest of the
album. They put you in a good mood from the word
go and the rest of the tracks pretty much do the same.
The Corral kicks it up another level with a rockin' country tune,
"Working Elf Blues," which was pretty cool...and I'm not
really into country, so, that says a lot.
Halfway through the album, there's an interesting little
spoken interlude and, right after that, Poptart Monkey's
chime in with "Mele Kalikimaka," which, to me, was
something totally different for them. JR Mangan,
who I wasn't familiar with, does a rather cool
version of "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,"
which I think is one of the stand out tracks
here. Same with Plus 3's version of "The Chipmunk Song."
My favorite track on the album, without a doubt,
is Sherri Mullen's "Please Come Home For Christmas."
I've had the pleasure of seeing her live and she has an amazing
voice. This track just stands out for me. Other artists
include Emily's Toybox, Flint, Negative Space,
The Jellybricks, Sweet Pea Felty, Darcie Miner,
Bobby & John Tombasco, Thom Palmer Band and
Lykens Valley Bluegrass Boys, who are all
worthy of a mention.
When Christmas rolls around again, this is a disc you
wanna have in your collection. Christmas is a time
to spend with family, friends and loved ones and the
musicians that are featured on this CD can help make
that time a little brighter. It makes a great gift,
for yourself or for someone you love. I'm sure this
is an album that will be around for many years to come.
So, be sure to check it out.