Title: Black Snow - the completely different Xmas compilation
Artist: Various Artists
Genre: Electro, Industrial, Pop, Rock
Release Date: 20th November 2009
Label: Black Rain
Album Review
Meanwhile, it’s mid-November - which means that Christmas is coming. Therefore, I wasn’t astonished to receive the information that there will be an album entitled with `Black Snow - the completely different Xmas compilation´ featuring electro, rock and industrial tracks that broach the issue of the season. However, I have already guessed that this compilation wouldn’t be a usual collection of well-known carols in a new garment. I soon found out that I was right as this record contains 16 Christmas songs of a different kind.
Kicking off with `Wintergedanken (Spekulatius Mix)´, FEINDFLUG provides the sound of sleigh bells combined with industrial rhythms and a melancholic synth melody making clear that this track doesn’t care about conventional definitions of how a Christmas song should sound like. DANDELION WINE´s `I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas´, which is a charming nostalgic gem, made me smile as it appears kind of funny and doesn’t take itself seriously. TYSKE LUDDER contributed two pieces in one: `Fairytale of New York´ and `Fairytale of The North´ that is wrapped into typical old school electro beats and doesn’t lack a pinch of unintended (or maybe intended?) humour. `Tausend Sterne sind ein Dom´ from PLANE TO PIA is a solemn and pretty classical version of this well-known old song that was able to convince me due to the speech singing’s modern flair and the dominating serenity.
DIE PERLEN´s `Ohne Strom kein Weihnachtsmarkt´ definitely deserves an award for the funniest lyrics that are intonated in a monotonous way accompanied by analogue synth sounds. German language rock music connected to some English verses and an acoustic guitar result in the retro-like `Cinnamon´ from KILLEDBYCANDY conjuring up images of THE BEATLES. The weird and creaking `Little Drummer Boy´ is the clear evidence of my conclusion: The compilation is everything but a representative of standard Christmas stuff. Nevertheless, reflective moments and a festive atmosphere will be guaranteed - as well as some grins.
Tracklist
01. FEINDFLUG - Wintergedanken (Spekulatius Mix)
03. DANDELION WINE - I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
04. + 05. TYSKE LUDDER - Fairytale Of New York + Fairytale Of The North
06. KILLEDBYCANDY - Cinnamon
07. ATOMIC NEON & 6.6.6 FEAT. ANGEL OF NIGHT - We Die At Christmas (Rio Black Mix)
08. OIL 10 - Christmas Machine
09. DIE PERLEN - Ohne Strom Kein Weihnachtsmarkt
10. JABBERWOCK - xparty (xmas xceptional version)
11. DYM - Little Drummer Boy
12. PANIC LIFT - Hourglass
13. THIS VALE OF TEARS - Frozen Zone
14. NOVALIS DEUX - Halleluja (live)
15. PLANE TO PIA - Tausend Sterne sind ein Dom
16. THE PUSSYBATS FEAT. MELI (LIVID HALCYON) - A Wish
Website
http://www.blackrain.de/
Cover-Picture
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Extras: -
Total: 8 / 10
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