The RunDown: Christmas Music '06
11-01-2006
by Brenten Gilbert

Unless you live in a select area of the world like Buffalo and have been fortunate enough to get an early taste of snow, Christmas is probably still a bit far off from the forefront of your mind. However, the Christmas music snowfall began back in September. So, while some might think that this RunDown is long overdue and some might think it's way too early, my hope is that I've struck a happy middle ground that makes everyone smile and whistle their favorite Christmas carol as they go about their day (though obviously not simultaneously since that's pretty much impossible).

As always, the RunDown offers a glimpse at a handful of releases in one broad sweeping motion with the hope of giving you a good feel of what's out there. And for added twists and enjoyment I've pulled out the "potential playlisters" - tracks that would be a good addition to your Christmas playlist (formerly known as "mixtape") - compared each album to a component of a Christmas feast/dinner, and likened the albums to various Christmas-themed movies. Now that we're all up to speed, let's get this sleigh ride on the move.

Israel & New Breed continue to be on the bleeding edge of stylistic exploration and creativity. With tremendous talent and showmanship, the band keeps putting on solid shows and releasing quality albums that redefine the traditional notions of the "praise & worship" and "gospel" music genres. Since they're so adept at their trade, why not throw Christmas into the mix? The result is quite an enjoyable album that should put just about anyone in the Christmas mood. Fans of the band will certainly want this album to help whisk them through the season.

Potential Playlisters: "Hark", "We Wish You a Timeless Christmas"
Contribution to the Christmas feast: mashed potatoes with chunks and gravy
If this were a Christmas movie, it would be. . . A Christmas Carol.

Well, Christmas is all about (well not all about, but you know what I mean) getting together with friends, family, and extended labelmates. This year INO Records and S/R/E Recordings (yes, they're related) combine to present what they've dubbed "The Ultimate Christmas Collection." Indeed this is a very solid collection of Christmas tunes that will surely find you dancing around happily amongst the shreds of wrapping paper strewn about the living room. With contributions ranging from Todd Agnew to Nicolas Jonas, from Mercy Me to Derek Webb, it's a pretty eclectic mix that makes for a fun listen.

Potential Playlisters: "Messiah (The Christmas Version)", "Lo How A Rose E're Booming"
Contribution to the Christmas feast: mixed steamed veggies.
If this were a Christmas movie, it would be. . . White Christmas.

For fans of Broadway plays and musicals and that kind of thing, Todd Agnew has put together a thematic movement of sorts somewhat akin to Andrew Peterson's Behold, the Lamb of God, but perhaps not quite as ambitious. Based around the premise of the classic Christmas carol with the same name, the tale covers the entire nativity story with a nice fresh tone. Agnew is joined by a number of friends on the project including newcomer Joy Whitlock, Christy Nockels, and Anthony Evans. It's a rather nice album that tells one of the greatest stories of all time.

Potential Playlisters: "No Room - The Inkeeper", "God With Us - The Magi"
Contribution to the Christmas feast: a hearty, juicy roast.
If this were a Christmas movie, it would be. . . The Nativity Story.

When I put in a NewSong album - and I do occasionally put in a NewSong album - I expect a rather mellow bit of music entrenched in harmonies and vocals that stand out. I also expect that there will be some point on the album when they will try to make me cry. The Christmas Hope follows the group's popular Christmas album, The Christmas Shoes, which is the quintessential Christmas "tear-jerk" song. Indeed, the album offers plenty to like with some lively tracks that include a bit of jazz arrangements and the vocals are as expected. And, yes, "The Christmas Shoes" makes a return appearance (in case you missed it the first time around) as part of the trilogy found mid-album.

Potential Playlisters: "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", "Jesus, What a Wonderful Child"
Contribution to the Christmas feast: roasted apples.
If this were a Christmas movie, it would be. . . The Christmas Shoes (that was a gimme).

For the teenager (pre-teens also welcome) in all of us, Aly & AJ, the sisters who have broken out on Radio Disney and become a dominant duo in pop music, offer their take on Christmas. And you might be surprised that, outside of a few tracks, the pair turns out a rather traditional collection of Christmas tunes, hymns, and carols that should find soccer kids and moms bopping along together in cheerful holiday merriment. Perhaps the biggest complaint is that, despite having eleven tracks, this is one of the shortest Christmas albums out this year, clocking in at just under a half hour. (Though, I suppose that just means that you can listen to it even more).

Potential Playlisters: "Little Drummer Boy", "I'll Be Home for Christmas"
Contribution to the Christmas feast: candied yams minus the yams (unless you like yams).
If this were a Christmas movie, it would be. . . A Charlie Brown Christmas.

This one came out last year, but it was too late for proper attention. This year, though, the duo is briefly touring the release and there is time enough to tell the world about this spectacular project (and I'm not just saying that because I'm a fan). Released independently, Listener teams up with Dust (Mars Ill) to release this eight song EP that approaches Christmas from an interesting perspective. The quick stylistic catagorization for this would be hip-hop, but it's really a fine example of a genre that Listener has been refining over the past few years called "Loud Talking" and that in and of itself makes the album interesting. It's not for everyone, but it's certainly worth checking out if you dig experimental styles and/or hip hop and/or slam poetry and/or creativity.

Potential Playlisters: "Do You See What I See? I Hope So.", "Born in Bethlehem, and He Shall Send Them One by One
Contribution to the Christmas feast: a turkey with all the trimmings.
If this were a Christmas movie, it would be. . . How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Well, Third Day is still one of the biggest names in Christian music, and they've finally tipped their top hat (a la Frosty the Snowman) and released a Christmas project. Since it's not a "traditional" album, they decided to continue in the pattern established by their worship projects (Offerings). So, naturally, there's a mix of studio recordings and live recordings and it's all Christmas music and it works pretty well. The greatest fault may be that it's too straightforward and there's not much of a "Third Day thumbprint" on the project that would make it particularly stand out.

Potential Playlisters: "Jesus, Light of the World", "Christmas Like a Child"
Contribution to the Christmas feast: tossed salad.
If this were a Christmas movie, it would be. . . Scrooged.

That's the scoop. Round one of this year's Christmas music RunDown is complete, but stay tuned and there will be a round two. Check back towards the end of November for my thoughts and comparisons of Christmas albums from groups like Mary Mary, Moya Brennan, Hillsong, Go Fish and more. Until then, you can start stocking up on the latest, nay, freshest Christmas tunes at our sister site, FreshReleases.com