A Chipmunk Christmas

The Chipmunks

Sony, 1992

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_and_the_Chipmunks

REVIEW BY: Sean McCarthy

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 12/24/2004

When I was in grade school, Christmas officially kicked off when A Chipmunk Christmas hit the record player. Extra grooves were dug into the vinyl as I kept playing their rendition of "Deck the Halls" and "Sleigh Ride."my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

I didn't realize that by doing this, I probably drove my older sister nuts. Once you listen to the Chipmunk's original Christmas ode ("Chipmunk Song"), the song lodges in your head like a fishhook in a sweater. "We can't hardly stand to wait, please Christmas don't be late," the three helium-heavy voices croon.

John Waters loved A Chipmunk Christmas so much that he included it in his recent 'best of' collection A John Waters Christmas. Of course, the album is rife with enough tacky numbers to fill a Sonny & Cher Variety Hour marathon.

A Chipmunk Christmas is one of those albums that your 50-year-old co-worker, who is way more into the Christmas spirit than anyone that age should be, gush over. The album is supposed to make you grin, laugh and think of simpler times. But unfortunately, the tunes are so Q-tip-in-the-brain annoying that the album doesn't even function as a nostalgia piece.

The songs are definitely immortal. The producers deserve serious praise for the production. So, I definitely can't give the album a 'D' or a 'C.' Unfortunately, the album is such a sore thumb that regardless of what's going on in your household, it seems the music in A Chipmunk Christmas can drown out even the loudest of conversations due to their high-pitched squeals. At least Mannheim Steamroller can effortlessly serve as background music while you open presents, cook Christmas breakfast or down a glass of wine and wait for the bars to open and swap stories with other folks who are escaping family gatherings.

Still, as a critic, it's a well-produced album. The songs are immortal. And it's one of the staples of the holiday season. Thus explaining the grade I'm giving it. Just don't expect me to listen to the album if I can help it.

Rating: B-

User Rating: Not Yet Rated


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