Search - Rod McKuen :: Christmas Album

Interesting Christmas collection...

David Bennett | Ohio, United States | 10/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rod McKuen's carols are no longer "new," but for most listeners they probably are. This album is typical Rod McKuen: some spoken word material, some upbeat songs, a few depressing songs thrown in for good measure, and an atypical album cover. Every song has his trademark folk/easy listening style. Part of me really appreciates the style, although it often drives my friends crazy. Perhaps since most people are used to more traditional sounding Christmas songs, they won't mind hearing Rod's CD. "The Carols of Christmas" song is beautiful. "So My Sheep May Safely Graze" tells of the birth of the Good Shepherd, the one who allows "the sheep to safely graze." "And To Each Season" was "co-written" with Baroque composer Pachelbel, and is to the tune of his all-time classic "Canon." It is beautiful and lyrically deep, but is not really a Christmas song. "So Long, Stay Well" is a song Rod wrote early in his career, and was recorded by Barry McGuire in 1963 for an early solo effort. Again, I don't know how this is a Christmas carol, but it is a good song nonetheless. "Bethlehem BC" is a standout, which starts with spoken word, and then erupts into one of the prettiest instrumental interludes I have ever heard. "Here He Comes Again" is an upbeat tune with a marching beat. I don't know who "he" is in this tune, perhaps Jesus or Santa, or just some good and just individual. The other songs are generally very good. Some were co-written with Anita Kerr, one of Rod's famous partners.Overall, this is a good CD. You have to be in just the right mood to appreciate it fully though. Its sound might be out-of-fashion to modern ears. Usually around October 30th this is the first Christmas CD I get out, and one of the last I put away."