You got screwed by Santa Claus again.
Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 01/01/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The Boxmasters feature lead singing and drumming by actor Billy Bob Thornton. This is the band's second album, and it's a Christmas album, obviously. I guess the title "Christmas Cheer" is meant ironically, because the album is none too cheery. Most of the songs are rather melancholy, albeit done sardonically enough to keep things from being TOO depressing. The music is played in a country & western style that harkens back to the sounds of Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash. Billy Bob actually does a decent job as a singer. Three of the ten sounds were written by the group, and these original songs are definitely the highlights of the album. They are about depressing situations, but they are told in a witty way. As for the seven "cover" songs, they aren't bad, but there are definitely better versions of all these songs out there. But there are worse ways to spend Christmas than with Billy Bob Thornton."
Good Stuff
Nick Papajorjio | USA | 07/09/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Exactly what I expected, it's the Boxmasters playing Christmas songs. These other reviewers seem surprised at the music...why?
If you like their other albums, then this is worth 10 bucks, for sure!"
You Were Expecting Bing Crosby?
BJ Fraser | Michigan | 12/07/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of course the title "Christmas Cheer" is used ironically. Did you really expect anything else from the star of "Bad Santa?" The original songs like "Slower Than Christmas" and "I Won't Be Home for Christmas" are great if you liked the dark holiday humor of "Bad Santa" and the countrified humor of "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer." The classic tunes are done in a rockabilly format and are OK, though Thornton isn't exactly going to make you forget about Johnny Cash. I wish there were more of the original tracks, because those are really the best part of this album. Still, even at 33 minutes it's a bit of holiday fun.
That is all."