Have a Holly Raleigh KIDSmas is a unique and varied collection of holiday music. It's unlikely that anybody would enjoy everything on this album, but there is something for everyone. It's a nice break from traditional Christmas music and that's about all one could ask for from these tunes.The album is bookended by strong tracks, but sags in the middle. “Santa Claus is Strong” by Mommie has a wonderful rising steel guitar line. The brief “P-E-A-C-E” by Anthony Neff has love-them-or-hate-them kid backup singers, but this time of the year I'm leaning towards loving them. The Atomic Rhythm All-Stars turn in one the best tracks with “Our Friend the Gingerbread Man,” a snappy and clever dixie shuffle.
The whole does a 180 in tone, theme, and style with The Beast's “Black Candle.” It's a laid back lounge rap about Kwanza that sounds too cheesy. The Desmonds try to up the rock and roll quotient, but end up sounding pretty stiff on “One Wish This Christmas.”
“I Hear (Click, Click, Click)” by The Rosebuds strikes the perfect balance between a Christmas tune and indie rock. The album ends with a fantastic retelling of “'Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Jubal Creech about Santa stepping in for a jazz jam session before racing off in his sleigh.
Like most Christmas music, Have a Holly Raleigh KIDSmas will probably only be a seasonal listen, but if you are tired of the standards, a collector of local music, or just want to help out a good cause (sales of the CD will help to benefit the Community Music School), this album is a nice holiday treat.
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