It may be a little younger than some of Brittany’s previous Daijams' 12 Days of Christmas selections, but I have no doubt this fantastic festive collaboration between BNL and Ms. McLachlan is (and will be) just as classic. They’ve basically maintained the meter of the original carol but added a dynamite swing that transforms the typically plodding and dry "Merry Gentlemen" into finger-snapping power pop.
It’s fun to listen to, it’s damn catchy, and they all genuinely sound like they’re enjoying recording it together ("Aw, not Sarah McLachlan again!"), a characteristic Brittany reminded us all yesterday that yes, we do still notice and appreciate when it manifests itself in joint efforts. Sarah and the BNL boys sound like they’ve been harmonizing forever, their voices -- her gossamer turns and swells and Robertson’s loping fine-sandpaper tenor -- sweetly contrasting.
I won’t deny I’m guilty of singing along to Christmas (and Hannukah!) standards aplenty, especially when it’s a pop cover that appears to have at least a little creativity and artistic effort put forth. (And no, Mr. Bieber, you don’t get any of those words. And Mr. Dylan: no more Christmas albums.) This cut, with its pretty modest range and repetitive harmonies (and extra verses for carol nerds), is right on the money: well-considered and fun as hell to crank up on the hi-fi, despite the nonexistent video.
Though it’s hard to top Whitney’s "Do You Hear What I Hear" or The Boss’ "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" on my singalong playlist, these guys are getting close.
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