Our Review
Blitch Bango is a creative rock band led by guitarist/vocalist/songwriter B. Mathis; in fact, B. Mathis is the entire band. "Modern Christmas Classics in Various Styles" is exactly what it says. Be prepared for a rockin' good time with traditional holiday offerings sporting creative new garb.
In terms of content, "Modern Christmas Classics" burgeons with 18 different well-known carols. Stylistically, this fascinating album travels all over the map. Some tracks feature warm instrumentals that are played in straight-ahead fashion (e.g., "Winter Wonderland" "What Child Is This"). Others are surreal pop/rock creations layered with synth excitement (the opening "Frosty the Snowman", "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"). World influences are important, too (for example, Blitch Bango's exotic instrumental "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" has a definite East Indian/Ravi Shankar sort of influence). "Jingle Bells" is an ultra-ethereal creation with bells and an almost unidentifiable melody line. Syncopation is another prevalent feature; tracks such as "Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Let It Snow" overflow with driving rhythm.
About half of these numbers have vocals, and half are instrumentals. B. Mathis possesses a rough 'n ready rock voice that has a desirable, but mildly atonal, quality that recalls Bob Dylan or Neil Young. One production concern is that the instrumentation occasionally overshadows the vocals; a cleaner balance would yield a more pleasing result.
"Modern Christmas Classics" is a fun example of how well-worn standards can be brought into the twenty-first century. The interpretations are fresh, and the results are refreshing. Drink a cup o' cheer to Blitch Bango this holiday season.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)
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From the liner notes:
All arrangements by B. Mathis.
Produced and Engineered by B. Mathis.
From the website:
What is a BLITCH BANGO?
Well, gather around, because an old man is about to speak... BLITCH BANGO is a band, but a band unlike most other bands. Led primarily by guitarist/vocalist/songwriter B. Mathis, BLITCH BANGO's music draws upon the essence of rock, with a blend of musical styles from folk and americana, punk and new-wave, lounge and bop, and whatever is handy and available.
Blitch Bango
Modern Christmas Classics in Various Styles
Artist link
Label: Chobbs Records
Genre: Rock
Release: 2001
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Frosty the Snowman |
| Winter Wonderland |
| Holly Jolly Christmas |
| Santa Claus Is Coming To Town |
| What Child Is This |
| Blue Christmas |
| Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas |
| Jingle Bells |
| Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow |
| Do You Hear What I Hear |
| Sleigh Ride |
| It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year |
| O Christmas Tree |
| Silent Night |
| Little Drummer Boy |
| Silver Bells |
| Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer |
| We Wish You A Merry Christmas |