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Our Review

This CD includes several of my favorite bands, so it is worth asking why it has taken me so long to get around to listening to and commenting on it. I've got no explanation and no excuse. I should have had this on the site years ago. Released by Nettwerk, Maybe This Christmas is a virtual Who's Who of alt/rock recording artists, featuring Jimmy Eat World, Sarah McLachlan, Ben Folds, Barenaked Ladies, and Bright Eyes, among others. Not to mention the a closing number by Celtic/pop artist Loreena McKennett, whose music is featured elsewhere on this site.

There are no inferior tracks on Maybe This Christmas. But the songs that particularly caught my attention were God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, performed with relaxed enthusiasm by Sarah McLachlan and Barenaked Ladies; Winter Wonderland, the set opener by southern California rock band Phantom Planet; and the apropos Blue Christmas by Bright Eyes: I mean, who can sound bluer than Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst?

This is a bona fide classic, featuring seminal artists and diggable performances of Christmas songs past and present. Recommended even for those who wouldn't typically pick up a rock Christmas offering.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

Executive Producers: Darin Harmon and Dave Holmes
Mastered by: Mark Chalecki at Capitol Records Mastering
Layout by: Artwerks Design
Graphics and Design: Paul Frank Industries, www.paulfrank.com

Various Artists

Maybe This Christmas

Artist link

Track List