Our Review
Matt Molnar is the self-described "quintessential quirky bird" who is the driving force behind Ranlom (guess-who's name spelled backward), a talented group having big fun on Going on Holiday. Although this dynamic pop album is a relatively short (just 28 minutes) road trip through five favorite carols and two original creations (the title track and Christmas at Grandma's House), Molnar's zippy arrangements make the adventure well worth the price of gas.
Two pieces are true stand-outs for me. First, the We Three Kings cut is particularly inspired; it provides a tremendously catchy take on this well-worn piece. The throbbing percussion, rhythmic shifts, backing vocals, transformed melody, and blistering sax all give the carol a nice rock edge. Cool! Second, the title track is a well-crafted, original instrumental; Molnar's piano/keyboard action is fresh and lively.
Going on holiday this Christmas season? You might want to take along Ranlom's Going on Holiday to keep you company. It's a spirited little album that should entertain the quintessentially quirky and the utterly quirkless alike.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)
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From the liner notes:
Matt Molnar: Vocals, Piano, Keyboards
Dave Captein: Bass
Drew Shoals: Drums
Renato Caranto: Tenor Sax
Tim Jensen: Flute, Soprano Sax, Saxes
Eli Reisman: Electric Guitar
Mike Horsfall: Vibes
Tim Current: Background Vocals
Kevin Nettleingham: Background Vocals
Tracey Harris: Guest Vocalist (track 3)
Arrangements by Matt Molnar
Produced by Matt Molnar & Kevin Nettleingham
From the Website:
Ranlom is a quirky bird with an affinity for Chuck Mangione, road trips, and libraries.
Ranlom
Going on Holiday
Artist link
Label: Quirky Bird Records
Length: 28 minutes
Genre: Pop
Release: 2008
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Silver Bells |
| We Three Kings |
| Do You Hear What I Hear |
| God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman |
| Going on Holiday |
| Little Drummer Boy |
| Christmas at Grandma's House |