Family Force 5

We all have that Scrooge in our life, that friend or loved one or coworker who scorns the radio station that kicks in its holiday tunes a week before Thanksgiving, who gags at the sound of Bing Crosby, and who almost seems to wish that Grandma really would get run over by a reindeer and be done with it. Sadly, these people, by and large, have had no real outlet for their own holiday cheer as most artists tend to stick with the tried and true when it comes to dropping a Christmas project. Granted, there are many of us who relish the familiarity and the tradition of such recordings but, for those who don’t, Family Force 5 has once again come to the rescue.

The FF5 quintet brings a holiday collection together that sounds unlike anything you’ll be hearing on your local radio this season. Ten tracks, eight of which are covers, comprise the album but, never fear, the Force puts their ever-interesting spin on each of them to craft something that’s ultimately what I’d dub, “Christmas music for those who don’t like Christmas music.” In fact, there’s an element to this album that, save for some of the lyrics, could garner it airplay year-round.

“Carol of the Bells” sets the tone right off the bat, with a near hip-hop “I’ve been waiting all year for this” intro and a killer electric jam that follows. “Little Drummer Boy” brings a chill vibe and stuttering percussion to the mix while the Charlie Brown classic, “Christmas Time is Here” keeps things going with great keyboards and a driving beat.

The band takes on another classic in “My Favorite Things,” updating the song in a way that would clearly leave Julie Andrews shaking her head. But it’s a great track, possessed of crunching guitars, auto-tuned vocals, and syncopated rhythms. Carol “Angels We Have Heard On High” gets the FF5 treatment as well, mixed up with lots of programmed drums and scratching as “Do You Hear What I Hear” gets a boost of adrenaline, moving along with a plodding bass line and a unique arrangement.

“T’was The Night Before Christmas” is a true highlight, turning the vaunted holiday tale into a hip-hop/R&B flavored jam, and showcasing guest vocals from Lalipop. In similar fashion, Jerome Olds lends his vocals to the band’s first original track, “It’s Christmas Day,” a surprisingly subdued track that flows over a hopeful lyric. “The Baby” kicks things back up into gear with FF5’s signature crunk-rock sound over against lyrics that uphold the baby Savior and they close things out with a slightly tweaked version of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime.”

All said, Family Force 5 has done what they do best, remaining true to themselves while crafting a truly enjoyable Christmas album. They retain the best of the covers and imbue things with a festive spirit that’s all their own. And best of all? It’ll be great to dance to at all those Christmas parties you’ll have to attend this year.

Tagged as: Christmas Pageant, Family Force 5

↓ One comment

#1 Matt on December 12th, 2009 at 12:03 pm

Glad you can do this because I just can’t.

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