Barenaked for the Holidays

Personnel: Ed Robertson , Steven Page (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Kevin Hearn (vocals, mandolin, accordion, piano, keyboards, vibraphone); Jim Creeggan (vocals, acoustic bass, electric double bass); Tyler Stewart (vocals, drums, percussion).
Audio Mixer: Michael Phillip Wojewoda.
Recording information: Fresh Baked Woods (05/2004).
Photographer: Andrew MacNaughton.
When one considers the ancient holy traditions embodied in Christmas and Hanukkah, the words "wacky," "zany," and "irreverent" are not usually terms that come to mind. These appellations are, however, regularly applied to Canadian acoustic rockers Barenaked Ladies. Strangely enough, on BARENAKED FOR THE HOLIDAYS, this unlikely combination of band and subject matter works splendidly, bringing a heaping helping of joy to the most celebratory of seasons.
The North-of-the-border boys' stunningly eclectic musicianship allows them to employ numerous musical toys on Santa's list, including the Lowery organ (complete with its wonderfully cheesy internal drum-machine sounds) that graces "O Holy Night," and the barbershop-quartet-style vocals on "Deck the Stills" (which consists solely of the lyrics "Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young" sung to the tune of "Deck the Halls"). Lest the whole affair get too silly, there are several heartfelt moments as well. "Snowman" actually makes one feel sorry for the frozen narrator's transient existence, while the folksy "Hanukkah Blessings" is a straightforward reminder of the holiday's true meaning.