Holiday Spirits

I don't need any more Christmas music. Really! I've got enough Christmas music that I don't even get through it all in December. But that doesn't stop me from buying more. This last year, I discovered the a cappella group Straight No Chaser and just had to get their first CD. Holiday Spirits is a collection of Christmas songs that you are guaranteed to love.Straight No Chaser rose to fame based on a You Tube video of a live performance of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." That live version is included in this disc. Now just in case you are thinking, "I've heard this song a million times," trust me, you've never heard it like this. Yes, the first 45 seconds or so seem fairly normal. But then they start going crazy, throwing in such songs as "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer," "Carol of the Bells," "The Boar's Head Carol," and even "I Have a Little Dreidel" and "Africa." The audience loves it, and frankly listening to their reactions is half the fun. I know where all the jokes are, and I still don't get tired of it.The rest of the songs are more traditionally done, although the group still puts a distinctive touch to them. "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" starts things off, and don't let those first few seconds of slow harmony fool you. This is an upbeat, toe tapping arrangement. Or, if you prefer, you can snap your fingers along with the guys. It really gives you a good feel for the joys you can expect for the rest of the disc since the harmonies are tight."Jingle Bell Rock" does slow things down a little, but it feels like the traditional speed for the song. You can still definitely tap along with it and those amazing harmonies.Everyone seems to do their own version of "The Christmas Song," and the guys take it on here. It's appropriately slow. This is mostly a traditional version of the song with one of the guys singing and the rest humming the instruments in the background. It's not the best version of the song or the best song on the disc, but it is pleasant.Despite my extensive Christmas music collection, there are several songs on here I'm not that familiar with. "This Christmas" is one of those. It's a nice mid-tempo song about how special a first Christmas with the one you love is.That song is followed by one of two completely original songs. "Christmas Wish" hits home a little as a single guy asks for a woman for Christmas. It's another mid-tempo song with a really catchy melody. I found myself singing along after not too many times through the disc.The other original song is "Indiana Christmas." While the song is original, the sentiment is familiar as it sings about the longing to be home for Christmas. Listening to it makes me long for those cozy nights by the tree with my own family and friends.The Beach Boys would be proud of their cover of "Little Saint Nick" complete with jingle bells keeping the beat. Of course, since the Beach Boys had such great harmonies, this song is a natural fit for Straight No Chaser.They also cover "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" and include the bells again. I find the sadness of the lyrics an interesting contrast to the upbeat melody. I always find myself tapping my toes to this one.Back on the traditional front, they chose to include "Sweet Little Jesus Boy." I don't have very many versions of this song, and I thought I didn't like it. Maybe I just hadn't heard the right version yet. It's still not a favorite, but the slow, thoughtful version they do here makes me appreciate it more. Of course, those great harmonies don't hurt things either.I'm conflicted about their version of "Carol of the Bells." They spend about half of the two and a quarter minutes with the basses singing "Ding Dong" while other members hum either the melody of this song or "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." It's beautiful and haunting. Then they do start actually singing the song, and I like it even more. I guess really I just wish the song were longer. It's dramatic, perfect for this group.They close things out with a slightly upbeat version of "Auld Lang Syne." This traditional New Years song is back to the fun of the earlier songs on the disc. It's still a pretty straight version of the song, and I like that fact since I do like this song.Really, this whole disc is very fun, and it's a shame to only dig it out once a year. I have a feeling that I will be pulling it out earlier than December most years.Yet it is also perfect for mid-December. I have quite a few Christmas discs that begin to sound the same after a while. This one definitely stands out and makes you really start listening to Christmas music again.So if you want something fun and original to add to your Christmas music collection, give the guys of Straight No Chaser a shot. Holiday Spirits will entertain anyone who likes a cappella music and give everyone a break from the more traditional arrangements.

After watching these guys on Youtube for over a year and loving their performances, I bought the cd in hopes they could keep the same beautiful harmonics and they didnt disappoint. AFter listening to the songs, I had to order more to give out as gifts this year. Couldnt think of a better way to spread the holiday cheer and share the passion and joy of the season. These guys have done a phenomenal job and I'm just thrilled they were able to share it with us.Santa Claus is coming to town was arranged so beautifully, it became an instant favorite.Jingle Bell Rock was always a favorite, but with their wonderful voices, it makes the instrumental version seem cheesy.The Christmas song was never one of my personal faves, even with classic performers. But it fits perfectly with a 10 voice group that can show the true definition of how it SHOULD be done.This Christmas is a fun song that you just cant hold still for. As soon as Jerome starts to sing, you cant help but bounce along.Christmas Wish is a beautiful song and Dan Ponce did a fantastic job on the lyrics and arrangement.Hark the Harald Angels Sing/Angels We Have Heard on High is a truly inspirational piece that brings out the feeling of the season. Their arrangement sounds like heaven opened up and allowed us the chance to hear a brief glimpse of perfection.Little Saint Nick is probably one of my favorites. Like so many of their songs, they blew the original artists out of the water with their rendition!12 Days of Christmas never gets old. I'm absolutely addicted to it. If I hear another version, I get mad and ask 'Where's Africa?" Now the song seems weak without it!Indiana Christmas is another triumph by Dan. This song is tied for my all time favories. Though I'm from and live, in another state, this song makes me want to go to Indiana and feel the love and peace that seems to draw these guys to it. Perhaps thats why they're all so blessed. The atmosphere and people bring out the best. :DSweet Little Jesus Boy was a song I was unfamiliar with but was an instant hit. Steve does such a wonderful job.... you will cry. The song is so touching and sad, and its performed in such a way that you couldnt ask for a better presentation. Jesus is smiling!Christmas is such a fun and quick tempo song that you cant help but sing along.Carol of the Bells was beautiful done on Youtube but they surpassed themselves with the new arrangement. Charlie's deep voice resonates like a real bell and pulls you into the song. Just... wonderful!Silent Night has a tendancy to get old with some artists but not with these guys. The alteration and mix of their voices add a fresh approach to an all time favorite.Auld Lang Syne was never one of my favorites. Couldnt stand the song for the longest time. Now, with these fabulous guys in control of the harmony, I can't get enough of it. I find myself humming it all the time and listen to it with the speakers on full!ALl in all, I would say the guys rank a 100, which no other group could possibly attain. Each of the ten guys gets a perfect 10. They are so talented.This CD is definately worth every penny! I garantee you won't be disapponited by their performance.

This is one of the best holiday CD's I now have in my collection. Never mind that I am biased after seeing this fantastic group in person at a Holiday concert earlier this week. They sound just as polished in person as they do on this CD. It is amazing that it is all acapella - you could swear that there are some instruments, but nope, its all them. And each singer puts his unique spin on the song that they headline.Their harmonizing is increbile, reminiscent of the Beach Boys and Boys to Men, and they build off and compliment each other. The signature track is definitely their version of "The 12 Days of Christmas." They were "discovered" when the group was asked to do a ten year annivesary performance in 2006, one member posted old footage on You Tube for the members to get back into the spirit, only to make it a break out hit 18 months later when it swelled from 100,000 views to 6 million by Christmas 2007 (now currently over 9 million views on You Tube). A record deal followed and it was appropriate to issue a holiday collection.Other stand out tracks include "This Christmas," "Carol of the Bells," "Silent Night," and probably the jazziest version of "Auld Lange Syne" you'll ever hear. The only song missing from their fantastic live show is a quiet, beauiful, and solemn rendition of "O Holy Night," which was a crowd pleaser in person. I can't say enough about this great group - I just love this CD! And now I cannot remember the original 12 days of Christmas...

Perfect for holidays or all year round

This album sounds just as fresh as any in recent years. I usually buy a new holiday album or two every year, listen to it that year, then maybe it gets played once every two or three years after that. I listened to this one over and over and never got tired of it.The songs that impressed me the most were the originals, especially "Indiana Christmas." Too many holiday songs are over-produced and sound tired after just a few hearings, but this track was very pretty and never seemed to get old. Having no instruments gives the whole album a timeless quality. I imagine I will listen to this for many years to come.

I first found SNC on the web last year (like 8,000,000 other people), and fell in love with their fun, energetic sound. Now, as a true Cinderella story, these gentlemen are pulled from their regular lives to record, what else, but the Christmas song and album that made them a youtube hit. The music is simply fantastic - fun, poignant, playful... Holiday Spirits has it all. Also, even if you don't know the music, you have to love their story... 10 friends who get tapped to make a record almost 10 years after the concert that was the viral hit. They are so fun, unassuming and just grateful to be given this chance. How often does that happen?Check the album out. You will love it. I hope enough people love it so that SNC continues to record other albums.

Love their sound!!

This is a wonderful Christmas CD, filled with beautiful arrangements of songs performed very well. I love acapella, but I love it when they add 'the instrumentals' through vocal work--and a lot of groups don't. If you love Rockapella, you'll find that Straight No Chaser is right in your love zone too.Of course, 12 Days of Christmas is hilariously amazing. But it is just one of the 14 beautiful songs. I loved it on the first listen (and I usually like about half the songs on a given CD on the first listen, and gradually come to love all of them--on a good CD.)An EXCELLENT introduction to us. And I cannot wait for their next album(Of course, when you buy this CD, you'll also get a bonus mp3 download.)This is a wonderful CD.

A friend sent me a link to Straight No Chaser's "Christmas Can Can" on Youtube, and I was hooked. I love a good acapella group and they are good. I have been a fan of Phil Spector's Chrismas Album for years, but this time, another album got played a whole lot more!

Loved the music and a little different take on some familiar carols

This group is a little hidden gem . Love listening to these guys

This album has a great selection of Christmas songs. My mum absolutely loves it. She recommends it to any straight no chaser fans or to anyone who likes Christmas music.

If you are a fan of the Nylons and Pentatonix Christmas CD's you will love this one.Favourite songs are This Christmas, Christmas Wish, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/Angels We Have Heard On High, Little Saint Nick, Indiana Christmas, Carol of the Bells, Auld Lang Syne.