King of Hawaii - Mele Kalikimaka


With eight days left before Christmas, I wanted to spend today looking at several new Christmas albums on the shelves this season - perhaps a last minute gift guide for those who love Christmas music.

This is the second review today and it's from the good people at Double Crown Records. From the end of my "Seasonal Favorites V2" review last month:

"Double Crown doesn't have a "Seasonal Favorites V3" for this Christmas (think 2009). However, a band on their label named King of Hawaii released a Christmas EP just in time for 2008. At $6, this might be the bargain of the season."

Recorded at the House of Rock in October, 2006, this EP has five tracks which allows me to do...

TRACK REVIEWS:

1.) Greensleeves
Hawaiian surf flavored version of this traditional Christmas carol. Where's my sunblock?

2.) Feliz Navidad
Surf guitarish with Latin flavor throughout... not bad from a group called "King of Hawaii"!

3.) Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
WOW! I'm not sure Tchaikovsky envisioned this song to be played by a rock group in creepy Groovy Ghoulies style-surf guitar but it works!

4.) Our Favorite (Christmas) Martian
I thought this was the Ventures at first (something off their "Ventures In Space" album). Not heavy on Christmas but I don't mind one bit.

5.) Road Kill Christmas
The ghost of Jerry Reed lives! Honky tonk surf guitar never sounded so goooooood!


This Christmas EP is flat out amazing - well worth the $6 and then some. I'm torn between "Feliz Navidad" and "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" as best tracks on the CD. Since I'm pressed for time today, I'll simply call them "co-winners".

According to the U.S. Post Office, Saturday December 20th is the final day to ship anything first class to get it to your home before Christmas. Head over the the Double Crown website and order your copy today!


Capt

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