aaamusic | On 08, Dec 2010

Ok I have to admit it, I don’t like Christmas, so the idea to review a Xmas compilation didn’t make me jump for joy, but I liked the Rainboot idea. In fact the label decided to get together bands from their roster and friends to create 14 Xmas songs and raise funds for Save the Children, they stated that 100% of income from sales will be donated to Save The Children.

So it’ a very good reason to buy and listen to this album, Xmas is a delicate period for childhood, children wait for their Xmas presents and there are loads of abandoned kids who won’t receive anything.

That doesn’t mean that you have to buy this CD moved by pity, but it’s a good chance to think that in this period of general happiness and crazy shopping people don’t stop to suffer.

That said this compilation is very melancholic and heartbreaking, and bands who joined it wanted to cause those feelings because “they look more at the reality of life and the fact that, Christmas or not, the world isn’t exactly ‘roses and poetry’”. In short, they’re great, thought-provoking songs that pitch uncertainty and insecurity (however big or small) against the simple hope that everything might turn out fine next year.

Amongst the contributors are The Whiskey Priest with It came upon a midnight clear, a moving song recited by the singer with the only support of guitar and harmonica. Junkboy contributed with a instrumental song introduced by flutes, perfect for a fairy tale. Ben Holland (from The Winter Hill Transmission) sing a hymn of hope, Life will love you, using a classic melody, while The Animal Beat open the album with Love again and April Maybe May sing a delight Christmas in the sun, melting their soft voices with jingling bells.

It could be the perfect gift, you will make happy a friend that loves good music and at the same time you give your money to Save the Children.

Author: Roberta Capuano