-Brenda Hillegas
I’m always thrilled to review the latest album by Screaming Orphans- Diver sisters Angela (bass, violin, vocals); Joan (drums, vocals), Marie Thérèse (keys, accordion, vocals); and Gráinne (guitar, vocals). The Irish quartet never fails at curating a collection of songs that will please their dedicated fans and charm new listeners. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning as I hit play and let their newest release, Happy Christmas Volume 1, fill me with holiday cheer! And if you’re a new listener, welcome to the family…
If you love holiday music, Happy Christmas is a must for your collection! So many Christmas favorites are on this release, but in a way that only Screaming Orphans can do it! “We Three Kings” and “O Holy Night” show off their beautiful voices toned down and Christmas swoon-worthy! “Jingle Bells” is unique with a classic twist and I think I need a cranberry martini in my hand as I listen to it! Pour me another as I sway back and forth to the Orphans’ version of “Christmas Time Is Here” too. “Blue Christmas”- the version we didn’t know we need but totally do!
And there are some cheerful surprises too…
“Miss Fogarty’s Christmas Cake” by the legendary Irish Rovers is such a fun sing along song. I can picture me screaming “everybody now” as we go into another round! Actually, I can picture the girls encouraging us from stage! I can’t stop smiling while listening to it.
When I got to “Wishing You A Merry Christmas” I immediately started bouncing in my chair and shaking my shoulders. This is a fun tune and a great throwback to some ’80s pop. I wish it could be Christmas everyday. I wish it could be like this everyday! I wish I could bop my head to this at a Christmas gathering with snow falling, drink in hand and an impromptu dance party! It will be on repeat for a while at my house! Skip right to this song, then listen to the whole album, and then go back to this one. This isn’t “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”…but that song’s on this album too as the final track.
This is a solid holiday album that’s sure to be come a standard in the Irish music community. With a title like Happy Christmas Volume 1, I’ll be hoping Santa brings a Volume 2 sooner rather than later!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
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