Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Deadlies - The Deadlies Do Christmas
 | All righty now! These songs, done by bazillions, take on a fresh sound via real rock and roll sound and grit. Even the pretty songs have loudness and edge. It may not be traditional surf, but it's completely cool. Very honest and fun. |
Picks: Sleigh Ride, What Child Is This, Joy To The World, Feliz Navidad, Silver Bells, Deck the Halls, Silent Night - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Jolly Old St. Nicholas, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, We Four Kings, Auld Lang Syne
Track by Track Review
Rock (Instrumental)
The Deadlies play "Sleigh Ride" as if they were a more drum-centric version of Los Straitjackets, but with a more Ventures-like tone. A couple of gritty glissandos give this a surfable edge. There's nothing easy does it under the tree about this rendering.
Rock (Instrumental)
Without the lyrics, "What Child Is This" is "Greensleeves." This is a gritty, deliberate performance that's surprisingly endearing. It has a loud sound without too much aggression.
Rock (Instrumental)
Excellent drums and a real-band sound drive "Joy To The World" right over the top. The simplicity and honesty of the sound is very refreshing. Gritty and cool.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Jingle Bells" is modestly arranged with simple rock attitude. Its crisp sound and genuine feel are very nice.
Rock (Instrumental)
A bit of "Feliz Navidad" brings on a basic rock arrangement that's right out of your garage... no, not next to the Honda, nor crude, but pure honest sound and direct playing, It may not rock your world exactly, but it sure is good to hear someone play this well and still use a real rock sound.
Rock (Instrumental)
Easy moving, beautiful in an electric sort of way, "Silver Bells" is rather refreshingly arranged. The bass is so smooth!
Rock (Instrumental)
With a kind of jazzy arrangement, the guitar plays "The Christmas Song" solo with stereo reverb for spread.
Rock (Instrumental)
Muted chop chords, big drums, and thundering bass pummel the underside of "Deck the Halls" while the guitar plays really clean lines. This is a very original arrangement. Big grins from me!
Silent Night - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Rock (Instrumental)
"Silent Night" rings from the guitar above dramatic cymbals for a very fine sound. It yields to a much bolder "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" with very cool drums. Christmas with grit.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Jolly Old St. Nicholas" is more surfy than most here, with lovely notes and easy drums and bass. It's a slow piece with a bit of jazz-country twang. Very nice.
We Wish You A Merry Christmas Rock (Instrumental)
Muted chop chords and surf drums are pumped by pulsing bass lines. The rock guitar tone is genuine, bringing a fresh face in a simple and very effective arrangement. Quite cool.
Rock (Instrumental)
Long flowing chords in stereo reverb ambiance carry this gentle version of "White Christmas" off in solo form. Tastefully done.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Blue Hawaiians' arrangement is the basis for this. Though derived from it, its tone is gritty and more rock, making it sound fresh and cool.
Rock (Instrumental)
Christmas ends with New Years... "Auld Lang Syne" is a power pop romp with big grins. I like this arrangement a lot. Grit, power, distortion, and soaring notes.