Every year, Indie Folk/Chamber Pop artist Ben Smith gives us a new digital Christmas single (with an "A" and "B" side, no less). As you can see, we're up to Vol. 6.
The "B" side, "She's Christmas Eve" I have mixed feelings about. I like the concept--that Joseph loved Mary just like any of us would love someone.
He's no wiseman
searching the sky,
He's found every star
in Mary's eyes
See? That's nice. I like that. But the song begins taking on a feel that Joseph is being played for a fool. I don't think that was Ben's intention, but, after a while, it starts to feel that way. I mean Joseph is standing in the corner with the ox and the ass while heavenly hosts are attending to Mary. At some point, you gotta figure the donkey is gonna look at Joseph and say, "Which one of us is supposed to be the ass, again?"
But the "A" side--"Last Needle"--I can totally get behind. It's a Funky Jazzy rundown of all the "lasts" in a relationship...specifically this relationship. The way its put together, it sounds as though she ended the relationship. By the end of the song, he can't wait for it to be over.
Last needle on the tree
this Christmas is the end for you and me.
Last pose for Christmas cards,
smile through our teeth and our filthy hearts--
Hmmm hmm hmmm
Last time for first noels,
last time you tell me “Go to hell!”
(right in front of my mother’s house)
Last curse and our last fight,
never ever ever had a silent night
with you.
Sure, it's an anti-Christmas song. But I get it and I like it. Speaking of getting it, stop by Bandcamp to download "Old Man Winter, Vol. 6". And, while you're there, have a look around. There's 5 more volumes of "Old Man Winter" to gather while ye may.
The "B" side, "She's Christmas Eve" I have mixed feelings about. I like the concept--that Joseph loved Mary just like any of us would love someone.
He's no wiseman
searching the sky,
He's found every star
in Mary's eyes
See? That's nice. I like that. But the song begins taking on a feel that Joseph is being played for a fool. I don't think that was Ben's intention, but, after a while, it starts to feel that way. I mean Joseph is standing in the corner with the ox and the ass while heavenly hosts are attending to Mary. At some point, you gotta figure the donkey is gonna look at Joseph and say, "Which one of us is supposed to be the ass, again?"
But the "A" side--"Last Needle"--I can totally get behind. It's a Funky Jazzy rundown of all the "lasts" in a relationship...specifically this relationship. The way its put together, it sounds as though she ended the relationship. By the end of the song, he can't wait for it to be over.
Last needle on the tree
this Christmas is the end for you and me.
Last pose for Christmas cards,
smile through our teeth and our filthy hearts--
Hmmm hmm hmmm
Last time for first noels,
last time you tell me “Go to hell!”
(right in front of my mother’s house)
Last curse and our last fight,
never ever ever had a silent night
with you.
Sure, it's an anti-Christmas song. But I get it and I like it. Speaking of getting it, stop by Bandcamp to download "Old Man Winter, Vol. 6". And, while you're there, have a look around. There's 5 more volumes of "Old Man Winter" to gather while ye may.
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