Christmas With Alex And Friends (that's the group name, for all intents and purposes) was an idea that first came to fruition in 2013, if I'm not mistaken. Just a chance for some friends who happen to be musicians (mostly) to jam out some Christmas tunes. Who doesn't love Christmas tunes? Anybody here that doesn't like Christmas tunes? It's not much different than if you decided to do the same thing with your friends--if you're friends were (mostly) Indie Rock musicians.
As is often the case with such ideas, it grew. Next thing you know, you're inviting in musicians who maybe aren't friends (or even acquaintances), but who literally get their jollies jamming to Christmas tunes. 2014 saw the digital release of "Christmas With Alex And Friends", an EP of 5 (mostly) rocking arrangements of familiar Christmas songs. It was only a matter of time before people started asking, "Where can I get a CD?"
Of course, all of that is just "process". You want to know about the music.
Listening to the entire record, I felt the same as I did when I first heard the teaser video. It's a blast. There are a lot of reasons people make Christmas records. But the best reason to make a Christmas record is because you really enjoy making a Christmas record. These guys (and gals) were having a nuclear blast recording these songs and (as I always say), if you're having a good time recording, the listener can't help but have a good time listening.
As a whole, "The Red And Green Album" has the essence of joy you'd expect if 28 kids rushed to the tree on Christmas morning, tore off the wrapping paper in a holiday frenzy, discovered they'd all gotten instruments and spent the rest of the day jamming out. (A word of caution: parents, do not try that at home.) The music ranges from Rock to Hard Rock. There's Pop Punk, a post-apocalyptic "Frosty The Snowman", a Ramones inspired "Rudolph", and shredding guitars. "Feliz Navidad" alternates between Flock of Seafulls New Wave and Speed Metal (and it works). But, honestly, the music here (most of it very good) is not the takeaway. The takeaway is the spirit. A good Christmas album should make you feel something and trigger memories of Christmas past. And I can honestly say that "The Red And Green Album" from Christmas With Alex And Friends made me feel like a kid on Christmas morning and brought to mind some of my fondest Christmas memories. I said it was a blast and I was wrong. Its a blast and a half.
Now before somebody starts asking, "Where can I get it on CD", remember...the CDs were Kickstarter funded. So, unless you contributed to the campaign, you can't get it on CD. I know its not your fault. You didn't know. I didn't get a CD, either. We're just going to have to wait for the next one. Surely there will be a next one. Right? And I'm sure that, if there is a next one, Alex will drop us a line to let us know about the Kickstarter for that one. After that....no excuses. In the meantime, "The Red And Green Album" is digitally available on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.