Published: December 05, 2007 09:59 pm      

New Jars of Clay album reminds us of what Christmas is really about

While I truly love the type of Christmas albums that focus on the “joy and cheer” aspect of Christmas, every once in a while an outstanding album focusing on the intimate spirit of the holiday will catch my attention. “Christmas Songs,” the latest by a newly independent Jars of Clay, is just such an album. The musicianship, heart and overall quality of this album are so wonderful that it is destined to become a holiday favorite.

The touching instrumental original “The Gift of St. Cecilia” opens the album in a much understated way. The song establishes a measure of intimacy right away, a calling card of sorts for the band. Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” kicks off the album properly. I found this a wonderful cover but an undeniably interesting choice. Renowned for their acceptable treatments of traditional songs, it’s almost as if the band is doing the opposite here. In many ways they managed to traditionalize a contemporary song and, somewhat surprisingly, it works.

The band continues to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time offering up classics such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Drummer Boy” amidst a sea of originals and lesser-known songs. One of the lesser-known songs here is the album’s highlight as a matter of fact. Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time Is Here” (“Peanuts,” anyone?) soars to life through Jars of Clay’s exceptional style when covering it. This is a version I could listen to over and over again without losing interest.

The many originals that grace this album are nothing short of wonderful as well. The band has such a unique yet intensely musical style. The intimacy of the Christmas holiday fits what they do like a glove. The soft spoken yet powerful “Peace is Here” as well as the new musical and lyrical arrangement of “In the Bleak Midwinter” are highlights among highlights. “Hibernation Day” defers from the Christmas norm a bit and provides a nice break from a lot of the “heaviness” of the rest of the album.

Overall, this is an album well worth your time. This isn’t the kind of album you will hear blasted along parade routes or blaring from your aunt’s speakers during your holiday meal. It’s an album that you need to be alone with to truly enjoy. Great for long holiday car trips, some time in front of the fireplace on a snowy night, or any alone time you have to focus on why Christmas exists. The bottom line is simply that eggnog + Jars of Clay’s “Christmas Songs” = holiday treat!

“Christmas Songs” by Jars of Clay is available everywhere now via the band’s own label, Gray Matters, and Nettwerk Music Group.