Gnar Tapes
Buy: Bandcamp
Would you like some lo-fi indie rock Christmas tunes? Well, have I got a record for you! My buddy Ned hipped me to the impending release of LA-based lo-fi stoner-pop outfit The Memories’ new Christmas record, Of Christmas, and it does not disappoint. From the Velvets-esque “What Do You Want for Christmas” and “Winter’s Joy” to the cheekily sexy “Egg Nog,” I’m finding a lot to like here.
There’s some goofy stuff too, such as the list-of-toys ramble in “Santa Bring Me Some Toys,” performed over some cool, muddy lo-fi beats, as well as some sped-up (and sometimes profane) covers of classics like “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “Deck the Halls.” This isn’t a record that’s going to make you feel all warm and fuzzy about the upcoming holiday season, but I think Of Christmas might be the record that exudes the most holiday fun — which is quite welcome in this grumpy blogger’s Christmas season.
Bottom Line: A great mix of solid originals and fun takes on classics, all wrapped in some lo-fi silliness. There’s a levity to this record that’s going to make you smile.
Christmas Underground 