XTC provides an unwanted '80s flashback complete with synthesizers and horns. As bad as most of the tracks are, there are some bright spots. His plain and powerful cover of the classic melody is a welcome break from the album's extravagance and the holiday season in general. Beck's contribution is almost enough to make up for the album's failings. Filled with the artist's usual wacky sound effects, the tune makes the listener wonder just how much mistletoe Beck has been smoking.
Most tracks are either too cheesy, too dark or a shockingly bad combination of both.
Perhaps Christmas just isn't meant to be a rocking time of the year. You may not reproduce the contents of this paper in any shape or form without the express written consent of The Cavalier Daily .