If where you live is anything like where I live, you’re burnt out on Christmas music. It feels like it starts at 12:01 AM on November 1st and doesn’t stop until the Fat Man has come and gone. A little over two weeks away from Christmas, and I just want it to stop. The same songs playing over and over again on repeat. It’s enough to drive anyone not named Buddy the Elf up the wall. That’s why I appreciate more non-traditional Christmas songs. They toe the line of holiday cheer and not being annoying. I’m all for an interesting take on the holiday. Whether it’s a cover or an original, sign me up. It’s almost as if the folks at On The Upbeat Ska Podcast knew I was ready to rip my radio out of my car dashboard because they just released a brand new Christmas ska compilation. Not only is it a breath of fresh air, but all the proceeds from the sales on the compilation go to benefit the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation.
The comp, called Arose Such a Clatter 2021, picks up where The NPC’s 2020 compilation left off. It features covers and originals from more than 20 of the best ska bands in the scene today. It also has a fun Christmas story narrated by Bite Me Bambi’s Tahlena Chikami. In regards to the covers, you’ll hear them from bands like The Taj Motel Trio, Millington, and The Resignators. So-Cal’s Half Past Two even joins in on the fun with a cover of Weezer’s “Holiday.” Sure, it’s not technically a Christmas song, but they do a damn good job with it. I always appreciate when musicians make the covers their own, and I’m happy to report, each cover on this compilation does that in spades. One of my favorites is definitely the fast ska-punk infused rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” as performed by Andy B & the World.
Enjoy some catchy Christmas tunes, and help out a charity at the same time
There have definitely been a bunch of great compilations that have come out in the last two years that benefit various charities. Arose Such a Clatter is no different. This time around, all you need to do is head over to bandcamp and name your price. Simple as that. And, your money goes towards Toys For Tots. How can you go wrong?
On The Upbeat did an amazing job compiling songs for this release
Growing up in the punk and ska scene in the ’90s, I discovered so many bands from the low-priced comps each label would release. They would add a few household names to bring some attention, and then fill things out with a bunch of bands that deserve more recognition. I’m happy to say, that tradition continues with Arose Such a Clatter. Casual ska fans will likely recognize names like Suburban Legends for instance. They might not know who folks like Dang!t, Lo(u)ser, and Chupaskabra are. These bands are so good, and they’re on this comp. Mark my words, you’ll be hearing their names a lot in the next few years. In fact, the Dang!t and Lo(u)er collaboration might be my favorite song on this comp.
This compilation scratches a few of my itches. I love ska music and always want to learn about new bands. I’m sick of the same ten Christmas songs the radio always plays and need more. There’s a little bit of something here for everyone, and your purchase goes to charity. It really is a win-win. If any of these three things interests you, then don’t delay. You need this comp.
Then, when you’re done listening to it, make sure you take a listen to the On the Upbeat Ska Podcast. They really are doing great work.