Snow Angels

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4.5 Stars.... Long awaited second Christmas album from OtR is worth the wait

In 1996, Over the Rhine released a Christmas album called "The Darkest Night of the Year" that consisted mostly of originals and a few reworked Christmas traditionals, and the album was an immediate 'hit' with OtR fans. The album was a strong reason for the very successful annual Christmas tour the band continues to make to this day, and over the years the band introduced several Christmas originals at those shows, prompting the question "when can we expect a new collection of Christmas songs?".…

In 1996, Over the Rhine released a Christmas album called "The Darkest Night of the Year" that consisted mostly of originals and a few reworked Christmas traditionals, and the album was an immediate 'hit' with OtR fans. The album was a strong reason for the very successful annual Christmas tour the band continues to make to this day, and over the years the band introduced several Christmas originals at those shows, prompting the question "when can we expect a new collection of Christmas songs?". Well, that question has finally been answered.

"Snow Angels" (12 tracks; 43 min.) starts off with one those concert classics, "All I Ever Get for Christmas Is Blue", a fabulous song and it's nice to finally get the studio version. "Darling (Christmas Is Coming") and "White Horse" are in the same vein (also also concert staples). "Goodbye Charles" is a piano-jazzy instrumental. "Snowed In With You" is a prime example of why this album works s well: a light, jazzy tone, with an irresistable winter/Christmas undertone. This album contains nothing but originals, and works terrific from start to finish. How many contemporary artists can bring a Christmas album without any covers, and actually pull it off? Well OtR has on "Snow Angels". Karin Bergquist's lead vocals sounds as warm as ever, and the perfect voice for a Christmas album as you settle in for the night in front of the open fire.

In all, "Snow Angels" is a terrific, if long delayed, follow-up to "The Darkest Night of the Year", and in fact may even have topped it. Please note that the band actually self-released this album in November, 2006, and now this is getting a much-deserved national release. This year's OtR traditional homecoming Christmas show at the Taft Theatre in Cincinnati is set for December 15, and you can bet that I will be there, as I have been for many years. I just hope it won't take another 10 years before OtR releases another Christmas album (although the band has hinted that might exactly be the case). This album is highly recommended. BUY IT! You won't be disappointed.

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Written by Paul Allaer

a bit boring compared to the way OTR usually moves me!

Well, this one is not my favorite. My favorites of Over the Rhine include Drunkard's Prayer, Films for Radio, Good Dog Bad Dog, Eve, Ohio, and Besides. I really haven't played this new cd that much, so perhaps it would grow on me, but so far I am disappointed in it. I don't really care for the bluesy, cabaret feel of it. But I have been a fan of OTR for a long time and I still love this band!

Written by S. L. Binder

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All I Ever Get for Christmas Is Blue