Various Artists: O Christmas Tree!: A Bluegrass Collection for the Holidays : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

With the success of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, Rounder Records produced this collection of pickin' and grinnin' yuletide favorites in hopes that consumers want yet more folksy Americana. But instead of the rapid-fire banjo-and-fiddle blowout you'd expect, O Christmas Tree is a thoughtful compilation of Christmas classics and eclectic holiday originals. The Shankman Twins create warm harmonies on "Winter Wonderland" and "Here Comes Santa Claus," Ron Stewart recalls laid-back country king Roger Miller on "Silver Bells," Rhonda Vincent reinvents "O Christmas Tree" with honeyed vocals and blue eyed soul harmonies, Tony Trishka turns "O Come All Ye Faithful" into a toe-tapping instrumental wonder. Down to earth and radically organic, O Christmas Tree is practically punk rock. It'll have you kicking up the volume and pouring the (moonshine-laced) eggnog.