'Twas the Christmas that rocked
All I want for Christmas is a whammy bar, a sustain peddle, and the new album from Paul Gilbert. Who else could make the opening of 'Frosty the Snowman' sound like a Hammer horror film or make 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas' take on a Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock vibe other than the Mr. Big guitarist?
The instrumental Christmas album is a soft rock frenzy of hammer-ons and trademark Gilbert runs. It's frenetic and clever (watch out for the interpretation of 'Carol of the Bells' in 'Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer), but after a while, it does feel like a festive overload; but who cares after a feast and lashings of mulled wine: at least it's not 'Last Christmas' again!
The album also has a couple of new songs to add to your festive faves list: the groovy 'Every Christmas the Has Love' and 'Three Strings For Christmas'. (Lucky Japanese fans get a bonus track too!)
Grab your air guitar, crank up the volume, and have a jammin' Christmas.