If you're looking for someone to help you share the joy and magic of the holiday season, who better than the world's leading masked instrumental surf band?
Los Straitjackets don't offer up a whole lot of surprises on
'Tis the Season for los Straitjackets!, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing;
Eddie Angel and
Danny Amis serve up lots of tasty guitar work, and
Pete Curry and
Jimmy Lester are one solid rhythm section, just as they've always been, and on these 13 tunes (11 covers and two originals) the lucha libre-obsessed guitar wranglers show off the smarts, humor, and sterling chops that have become their trademark. The "La Bamba"-accented "Feliz Navidad," a version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" which channels the spirit of
the Chantays, and the
Ventures tribute of "Sleigh Ride" are highlights, and while this album will go over best with those who thrive on retro cool, this should send your next Christmas party into a state of dance fever with anyone who appreciates the era of enjoyable AM radio. How's the surf at the North Pole these days, anyway? ~ Mark Deming