One More Drifter in the Snow by Aimee Mann Superego Records

Product Description: One More Drifter in the Snow offers a bittersweet--but not downbeat--look at a holiday that represents the height of happiness for some, the depths of sadness for others. Following in the classy footsteps of Miss Peggy Lee, Aimee Mann takes an intimate approach to an increasingly hectic time of year. In other words, the set is a throwback to a slower-paced era. (In cinematic terms, that means more Meet Me in St. Louis, less Jingle All the Way.) There are two fitting originals, "Calling on Mary" (Mann) and "Christmastime" (Jon Brion and Michael Penn). The rest are seasonal favorites, with the exception of Jimmy Webb's "Whatever Happened to Christmas," which may be new to some. On all tracks, the focus is on the tasteful strings--credit Patrick Warren for the chamberlin, celeste, and pump organ--and Mann's delicate delivery. Overall, the artist is more interested in providing comfort than radical reinvention, although a dreamier-than-usual "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" enjoys a slight edge over the other selections. Grant Lee Phillips, taking over from Boris Karloff, provides the theatrical narration on "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews

4 stars a snowy delight
I am not one normally for Christmas songs or CDs but this CD is an exception. I really liked Aimee's take on xmas songs. They weren't typically sugary and fake (like I find some holiday music to be) but I felt she really captured some of the bittersweetness of the holiday, but still didn't let things get too down. And I have to admit, I have listened to these tracks year round and still enjoyed them. So get a fire going, sit back, relax and enjoy this wonderful holiday CD.

4 stars An offbeat Xmas album
It's Christmas in LA! Aimee Mann offers her idiosyncratic, offbeat interpretations of holiday classics like "The Christmas Song," "Winter Wonderland," "White Christmas," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The highlight for me is her reading of "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." The original cuts, such as "Christmastime" (written by her husband, Michael Penn) and "Calling on Mary," help make this an Xmas collection to keep.

4 stars Hasn't it been a wonderful year?
This, obviously, is Aimee Mann's Christmas album. It features mostly melancholy renditions of traditional and more recent Christmas songs. The album begins with a lovely version of "Whatever Happened to Christmas", which was orginally recorded by Frank Sinatra. Mann fans will be familiar with "Christmastime", which she orginally recorded as a duet with the song's writer (and Aimee's man) Michael Penn. This solo version is good, but not quite as good as the original version. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is notable because Aimee sings the rarely performed intro to the song. "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch" features Grant Lee Phillips reading from the Dr. Seuss book and helping with the singing. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is one of the best versions of that chestnut that I've ever heard. The album concludes with the only new song on the album, the lovely "Calling on Mary". Aimee's sings beautifully throughout the album, and the songs have simple, unpretentious arrangements that work well with her voice. A very nice album. The cover photo is great, too.

4 stars good addition to Christmas music
This is an excellent, not so typical, Christmas CD that I think anyone can enjoy. I especially enjoyed the Mr. Grinch cover.

5 stars Great CD!
This is a must for your music collection. Aimee Mann never sounded better.

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