AMG Review of My Pal God Holiday Record 2

Heather Phares
All Music Guide

The straightforwardly-named My Pal God Holiday Record 2 delivers just what the title promises: more Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years-inspired tracks from My Pal God artists such as the Joshua Falken Trio, Oxes, the French Kicks, and Atombombpocketknife. Emperor Penguin contributes what might be the world's first electro-inspired holiday tune, "Erotic Xmas (Home for the Holograms)," while Neutrino deliver a surf-styled instrumental medley of "Island of Misfit Toys/Little Drummer Boy." Indie rock carols such as Pedal's "On Xmas Day," Camellia Lane's "Christmas," and Port Vale's "The Snowmen" abound; the Beau Grumpus goBEAUlins' swinging, loungy "Candy Your Cane" and Drums and Tuba's brassy rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" bring holiday tidings on a snazzier note. Rebecca Gates' surprisingly soul-inflected ballad "12.31" and Del Rey's chugging, metallic "Nutcraker Overture/Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy" are some of the other highlights of this fun, diverse collection of mostly original holiday tunes.