EP Review: Weezer – Christmas With Weezer (DGC/Interscope)

The hunt for Christmas themed rock and metal albums that we’ve not reviewed so far is getting tougher and tougher and we’re really having to look hard now. However, every time it looks like we may have run out, out pops another surprise. This time in the shape of Weezer. Christmas With Weezer was released December 2008.

Love them or hate them (I love them), no-one can deny that they are one of the most successful rock bands out there. They have a light enough sound to appeal to a mass audience but song-writing skills and catchy tunes to appeal to harder rock fans. A lot of this can be put down to the incredible vocals of River Cuomo, one of rocks finest vocalists.

It is his singing that makes this six track EP a worthy Christmas listen. O Holy Night is made all the more powerful by his soaring and soft tones. A mesmerising performance.

That being said this is hardly Weezer pushing themselves as the six tracks they choose are standard fare for rock Christmas covers. It’s also so Weezer that even someone with only cursory knowledge will recognise their trademark sound on We Wish You A Merry Christmas and O Come All Ye Faithful.

It’s bloody great though. Sticking very closely to the original tunes but giving them a Weezer dusting that works so well. Instantly familiar Christmas tunes but different enough thanks to the guitar melodies, patter of drums and lovely vocals.

Weezer – Christmas With Weezer Full Track Listing:

1. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
2. Oh Come All Ye Faithful
3. O Holy Night
4. The First Noel
5. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
6. Silent Night