by Len Morse

Created on: December 07, 2011

Music can be found just about everywhere, and it is often created by musicians with high-quality instruments, but sometimes voices alone can provide plenty of joyful noise. Therefore, a CD from Straight No Chaser, the ten-man contemporary a capella sensation, should be at the top of your Christmas gift list this year. Their second album, "Christmas Cheers," was released in 2009 and provides the catchy rhythms, smooth harmonies, memorable lyrics, and good-natured humor for which SNC is known.

Almost everyone can relate to the CD's first tune, "The Christmas Can-Can," which pokes fun at the annual Christmas marketing season that seems to get longer each year. This piece contains interpolations of Offenbach's opera "Orpheus in the Underworld" (a.k.a. "The Can-Can") and many recognizable holiday tunes, but boasts completely original lyrics, thanks to group member and arranger Walt.

Just when you think you've heard it all, take a listen to the guys' excellent rendition of "We Three Kings" in 5/4 meter (think "Mission Impossible"). It's a new twist on an old classic.

SNC and arranger Deke Sharon (not a group member) infuse soul into a pop arrangement of wintertime standard "Let it Snow," featuring both of SNC's main lead singers, Jerome and Mike. You may just find yourself actually wishing for the white stuff to fall from the sky.

The group also covers "Hey Santa!," a high-energy original from Rock-a-Billy bandleader and guitarist Brian Setzer. Featuring a fast "Doo-wop" style, this tune may have you wondering what Kris Kringle encounters when he visits America's Deep South. SNC's Ryan keeps it fun and does the tune justice singing the solo lead.

If you're the kind who listens to lyrics carefully, then SNC's rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is for you. The first iteration of the tune is relatively traditional, but then they repeat it with lots of jazzy syncopation and lyrics that might have come from a thesaurus. The introduction and closing are clever as well.

Not to be left out, the group's two solid bass singers, Charlie and Randy, both step up to the plate and knock "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" out of the park, along with Jerome. Close harmonies and a contemporary rock feel make this tune charming, even though the subject is-a bad banana.

"Santa Claus is Back in Town" (not to be confused with "Santa Claus is Coming to Town") is a fluffy bit of silliness. Ever wonder what would happen if Elvis Presley took over for Santa Claus? Wonder no more.

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