This Christmas single rounds off a pretty damn fine year for Japan’s Shonen Knife, marking their 30th anniversary as a band the trio have released theri 16th studio album Free Time and a The Ramones cover album (reviewed here), they toured Europe and America, including a joyous performance at the Scala in King’s Cross.
The title track is a festive little rocker, ticking all the Holly Jolly boxes whilst fitting snuggly into that distinctive Shonen Knife sound, Naoko’s energetic guitars racing off of the blocks from the off, with sleigh bells ringing out with a distinct lack of irony. Even more giddily cheerful is their version of the traditional carol We Wish You A Merry Christmas with bass player Ritsuko and drummer Emi lending their vocals to the mix, you’d definitely be pleased to have these carollers turn up on a snowy December evening.
There’s also a warm, cosy acoustic version of the title track, that practically begs for a fireside yuletide video accompaniment with Bing Crosby-like jumpers and a brightly decorated tree. ‘I’d like him to eat some cakes today!’ coos Naoko to an imagined Santa Claus, and you can’t help but be swept up in the twee happiness of the whole thing, like most Christmas songs it’s silly and innocent and, if played out of season, a little mawkish, but it’s the metaphorical star at the top of a tree marking a great year for this enduring band from Osaka.
[Rating:3]
