The Days of Lore

The real Decemberists

Friday, September 18th, 2009 | musiX

I told you Christmas was coming early this year at TDoL. But am I really early? I mean Wal-Mart probably began shoving toxic plastic masks and stale candy to the bargain bin back in August in order to make room for glowing snowmen and toxic garlands … which is why Christmas is as ridiculous as … well, Halloween. I guess I’d better start thinking about St. Patrick’s Day right now (or at least my mom’s birthday in January, which I always seem to forget … because I’m a horrible son … it’s on the 12th, right Mom?).

I don’t hate Christmas. Yes, it’s a perfect example of everything wrong in this country, but there are a few things that make Christmas—or as I like to call it, X-mas—merry. For example, the criminally underutilized word “merry” re-enters our lexicon after a yearlong absence (what’s wrong with saying “I had a merry time at the beach last weekend”?). I also get to gorge myself into a womb-like state at the hands of my mom’s turkey and mashed potatoes (and deviled eggs, and rolls, and stuffing, and Bloody Marys … ). And a little rock band called The Yule Logs comes out to deck the halls, jingle some bells, [insert X-mas cliche here].

The self-proclaimed “Hardest Working Band in Snow Business” has become an institution in its hometown of Chico, California. Since forming in 2005 The Yule Logs have played in front of everyone from doe-eyed kids at elementary schools to red-eyed 20-somethings at punk clubs. These aren’t a bunch of middle-aged men in Tommy Bahama shirts playing hokey Christmas covers, either. In fact, during the month of December they’re one of the best bands around, spiking the proverbial eggnog with sunny four-part harmonies, jangly guitars and a perfect sprinkling of irony.

Heck, even The Yule Logs didn’t wait ’til Christmas this year to release an album, and therefore I will not wait to write about them. The members came out of their usual 11-month hibernation this past July to release their long-awaited self-titled debut. And it’s good. Really good. The record mixes the Logs’ interpretations of classics (”Let It Snow” and a reworked “Up On the Howzie Top”) with some originals including “Christmas From Berlin” and “Christmastime is Here (Again!).” There’s also a nice version of the Ramones’ “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight).” Take away the fact that they’re singing about St. Nick and snowmen, and these are fun, high-energy pop songs that hearken back to early Beatles and The Dave Clark Five. The Yule Logs don’t exclude the Festival of Lights, either, penning an original dance ditty called “Hanukkah Mambo!” and turning the classic “Hanukkah, O Hanukkah” into a tango (or is it a cumbia?).

But live is the band’s bread and butter (or ponchkes and jelly). Vocalist Marty Parker prances the stage in homemade X-mas garb while the rest of the Logs—guitarist and Jewish rep Maurice Spencer, drummer Jake Sprecher and bassist Kirt Lind—add harmonies and rock poses. Chico’s best kept secret are looking to venture outside the cozy confines of its college digs in 2009 to play a couple of shows in the Bay Area. What’s next … Portland? World domination? You’ll know it’s happening when you find yourself singing about dancing the hora on a 95-degree day as people look at you with bewildered expressions. Not that I’ve experienced that or anything.

“Christmastime Is Here (Again!)” - The Yule Logs

“Hanukkah, O Hanukkah” - The Yule Logs

Tags: Christmas, Hannukah, The Yule Logs

2 Comments to The real Decemberists

Leave a comment