Kasio Kristmas, Kasio Kristmas (Blue Thumb)

Available as a disc or a download, this 2008 holiday album proudly proclaims that it was cut entirely with vintage Casio keyboards and video game sound effects. While the musos among us probably wouldn't be surprised -- they might even pick out sounds by model number -- one should not forget that Casio was a pioneer in bringing digital synthesis to the masses, filling discount warehouses throughout the Western world with their tiny keyboards that had some fairly big sounds. Indeed, "Casio bass" was often cited on 80s rap, R'nB and rock records, as the CZ models especially could shake the house when attached to the right amplifiers. So you shouldn't be surprised to discover that this disc, though evocative of instrumental electro-pop and dance music of the 80s, is well made and quite listenable. "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" especially maintains the attitude of the original, even sneaking in a bit of Addams Family music near the end. The quasi-exotica version of "Mele Kalikimaka" features a guest shot from Ikey of The Mars Volta. The rest of the songs are familiar carols spruced up with patented Casio bleeps and bloops, wrapping up with a Chipmunks-inspired version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." The whole thing at once might feel a bit samey-samey, but there's plenty to like on this disc.