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The Polyphonic Spree: Holidaydream, Sounds of the Holidays Volume One

Kirtland/Good

As long as there’s been The Polyphonic Spree (since 2000) there’s been the Polyphonic Spree Holiday Extravaganza!—a variety show featuring children’s choirs, a Dickens-inspired play and more. Celebrating its 10th year, the band has recorded Holidaydream, Sounds of the Holidays Volume One. As with most things Spree, it’s anything but typical. “Winter Wonderland” and the
instrumental interpretation of “Silent Night” are atmospheric in tone due to symphonic arrangements. Despite choral harmonies, “Silver Bells (featuring the School of Seven Bells) is moody and somnambulant. Later in reprise, it’s upbeat in tempo and arrangement with a holiday chorus, strings and bells. The Spree’s more traditional renditions of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s classic “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” and “Carol of the Drum (Little Drummer Boy)” are the most likely to be heard in malls throughout the season.