A Very Bert Dax Christmas, Volume Nine has now officially been released. The ninth annual X-Mas compilation, a joint release by Rob Severson from Pancake Productions (subject of this week's music feature) and Matt Harnish of The Bert Dax Calvacade of Stars, features a pool of truly diverse local artists. These are cover songs and original tunes, all inspired by the wintry holiday season. Year after year, this compilation has proven to showcase an eclectic mix of St. Louis music through love for holiday jams. The compilation will get a series of four release shows, starting this Wednesday at Off Broadway.
Producer Rob Severson was kind enough to provide us with the full compilation. Over the next week, we'll preview the compilation two tracks at a time, with Severson's commentary as well as our own, expanding beyond the songs to talk about the artists involved.
See also: Part one, featuring songs by Prune and Catholic Guilt and part two, featuring Bass-Amp & Dan-O and Navigator.
"Satan Baby" by Ellen the Felon and the Mattronome
Severson: This one was recorded live at KDHX last year. Ellen preferred to use this version over the studio version she recorded for her Christmas EP. I am a little disappointed that the extreme glockenspiel on the studio version is not present here, but it's a great cut because it presents a funny take on a classic X-Mas pop song, and is a sweet showcase of Ellen's talents as performer and consummate entertainer.
Hess: "Satan Baby" pops, especially coming after "Winter Planet." This live cut shows the same personality you'd be subject to at a live Ellen the Felon performance. The Mattronome always crafts interesting but appropriately written drum parts. Ellen's banter is a highlight, a treat you wouldn't otherwise have in a studio-recording.
