Christmas Vacation, Oh Hush!, (Wouldn't You Like To Know)

This secretive musical entity marks its third entry into the Christmas realm with this 2010 EP. They had been coy about it, giving it away free if you purchased a selection of band swag, but it's now on Amazon (click cover art) and iTunes. "California Christmas" updates and tinselizes the sentiments first expressed in the similarly named Beach Boys song about that state's girls, though in a more synth-pop-rock vein with auto-tuned vocals. (When I note auto-tuning, I'm obviously referring to situations where the artist exaggerates the effect; there are plenty of folks who use auto-tune in a way that is completely unnoticeable, at least to those who don't know the person in question can't actually sing.) The title song of the collection offers no references to the National Lampoon movie in the lyrics, but it's also upbeat and fun. Capping things off is a version of "It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas," lots of synths and dance beats. Glad I was able to get this in before the actual holiday.