What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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ROUNDUP 40 WHAT'S UP! DECEMBER 23-29, 2018 Mood Music Get in the holiday spirit with The Monkees, Shatner and Ross The Associated Press H ere's a collection of Christmas albums for those not-so-silent nights or last- minute gift-giving, courtesy of The Associated Press. The Monkees 'Christmas Party' Rhino Take the last train to Christmas, and enjoy pure pop goofiness, harmony and personality with the implausibly still-around Monkees, the late '60s TV sensations who are still as fun today as they were then. Micky Dolenz handles most of the vocals, though Michael Nesmith sings on two songs, and Peter Tork is on the banjo-laden "Angels We Have Heard on High." Davy Jones, who died in 2012, sings lead on two tracks via tapes he recorded in 1991, backed by new instrumentation. His "Silver Bells" and "Mele Kalikimaka" will make a daydream believer out of you, too. "Unwrap You at Christmas" sets the tone for this lighthearted holiday romp, leading into the whimsical "What Would Santa Do?" Most interesting is "House of Broken Gingerbread," with its unmistakable '60s psychedelic feel. Built around a funky guitar riff, "Christmas Party" arrives at the conclusion that one holiday blowout year is enough: "Remember last year/Cops had to shut us down twice." The Monkees also cover classic Christmas tunes from Roy Wood ("I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday") Paul McCartney ("Wonderful Christmastime") and the oft-covered "Merry Christmas, Baby," which is way more edgy than one would expect from The Monkees. Guest musicians include XTC's Andy Partridge, R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and Adam Schlesinger, who produced as well. — Wayne Parry William Shatner 'Shatner Claus — The Christmas Album' Cleopatra There comes a point every Christmas season that we get tired of hearing the same holiday songs. For that reason, and maybe if you're a "Star Trek" fan, consider giving a listen to "Shatner Claus — The Christmas Album" by William Shatner. Delivered in spoken word, the man who played Captain Kirk takes on classics like "Silent Night," "Blue Christmas" and "Feliz Navidad" on an album that features a diverse group of guest artists, including Brad Paisley, Iggy Pop and Judy Collins. Then there's Henry Rollins, just in case you want a little bit of thrash to go with "Jingle Bells." Or maybe Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson playing flute while Shatner speaks the words to "Silver Bells" is more your thing. Whatever you decide, one thing is for sure — this is one of the most unique albums for the holiday season. — John Carucci Diana Ross 'Wonderful Christmas Time' Ross Records Are you in the mood for jolly, sing- along Christmas music? Diana Ross has you covered. Looking for something more serene, with religious tones? Diana Ross has you covered. Or are you looking for inspirational music that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the holidays? Again, Diana Ross has you covered. Her new Christmas album, the 20-track "Wonderful Christmas Time," may actually have a track for every mood of the season with the exception of the bah-humbug crowd. Ross' silky, smooth soprano takes on a wide variety of songs, from "Ave Maria" to "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" She also goes outside the Christmas arc with songs about peace and love,