Destination... Christmas! (Deluxe Version)

iTunes Review

Leave it to B-52’s co-founder Fred Schneider to come up with a droll, delightfully perverse take on the familiar holiday album. On Destination…Christmas!, he serves up a batch of twisted tunes as part of the Superions, an electronica combo that also includes keyboardist Noah Brodie and programmer Dan Marshall. Their bent version of a warm ‘n’ cozy Christmas celebration is laced with satire, seasoned with sexy gags and sprinkled with black humor. Schneider’s sung-spoken delivery wrings all possible laughs out of such seasonal send-ups as “Fruitcake,” “Crummy Christmas Tree” and “Santa’s Disco.” Tracks like “Christmas Tears” and “Chillin’ At Christmas” are extended comedy skits filled with cringe-inducing details. Especially weird are “Christmas Laughter” (a faux-sweet tune matched with creepy guffaws) and “Jingle Those Bells” (a cheesy strip-joint-style Yuletide ditty). Schneider maintains his usual dry wit and daffy aplomb throughout these proceedings, bolstered by perky beat-box grooves and crisp, slightly tweaked background vocals.