Jingle Bell Rocks!

There are times when it seems like this documentary about offbeat Christmas music is going to take off. A visit to Run of Run-DMC for an interview about his own hiphop Christmas song is excellent. An interview with a singer who wrote a Christmas song for Miles Davis is fun. John Waters is interviewed, and he's always entertaining.

But ultimately the film is a little disappointing because there isn't quite enough Christmas music that's weird enough. If you listen to alternative radio at Christmas, you've probably heard weirder stuff than this. Though I did like the song about Santa arriving on a nuclear missile.

This is a well made, entertaining and sometimes quite moving documentary about a serious record collectors obsessions and motivations.

It has interviews with several interesting musicians and collectors including the bloke from Flaming Lips and Run from Run DMC, and features a lovely performance by Calypso Legend the Mighty Sparrow.

It starts a bit slow and at first, and everyone in it is 'jewish' which becomes strangely distracting, it is even pointed out several times in the first 10 minutes or so! (of course the media is dominated, devised and much of it originated with such families, this is an undeniable fact and well documented) .

Anyways, by about 30 minutes there are so many endearing characters and great tunes its impossible not to enjoy this journey that not only explores some great hidden music of the festive season, but the psychodynamic of obsession and creative expression.

The youthful and joyfull expressions of the older interviewees is heartwarming , as is the genuine love that all concerned have for the power of music and songwriting.

8 and a half/10 up-rated due to low rating (7/10 at time of writing)

Amazing experience, especially since I was tired of all of the "classic" Christmas music.

Some people will totally get this, whilst others will be left behind. If you are one of the hip ones, jump in Santa's sleigh and go along for a fun ride into some of the most obscure Xmas music of modern times.

Be sure to bring along a handkerchief because before it's all over, you're gonna need it.

JT.

This was a beautiful doc, I wrote down tons of new artists to listen to. If you're a fein for new music and also obsessed with christmas, definitely watch. So much fun!