Fri Dec 06 04:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Ben Folds’ “Sleigher”: A Mixed Bag of Christmas Cheer and Melancholy
**NEW YORK, December 4, 2024** – Ben Folds’ new Christmas album, “Sleigher,” offers a unique blend of traditional holiday warmth and introspective melancholy, according to a review by Andrew Neal. While the title might evoke images of thrash metal carols, Folds delivers a more subdued, reflective experience.
The album features five original songs alongside instrumentals and reimagined versions of classic Christmas standards. Highlights include the charming “Sleepwalking Through Christmas,” a modern take on the classic holiday themes, and the emotive ballad “Me and Maurice,” which poignantly captures the bittersweet aspects of the season. “Christmas Time Rhyme” offers a more upbeat, albeit cautionary, perspective on family dynamics.
However, the album’s strength lies primarily in its original tracks. The inclusion of three covers, while enjoyable, feels like filler, leaving the reviewer with the impression that a more focused EP might have been more impactful. One original track, “Xmas Aye Eye,” stands out as a novelty, employing AI-generated lyrics and a unique rhythmic approach.
While the album’s overall quality is described as a “mixed package,” Neal praises the three original songs on the first side as excellent additions to the Christmas music canon. Ultimately, “Sleigher” is a thoughtful, if slightly uneven, addition to the holiday music landscape, currently available from New West Records.
First Piper 