Santa Claus has the approval rating of a military junta chief and has no qualms about flexing his muscle. There is no option for reversal once the iron fist of Christmas drops.
Fortunately, this not so positive side of the red-coated, bearded one has been chronicled in an old, story exists that bears repeating.
In "Santa Clo Va a La Cuchilla," Mr. Johnny Rojas tries modernizing the ways of the rural town in Puerto Rico called La Cuchilla. During this early period of the 20th century, the island had still not become fully immersed in the American way. Just as well, old time religion was the preference. By and large, three middle-eastern kings, their camels, and a sampler plate of gold, frankincense, & myrrh were still the mystical gift-givers of choice.
To Mr. Rojas, however, this tradition stands as an affront to progress. Instead, the American educated teacher concocts a brilliant plan: the community must know of Chris Cringle. Santa Claus must be introduced. Magnanimous as this effort is, though, the results yielded prove to be less than optimal. Children and parents cry. Fear is rampant. Grandparents begin praying to every saint in existence because such forces must be called upon to extinguish this red demon before he harms them. Never before have the residents of La Cuchilla seen an overweight man with a large sack shouting loudly; as such, this was their natural reaction.
But as the principal of the school says, "Ya la vida le irá trazando surcos como el arado a la tierra. (Soon enough life will form grooves in him like the plow does to the Earth."). So rather than complain, enjoy this holiday by taking an opportunity to make life more pleasant. This experience is much too rare to negatively dwell. Pick battles discriminately while enjoying the small joys.
Below are three more Feliz Natal selections released yesterday, the 24th of December (and one released on the 25th)
The Lakers are not be scheduled for this year's NBA Christmas line-up. Be that as it may, Dance Mamba is ready to check into the game. Out by the scorers' table, full of the Christmas spirit, LyCOox waits; and in site of prominently displaying DJ Santa on his "Feliz Natal" track, the song below is exemplary. Tia Maria's resident generalist puts together a middle range to fast paced batida. Rather that rely solely on synth for melody, however, a female vocal sample is used. In addition, an eight-beat synth provides some electro-house sensibility, among other EDM guilty pleasures, even if "Feliz Natal" is nothing of the sort. A hi-hat/kick drum combination provide the underlying kizomba rhythm while djembe provides a strong supporting effort in triplets. All the while a doting bass, with seemingly odd time-signature, compliments the rhythm as the sample and synth are cut-up as might be heard on a footwork track. A formidable first present for sure with good vibes for everyone.
Like coquito in a house full of eggnog, variety is finally provided. Below is the first Christmas track with a title involving neither the word feliz nor natal. At any rate, Dj NinOo shares a mid-tempo afro-house/batida track called "Saudades Do Russel." NinoO also begins with a four-bar introduction but in contrast to LyCOox, the Txiga beatkmaker opts for a rhythm with strong ghetto zouk overtones. Slowed down and soft, a floor tom/hi-hat combination provide the foundation before a multitude of percussion - from tambourine to woodblock and djembe - is heard. Keyboard provides a light harmony while a high-pitched, melodic plays; which is not to say the song is rigid:. Three distinct sections are composed in addition to the head - one of which takes a strong batida turn.
Stocking may have been emptied, but the presents are far from finished.
Holiday wishlist each have a main attraction. Small gift are more likely to be received, but big presents are what kids live for; and the following track seeks to fill the gap. An afro-house effort composed between Piqueno Djs Do Guetto's Firmeza and Nunex of Alto Nivel Produções exceed any and all expectation. Stocking stuffers so far have been quaint, fascinating, and imaginative offerings. Then there is "24.12.2014 - 44.07.2014." Putting all other offering to shame, the track begins with a sixteen-beat, three-bar introduction. An undeniable Angolan touch follows. With a heavy bass/snare drum, kuduro type beat, the song is even more elaborate than a national tree lighting. All sorts of ornaments are amassed. Two flutes appear as well as two MIDI synths; and as if to keep the theme going, two peripheral percussive participants play too. The biggest accomplishment, though, is the deed unnoticed. While wealthy, the wherewithal to show wanton restraint is shown. Results is far from gaudy. All the sounds are layered and merit repeated spins just to capture each one. A Christmas miracle for sure.
Family and friends are the holiday MVPs - presents are the trophy. But just when excitement starts to fade - the novelty of the day quickly fading - inventory is naturally taken. Material gains have been made along and hopefully some spiritual ones as well. Then...Aha! It appears a box has been forgotten; one more present is left under the tree and is ready to be unwrapped.
Such is the role played by the remaining half of A.N. Much like co-conspirator Nunex, Famifox released a full-length afro-house track; although puzzlingly titled "Feliz Natal 2015." Released on Christmas morning, the mid-tempo song merits a comparison to the collaborative Firmeza effort. Both styles and structures are similar. Of first note is the immediate difference provided by Famifox: an extra sixteen beats added to the introduction. The sense of suspense is inescapable. Soon afterwards, the marimba/piano melody is exacerbated by a melodica in the head. This beatmaker wastes no time. Once the bow is removed, shekere provides a polyrhythm to the foundational snare/kick drum. Residing on the softer end of the spectrum, the bass subtly weaves throughout the groove. Aside from the head, two large sections are composed. During the first large section, a series solos play as a tambourine is incorporated into the rhythm. Similarly, the second section focuses on percussive elaboration. Very, very good.
So although on this night it is Christmas, all over the house it can sound like the zoo has been freed. Stockings still hanging, the bass rattles the chair, now with these songs all of the neighbors can stare. These songs have been posted with awful good care, so finish enjoying Christmas...and that is a dare.
- John Noggle
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