Christmas albums often evoke images of crackling fireplaces, gentle snowfalls, and heartwarming cheer. However, Kiki and Herb’s “Do You Hear What We Hear?” album, originally released in 2000 and thankfully resurrected, throws a delightfully dark and unconventional twist into the holiday mix. This isn’t your typical collection of carols; it’s a tragicomic journey through the festive season as seen through the eyes of a now-extinct cabaret duo, offering a bracingly honest and often hilarious counterpoint to saccharine holiday expectations.
Kiki and Herb, the creations of Justin Vivian Bond and Kenny Mellman, were not your average cabaret act. Imagine a cocktail of punk-rock energy, free-falling danger, and sharp wit, all channeled through a haze of theatrical makeup and potent cocktails. Herb, the musically gifted but perpetually flustered pianist, and Kiki, the sardonic and emotionally raw vocalist, captivated audiences with their unhinged performances, blending popular music with biting social commentary and personal confessions. Their Christmas shows, a recurring tradition throughout their partnership, became legendary for their ability to simultaneously celebrate and skewer the holiday season. This album, “Do You Hear What We Hear?”, captures the essence of those unforgettable nights.
This resurrected album is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a time capsule of a unique performance experience. Producer Julian Fleisher masterfully translates the chaotic energy of Kiki and Herb’s live shows into an auditory feast. The album opens with a sprawling “Opening Medley” that immediately sets the tone. It’s a frantic rush through holiday expectations, punctuated by unexpected detours into Radiohead’s “Creep” and Eurythmics’ “You Have Placed a Chill in My Heart.” These jarring juxtapositions are not accidental; they are deliberate commentary on the often-conflicting emotions that the holidays can bring, moving beyond forced merriment to acknowledge the underlying anxieties and absurdities. Kiki’s resigned “It’s Christmas? Okaaaaayy!” perfectly encapsulates this sentiment.
The tracklist itself is a fascinating blend of the traditional and the unexpected. While you’ll find seasonal classics like “Frosty The Snowman” and “Whose Child Is This? (Medley),” they are filtered through Kiki and Herb’s distinctly unconventional lens. The “Whose Child Is This?” medley, for example, features a haunting saw, played by a homeless street musician, adding a layer of unexpected pathos and unsettling beauty to the familiar tune. This inventive instrumentation, alongside a “messy unison” all-star chorus on “Those Were The Days,” highlights Fleisher’s genius in capturing the raw, live energy of the act.
Beyond the medleys and reimagined classics, the album delves into surprising musical territories. Radiohead’s somber “Exit Music (for a Film)” becomes a fitting soundtrack for escaping holiday pressures, while Marianne Faithfull’s “Times Square” paints a chillingly apocalyptic Christmas shopping scene. These darker tracks are balanced by moments of unexpected tenderness, such as Melanie’s “Tonight’s The Kind of Night,” which reveals a poignant vulnerability beneath Kiki and Herb’s hardened exteriors. Herb’s rare solo vocal turn on Suede’s “The Big Time,” a song about fleeting fame, is particularly striking and unsettling, offering a glimpse into the character’s rarely seen inner world.
“Do You Hear What We Hear?” is not just an album for those who dread forced holiday cheer; it’s for anyone who appreciates cabaret, alternative music, and a healthy dose of dark humor. It’s a reminder that Christmas can be complex, messy, and even a little bit tragicomic. Kiki and Herb, through this resurrected album, offer a unique and cathartic way to experience the holidays, acknowledging the “blizzard of frozen smiles” while still finding moments of unexpected beauty and connection within the chaos. If you’re searching for a Christmas album that dares to be different, “Do You Hear What We Hear?” is an essential addition to your collection. It’s a testament to the enduring power of Kiki and Herb’s artistry and their ability to find humor and heart in the most unexpected places, even during the most relentlessly cheerful time of year.
