The Sleigher: The Singing Saw at Christmastime was originally published on Black Plastic Bag on Dec. 17, 2008, at 2:04 pm
What it is: Multi-instrumentalist Julian Koster, of Neutral Milk Hotel and The Music Tapes fame, performs traditional Christmas songs arranged entirely for singing saw–an instrument which produces a sound that is not unlike a slowly deflating balloon.
The bike under the tree: As a devout fan of The Muppets, the guest-Sleigher finds some pleasure in hearing a version “Silent Night” that sounds as if it is being sung by Beaker.
The lump of coal: With its unsteadily oscillating tones the singing saw might rival the slide-whistle for the title of “Most Depressing Instrument Ever.” It is difficult for the guest-Sleigher to listen to Koster’s interpretation of “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” without being plagued by visions of sad clown-hobos shivering in a rail yard alongside a starving dog and a dwindling campfire.
Cheer factor: Zero. Negatory. Practically non-existent. Still, as far as non-traditional Christmas music goes, the ethereal and downright bizarro sounds that Koster elicits from the saw make a preferable alternative to whatever Mannheim Steamroller is up to this year.
