Dr. Elmo
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

(BMG)

Dr. Elmo
Christmas without Martha

(Laughing Stock)

First Appeared in The Music Box, December 2004, Volume 11, #12

Written by John Metzger

Each Christmas, there are two Elmos that run rampant within the public purview. The first is a cute, little, furry, red monster who parades around Sesame Street and frequently is the focus of a frenzied toy shopping spree; the other is a twisted humorist, whose claim to fame is the holiday jingle Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer. Although some would consider both to be annoying, no one is likely to confuse them. Nevertheless, the latter, whose real name is Elmo Shropshire, has been trying to make amends for the dismal 1982 outing on which his massive selling single was first featured. Now rescued from the bland dysfunction of his former wife Patsy’s embrace, the song serves as the starting point for a new (and somewhat improved) collection of unholy hilarity. On the natural sequel Grandpa’s Gonna Sue the Pants Offa’ Santa, the old man wins a mere television set for his troubles, while the collection’s highlight Don’t Make Me Play that Grandma Song Again pokes fun at the long-lived phenomenon of the original tune. Elsewhere, Dr. Elmo sings about glass eyes, Chucky and his chain saw, and a deadly fruitcake, but believe it or not, behind his strange humor lies a warm-hearted soul, albeit one with some remarkably weird tales to tell. His latest concoction is Christmas without Martha, a riotous ode to America’s favorite homemaker, and unlike its subject, the tune is currently free. ½

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Ratings

1 Star:   Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2004 The Music Box