In preparing to write these liner notes, I visited the wikipedia entry for "cargo cult" to brush up on the subject, because I intended to explore the notion that segments of western society are developing cargo cult-like behavior. I would have, of course, discussed at great length the nexus of said behavior and modern approaches to Christmas tradition, seamlessly intertwining a concise history of novelty holiday music throughout. But it immediately became clear to me that I don't have even the most rudimentary understanding of the actual dynamics of cargo cults. My embarrasingly vague impression of the phenomenon has certainly been molded by a euro-centric view steeped in "western commodity fetishism." Ever haunted by the ghosts of our colonial past (and dogged by our colonial present)! If Marx has taught us anything, it is not exhibited in these liner notes. So before I go off to familarize myself with the current relevant literature, a word about this year's album. It is our 10th Christmas album, and we hope you enjoy it. But we beg you not to worship it, or engage in any rituals to try to illicit more albums from us. If you want more, just ask. You know what, save your breath, don't even ask. We're going to make more even if you don't want them.
