Mele Kalikimaka!

Post date: Dec 23, 2013 5:54:11 AM

Well, it's that time of year again, and the air waves are filled with the sound of carols.  Our favourite way to listen to Christmas carols is by streaming Kapa FM, live from Hawaii.  There's nothing like a tropical take on Christmas classics.  One of the best is the traditional Hawaiian carol "Mele Kalikimaka".  Not only does it have a sunny disposition during a cold time of year, but it also featured prominently in the best Christmas movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  Hope you enjoy our take on it.

Merry Christmas everybody! /Dr. Nick

Production notes: recorded using reaper with DMP3 preamp, MXL960 tube mic (vocals), and MXL993 small diaphragm condenser mic (ukulele).  The ukulele used was a Kamaka Super Concert (from a recent trip to Hawaii).  All tracks were overdubbed onto the ukulele.  Vocals were run through heavy EQ so that they sound like "vintage AM radio".  Heavy amounts of compressor were used on the vocals.  The last repeat has double-tracked female lead vocals with the male lead vocal panned dead centre.  The harmonies were recorded in one track live using monitors and substantial amounts of reverb were added for atmosphere.

Mele Kalikimaka (MP3)