This three-song CD single/maxi EP by the Baghdaddios, Christmas at C.B.G.B.'s is fun, but much too short and sweet. "You 'Da Man (Ferrall on the Bench)" works the best, the punk attitude of the band verging on heavy metal with a repeating chorus that sounds like "do the bird, ferrall on the bench" and plays like feral tigers howling in a snowstorm. It's a Kenn Rowell original, as is "Christmas at C.B.G.B.'s," the band sounding more like the Dickies than on their Willie Horton Hears a Who full-length CD. One problem with these maxi-CDs is that the opportunity is there to expand understanding of the group by including college radio interviews or live performances. As the CD seems to be in demand maybe later pressings will include interviews and/or outtakes. Robert Burns' famous composition "Auld Lang Syne" is given that new wave treatment á la Willie Alexander & the Boom Boom Band when they spiffed up "All I Have to Do Is Dream." Christmas at C.B.G.B.'s — the song and the CD, with its chorus of "it's good to be back home," solid guitar playing, and awning of that famous nightspot on the front cover — is a nice holiday treat. On that level, it works.

Kenn Rowell leads the Baghdaddios through 12 mostly slashing titles that are sometimes self-explanatory — "Abbie Hoffman," "The Stupidest Man in Nyack," and "My Iowa Wife" are a few examples. "Bottom" is indicative of the work, Rowell spitting out the poetry over a Sex Pistols-style beat about the bottom having dropped out. "Neil's in Rehab" is one of the saddest and funniest of the tunes. Sad because it is so true for anyone who has ever befriended a drunk or a junkie; funny because the Baghdaddios spout it out matter-of-factly and don't care about the consequences. The band is tight with buzzing guitar lines, and they aren't adverse to utilizing four letter words whenever. "Get up and Go" is another pop rocker, like the Ramones these dudes find a style and stick with it leaving little room for exploration. You won't find much diversity in the material, though "Fat Bastard" becomes a barroom sing-along with fake Cockney accent and insults. The strongest song is the ballad, "I Just Wanna Go to Sleep," and the Baghdaddios would do well to bring the pace down a bit as on this tune. It's in the pocket, has a groove, and defines the talents of this group eloquently. Produced by the band and Gary Solomon, there's lots to like about Willie Horton Hears a Who, though no title track, which might've really been interesting. The tune about Hoffman is like a rock & roll version of the Moody Blues' ode to Timothy Leary, while "Love to the Highest Bidder" merges rap with punk and is an interesting sentiment. "I Just Wanna Go to Sleep" and "Neil's in Rehab" would make an interesting double-sided single, and shows the band in their best light.