• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, November 27, 2017

Well, it’s creative, I’ll grant them that.

Periscope has launched a new campaign for the Minnesota Lottery called “A Whole Lotto Holiday.” It’s an album of sometimes clever and funny songs that the agency says was inspired by “two universal signs of the season: the hunt for the perfect present and an endless stream of earworm holiday tunes.”

I’ve never given a lottery ticket to anyone as a gift in my life, and I can think of a few people that would give me a big smack if I did. But hey, that’s just me! And I have to admit, I haven’t found the perfect gift, either. Perfection is so subjective. It’s a bit of a crap shoot with a lot of moving pieces.

And earworm? Nah, I don’t think so. Chestnuts roasting over an open fire is earworm. Dreaming of a white Christmas is earworm.  But “Something Special (From The Convenience Store)”? No, not earworm. At least not yet for me, anyway. But who knows, maybe it will grow on me. It does have some good lines which you can check out here and judge for yourself.

Other songs on the album include “Regift Me Not,” “Holidazed” and “Scratchy Sweater.”

“It’s undeniable that there is a huge fan base for holiday music, and this time of year it’s played everywhere from the mall to the convenience store,” said Scott Dahl, Periscope Group Creative Director.

Right, and after about a week of holiday music, 24/7, wherever you go, nonstop, most people want to move to another planet. I mean, how many times do you really what to hear "Jingle Bell Rock" between now and the end of the holiday season? Fifty thousand times? Yeah, that’s about right. 

“We wanted to shake things up a bit by adding to the holiday music collection with our own original songs, that at first listen might blend in with the typical tunes of the season, But then will surprise you with a funny lyric and catchy melody that you can’t help but love,” Dahl explains.

Trust me Scott, at first listen these songs don’t blend in with anything. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing by the way.

Jason LaFrenz, at the Minnesota Lottery, added: “We’re pleased to be able to give people a gift of our own this holiday, and the fact that it’s legitimately good music with some talented local singers is just the icing on the cake.”

Ah, yes, the gift of music. Sure beats a lottery ticket.