He's ruined a lot of Christmas music for me (Cheap Trick, Dolly Parton, probably more...). Don't know why he rubs me the wrong way, but he does.
This album encapsulates the essence of a pop-1960s Christmas album. It has the iconic "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", but the highlight is the completely under-appreciated "Christmas Will Be Just Another Lonely Day".
Without question Ella was the First Lady of Song and the First Lady of Jazz Christmas albums. If you don't have this, you don't have a cool, hip, and droll Christmas. Pro-tip: It is worth every hour searching and every penny spending to get the STEREO(PHONIC) version. Trust me. Really.
This is one of the few times I recommend the CD reissue (on the right with the red cover) over the original LP album. The duet between Diana and Mary on "The Christmas Song" and between Diana and Florence on "Silent Night" make the CD reissue the one to get. Mary Wilson shines so bright on "The Christmas Song" and Florence Ballard is stunning on "Silent Night". The CD has the full version of "Silent Night" with Florence. IMHO, she was the real star of the Supremes.
I've got to admit that if Country isn't your thing, then this album isn't for you. But if you love Christmas and are slightly open to music, this is fantastic. I love Loretta's interpretations of these tunes and "To Heck with Ole Santa Claus" is just fun!
next to Karen Carpenter Brenda is another favorite of my wife...she been singing Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree...and I love her so...
You read my mind! This was next on my list. So The Carpenters. Yes, I know. But this album is on constant rotation. It is one synthetic song from Side 1 Track 1 to the last track on Side 2 and it is brilliant all the way.
a truly wonderful album! my wife sings Karen like a clone...many years ago I couldn't tell them apart...I'm telling you it was mind blowing and so enjoyable...those were fabulous times...
Many music critics have called this the best popular Christmas album and I can't disagree (as long as Bing is excluded from contention). (Note: this is the only thing I'm posting I don't have an original copy of. And yes, it does burn me up!).
And for you 1980's kids, this is NOT to be missed. Annie is the Queen of the 80s, IMHO, of course. And good luck finding the green cover. (The red cover is the reissue).
after the Ventures we are going to do a little Nat King Cole The Christmas Song Album...been a favorite of mine since I was a Youngster...this is all starting on Thanksgiving.
Not wanting to overstep on @pghmusiclover 's thread, but just a reminder for everyone, this thread is for new holiday releases and reissues for 2023 rather than favorite holiday albums in general. (Nothing against any of the albums above and it's great that you love them so much!)
