The Classic Christmas 80’s Album
The Classic Big Band Christmas Album
Legacy, 2016
Look here, everyone knows the whole emotional point of the Christmas holidays is to wring every bit of nostalgia from your already fraught and seriously taxed soul. Legacy has released several holiday themed albums to soothe Image may be NSFW.
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your eggnog soaked emotions.
First up is the 1980’s, with big hair, neon and parachute pants, ready to strut like it’s Friday night at the mall. There’s slick, soothing pop for your psyche with “Last Christmas,” by Wham! The big sound of Whitney Houston “Do you Hear what I Hear,” and the Pointer Sisters “Santa Clause is Coming to Town.” Carefree 50’s rock is represented by Dave Edmunds cover of “Run Rudolph Run” and Hall and Oates spry reading of “Jingle Bell Rock.”
There are those of you out there, and you know who you are, who prefer a slyly subversive take on the holidays and who can blame you? The sugar coated everything this time of year can be overwhelming. Several numbers have been included here for you and your ilk. The upbeat seasonal favorite, Christmas in Hollis,” by the seminal RUN-DMC is still irresistible. “Zat you Santa Clause” by David Johansen’s alter ego, Buster Poindexter struts with style and humor. Fishbone entertain the darkest sense of humor with “Slick Nick, You Devil You,” about a Santa who’s memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Digging deeper in time is the collection of big band numbers for those old enough to remember, or a chance to remember those family members who lived through it. With the first sounds of Peggy Lee’s bright eyed vocal delivery on “Winter Weather” it immediately calls a simpler time, when there were fewer distractions.
“I Want you For Christmas,” from Russ Morgan and his Orchestra is upbeat and cheerful. “(Don’t Wait Till) the Night Before Christmas performed here by Eddy Duchin, is light and airy. The Woody Herman Orchestra version of “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” positively glows with buoyant horn blasts and a swinging beat.
Probably the most fun part of the big band music is how much the music itself is used to convey humor or paint Image may be NSFW.
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images of winter. The lyrics and vocal are just icing on this sugar cookie. The sound has been cleaned up wonderfully here.
Because you’re stressed and not thinking clearly, I’m going to lay out your game plan here. You will alternate these two records (yes, vinyl, just enjoy it), one after another, then again from the moment the first guest arrives, till the last one leaves so you can enjoy the music and ignore that one uncle/cousin/brother-in- law who can’t stop talking about the election/game his side should have won.
Happy Holidays!!
