December 4, 2008

The Original Soul Christmas


Soul Christmas: the greatest Christmas album of all-time (although perhaps not the most mirthful). King Curtis' "What are You Doing New Years Eve" and Otis Redding's "White Christmas" are my favorites here, but all of the cuts are strong.
[from Amazon] "Originally issued as an Atlantic compilation back in 1968, Soul Christmas is just what is says: a collection of songs featuring R&B legends such as Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Solomon Burke, Joe Tex, Clarence Carter, William Bell, King Curtis, and Booker T. & the MG's. But if you're looking for a compilation of mostly traditional Christmas tunes, this is not the record to buy. Apart from nods to time-honored classics like "White Christmas" (gloriously reinterpreted by Redding), Booker T.'s perky "Jingle Bells," and the R&B favorite "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" (featuring sax man King Curtis at his bluesy best, along with a guitar solo by Duane Allman), the songs are all tailor-made originals that fit the style of the respective artists. Thus, Carter's "Back Door Santa" is a hilariously salacious cut; Tex gives us a preacherlike "I'll Make Everyday Christmas (For My Woman)"; and Thomas is at her most cute and innocent with "Gee Whiz, It's Christmas." Redding's version of "Merry Christmas Baby" (a hit for Johnny Moore's Three Blazers) is an obvious standout, while Bell's "Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday" is the only bona fide charted single (albeit back in January 1968)."
1. Back Door Santa - Clarence Carter
2. The Christmas Song - King Curtis
3. White Christmas - Otis Redding
4. I'll Make Everyday Christmas (For My Woman) - Joe Tex
5. Silver Bells - Booker T. & The MG's
6. Gee Whiz, It's Christmas - Carla Thomas
7. Merry Christmas Baby - Otis Redding
8. Presents For Christmas - Solomon Burke
9. Jingle Bells - Booker T. and The Mg's
10. Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday - William Bell
11. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve - King Curtis
12. All I Want For Christmas Is You - Carla Thomas
13. Christmas Time - Ray Charles
14. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Booker T. & The MG's

1 comment:

John W. said...

i remember having this gem on vinyl a lifetime ago i worked in a record store on fulton street downtown bklyn running the 45 counter when james brown put out a new 45 every week at least it seemed that way king curtis wasnt too shabby either in his output..i could go on but really thanks for this and the memories that go along with it