Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it.. (Winston Churchill)
Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it.. (Winston Churchill)
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For a number of decades, it was the vogue for popular artistes to release a Christmas CD. Stars including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, The Carpenters, Andy Williams and John Denver (to name but a few) all have al album included in their discography that were released early in their careers and have since been re-mastered.
Elvis Presley originally recorded this, his Christmas album, in the summer of 1957 (and yes I have the vinyl). It was digitally re-mastered and released on CD on October 1999. Accordingly, the sound quality of the music is unsurprisingly good. But what about the songs and Elvis’ rendition?
It was only Elvis’ fourth album and his style is still relatively new, sincere and rich (sadly qualities that seemed to fade as Elvis’ musical career progressed). Each and every song is exquisitely performed in Elvis’ inimitable way and evokes memories of the King and his era as well as exemplifying the spirit of Christmas time.
Like the original vinyl with A and B sides, the album is divided between rock and roll ("Santa Claus Is Back in Town," "Blue Christmas," and "Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me") and traditional Christmas songs ("White Christmas," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and "Silent Night").
A number of the tracks have a “gospelly” edge to them ("I Believe," "Peace in the Valley" (his mother’s favourite) and "Take My Hand, Precious Lord") characteristic of a number of Elvis first releases. Elvis’ original backing group, The Jordanaires, feature on many of these and the effect is simply fantastic!
The highlights of the album for me have to be: "Santa Claus is Back in Town", written by Lieber and Stoller and opens the album, has an incredible bluesy feel. It features D.J. Fontana on drums and is a great rock’n’roll classic.
“Blue Christmas”, often thought to have been written for Elvis but was in fact first performed by an Earnest Tubb in 1950 (no wonder this was easily forgotten). This has since been recorded by stars including Ringo Starr, Celine Dion, The Beach Boys, Bette Midler and Bill Haley and the Comets: none of course can compare to Elvis’ rendition.
“White Christmas”, written by Irving Berlin and probably best know for the Bing Crosby version, exudes Elvis’ sensual personality. Berlin, himself, was said to be so upset by the version that he asked radio stations not to play it.
"Santa, Bring My Baby Back to Me" exemplifies Elvis’s fun and sexuality. Elvis’ soft vocals sound over a rhythmic bass made many a teenager’s heart skip a beat.
I am hopelessly attracted by Christmas albums and cannot resist buying them. This has to be one of favourites, bringing back memories and so catchy (not many can resist joining-in - except my husband who hates it).
Sadly due to my husband’s aversion to the King in general and to this album in particular, the Cd only gets an airing when he is out or in the car. But when it does, the volume is turned up and I sing along with fervor,
The album costs only £6.99 and is widely available. So if you enjoy Elvis, Christmas or are in need of a little Christmas fun, then buy this and enjoy.
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