by Erik R. Slagle
Has the calendar really rolled back around to Christmas already? Soon, stores will be decking their halls/PA systems with standards that either warm your heart or send a chill of dread down your spine (looking in your direction, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Elmo and Patsy, and even Bruce!).
But you can stream your way into the holiday spirit and escape with some collections of lesser-known renditions that might renew your faith in Christmas music. Here are five to check out, from the tropical to the novelty and more.
A Coral Reefer Christmas (Robert Greenidge) and Christmas in the Caribbean (Various Artists):“Calypso” and “Christmas” might not sound like the most logical pairing, but these two albums get it right. Jimmy Buffett sideman Robert Greenidge brings us “A Coral Reefer Christmas,” island takes on standards like “Carol of the Bells,” “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night” and more. A more expansive set can be found on the “Christmas In the Caribbean” compilation. The tracks here are more subtle, but it’s reflective and relaxing – and might leave you craving a sojourn to the islands before the season is over.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year (White Eisenstein): A string-and-flute rendition of “O Come O Come Emanuel” kicks off what may be the most peaceful holiday album I’ve ever heard. (It is no surprise it makes its way to this list practically every year.) It’s an all-instrumental album featuring acoustic guitar, bells, winds and strings from the Hawaii-based duo of Lee Eisenstein and Brad White. There are no guarantees of visions of sugarplums dancing in your head, but it’s about as close as you can come to a holiday selection you can meditate to.
What a Wonderful Christmas (Louis Armstrong & Friends): Featuring standard-bearers from Mel Torme, Eartha Kitt, Peggy Lee, Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Louis Jordan, and, of course, the great Satchmo himself. High points include Armstrong's originals “Cool Yule,” “Christmas in New Orleans,” and “’Zat You, Santa Claus.” If possible, you’ll actually want to find a used CD copy on Amazon or eBay - the liner notes tell a fascinating story of how these collaborations came to be. It’ll be worth the few extra dollars.
Holidays in Dementia (Dr. Demento): Does anyone else remember “Rusty Chevrolet” from Da Yoopers? No? Just me? I tracked this album down for that one song. Still, the entire collection of holiday send-ups (along with the good Doctor’s “Greatest Christmas Novelty CD of Al Time”) is worth your time: joining Da Yoopers are “The Twelve Pains of Christmas,” Ray Stevens’ “Santa Claus is Watching You,” “Father” Guido Sarducci, and “Christmas Wrapping” – the holiday staple from the band that was never heard from again, The Waitresses.
Happy Holidays to one and all! See you in 2025!
