Customer Reviews

In The Christmas Spirit

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is Booker T. and the MG's classic Christmas album. It is, of course, performed in their traditional soul instrumental style. If you are familiar with Booker T. and the MG's, you know what to expect. It is a lot of fun to listen to. One of the fun things about this album, is that they will play a few bars of another Christmas song during the song. For instance, "Silver Bells" features a few seconds of "Frosty the Snowman, and "We Three Kings" contains several seconds of "O Come All Ye Faithful". I would recommend this album to anyone who likes classic soul music.

Wow. Booker T makes these standards sound as if they were written for a four-piece R&B band. The first two sounds you hear are Duck Dunn's driving bass and the light "shing-shing-shing" of jingle bells on the title track. As Duck's bass propels the rhythm forward, Booker slowly brings the organ in on melody, with Cropper's adding fills on rhythm guitar about halfway into the song. From that point on, this is the most laid-back, mellow, relaxing and just flat-out **cool** Christmas music you're likely to hear this side of Jimmy Smith's "Christmas Cookin'." or the Charlie Brown Christmas album. Absolutely get this record if you like Paul Desmond, Jimmy Smith, or Ben Webster; and if Booker T. is new to you, then this album may only stay on your CD player into March or April.

Back in 1966 when the vinyl version of this CD first hit the streets, people were somewhat stunned at the jazzy instrumental treatment of Christmas traditionals. The CD is still very cool today. If you liked "Green Onions" and the other Booker T music back in the day, you're going to like this vintage CD. I was very surprised and pleased to see it available.

Not only is this a great Christmas album, I think it also has some of the best work that Booker T. and the MGs did as an ensemble. They hit amazing grooves on "Jingle Bells," "Winter Wonderland," and "Wish You a Merry Christmas." And on the second half of the CD, they get very soulful and mellow, with a very bluesy "Merry Christmas Baby" and a gorgeous, gospelish "Sweet Little Jesus Boy." This is sublime stuff that'll grow on you year after year.

This is fun Christmas music to enjoy while wrapping presents or untangling the tree lights. The original vinyl version has a different cover, showing hands on a keyboard, and if you own this original version & it's still in excellent condition it is worth upwards of $400. If instrumental versions of yuletide tunes is your bag, this comes highly recommended.

Not knowing who Booker T was at the age of five this was always my favorite album to listen to when i was a child. I am so happy to own it myself I bought 3 copies one for me my dad (it was his album to begin with) and one for my mom. This is an absolute must have for any collection. It makes that last minute christmas gift wrapping a joy.

Love Booker T. & The MG's and really have enjoyed this Christmas album. It's definitely a refreshing break from "the norms" of holiday music. Terrific addition to my Christmas music library!

I had doubt as I was unfamiliar with some of the songs. I was most thrilled when I listened to the entire collection! This CD was my companion throughout the Christmas season; from my home to the car, to to the office and back home. My regular Christmas CD's were well rested. Everyone who happened to hear the music thoroughly enjoyed the songs.

This is an ok Christmas album, but it does not live up to Booker T. And The MG's' standards. It's very mellow, tame, and quiet. Unlike many of their other recordings. Its still a nice record to put on during the holidays, but towards the end, the organ sound just drags on and on, and I feel like I'm in church. If the recording was just bumped up a notch and a few of the songs from tracks 8-11 were replaced with more catchier ones, this would be a great MGs album along with being a nice Christmas album. Still this does remind you of snow, sleighbells, and sleighriding, its just a little mellow for my tastes. If you want a real rock and roll Christmas record, check out The Ventures' Christmas Album!!

I love Christmas music and have been collecting it for over ten years. This is my very favorite Christmas CD, one I look forward to every year. Enjoy!