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That's a shame because that album should have won a Grammy, either way - just like its' predecessor, "Soulful Christmas".I don't understand the Amazon reviewer who alluded to the, shall we say, "In Concert" James Brown, shouting, screaming, etc. Though, his second tribute to Charles Brown, "Please Come Home For Christmas" is exquisiste.The Gospel-styled "Signs Of Christmas" is a 1966 album cut, where the listener feels on more familiar ground.
As the Review title says, Brown's Christmas songs are consistently strong and his Christmas albums (all four, from '66, '68, '70, and '99) are frankly the only JB long-players programmed for Sunday listening with the folks. A reach into "Papa's.Bag" can only bring a smile (and a impulse to kick back that funky living room rug).
A Polydor/Chronicles collection, suggesting that it's more than previously issued material with no session notes, hence, the 4 stars.It takes some research to learn that Clyde Stubblefield plays drums on the '66 and '68 cuts, which also feature Bobby Byrd on piano; Tenor Sax genius Maceo Parker is listed on the '68 tracks.Whatever notes we have are still interesting, in that they show the importance of Nat Jones to the James Brown musical family; the name Hank Ballard comes up twice as co-writer.Research also reveals that *three* JB Christmas cuts remained unreleased at presing time and that the magnificent "It's Christmas Time", at that point, a 45rpm in two parts only, didn't make the starting line-up.(It finally arrived in 2002 on a Sony set, "Forever Soul Christmas", in one full take, alongside various artists - expected on JB Singles, Vol. I love "Let's Make Christmas Mean Something This Year" - a great song and arrangement, mixed to perfection, with just enough "Churchy" echo on the lead vocal and the chorus, but those primal No, No, No(s) seem to say, ease my pain more than let's relax and reflect on the Peaceful side of life."Merry Christmas Baby", to me, is marginal, with James Brown apparently mimicking Charles Brown more than singing with Soul.
That's not a knock on his usual fare but these are musically as valuable as "Sex Machine", "The Payback", or "Mutha's Nature", or any you can name. 6 in '09).Another curious aspect of this Cd is that the '70 numbers still have a somewhat flat mix, as if the master tape was running too fast.
There's very little of those nonverbalisms, although when they do come up, it *is* very.disconcerting.
These songs have made my heart glow in good years, and my eyes wet in the bad. I am thrilled to have found this expanded collection. "Santa's Got a Brand New Bag" was somehow lost during my divorce.
That has only 15 of the songs on this compilation. Similar to the Beatles Christmas messages these songs span and exemplify JB's evolving style over the decades. I received "Santa's Got A Brand New Bag" (Rhino Records) as a goof about 15 years ago.
I've played the whole album every Christmas eve for the last 10 years while wrapping presents. Given a chance they will probably do the same for you. Like some of the other reviewers I've read I didn't play it much the first year or two.
Now, It's not Christmas unless I hear "Let's Make Christmas Mean Something This Year", "Santa Claus, Santa Claus", and "Please Come Home For Christmas".
This is not your traditional christmas fare, but they are certainly classics in their own right. There are some fun and funky tracks as well as some beautiful soulful songs too. Highly recommend to any fans of James Brown. I've owned this for over 10 years and it is definitely one of my favorite christmas albums. In my opinion, the best song on the album is 'Let's make this Christmas mean something this year', the message of the song is timeless and I love the background singers on this track.
You have to at least give it a listen. High energy for the most part and is great for holiday party mixes. Stand out tracks include:- Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto- Soulful Christmas- Let's Make Christmas Mean Something This Year (James goes OFF in this one).RIP I love this Christmas album. Tons of original tracks without a lot of covers.
Isn't it just so fitting that he left us at this most perfect time.Rest in funky peace, Mr. Can't wait. Brown.Thanks to all. Many thanks to all the wonderful reviewers who shared their love on this page. I don't own it now but you can bet I will.
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