Don’t get me wrong, I love Xmas as much as much as the next guy, but there’s certain elements to this season that seem to heighten anxiety, and the days seem to pass in rapid succession. At moments, it can leave you feeling as awkward as a child walking in on Santa Claus making it with mom. Sometimes it just looks like it might be easier if it wasn’t one of “my” days.
So, here are two tracks that (along with Rum from my cousin Paul) help ease me into the Christmas Spirit:
Like it? Buy it.
Huey and his crew, “The Clowns,” hammered out this holiday record in their distinctive New Orleans style R&B in 1962. In fact, it was so distinct that it was soon withdrawn due to outraged reactions, which called the rocking treatment of these sacred tunes sacrilegious (Heer, n.d.).
Christmas Party (feat. Nicole Sheahan)————-Click To Listen
In 2004, NYC’s (although I believe now they live in Philly) The Walkmen dropped their special Christmas Party 7″, EP. Here you’ve got guest Nicole Sheahan helping out on vocals. This one just makes me laugh, in a sentimental way.
Well, Merry Christmas to All, and to All a Goodnight!
Peace On Earth,
Bobby
Ref:
Heer, D. (n.d.). Huey “Piano” Smith. Blackcat Rockabilly Europe. Retrieved on December 24th at http://www.rockabilly.nl/references/messages/huey_piano_smith.htm
Martin, W. (2004). The Christmas Party [recorded by The Walkmen] On The Christmas Party. [7” Vinyl]. Record Collection. (2004)
Mohr & Gruber. Silent Night [recorded by Huey ‘Piano’ Smith & The Clowns] On ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. [CD] Westside. (1962/1998)
A Mouthful of Pennies 