I slapped this on one Xmas and a friend of mine remarked: ‘I reckon all the Beach Boys music sounds like Christmas music’. And he was right. Brian Wilson’s righteous ambition to ‘make music that made people feel loved’ is the perfect match for the Xmas vibe. And when Brian was dealing out those inspired three or four-part harmonies to the fellas, wow, they could hit notes that were truly angelic. So it made perfect sense that they should do a Christmas Album. Side one gives us five original Beach Boys songs, all of them masterfully conjuring the festive joy of Xmas. The opener “Little Saint Nick” exchanges the “Little Deuce Coup” rhythm and you’re soon cruising Xmas tunes in a large red & chrome sled. Then later they turn their talents to the classics, like the playful “Frosty the Snowman” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. But when they perform “White Christmas”, “We Three Kings of Orient Are”, and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” their harmonies will knock you on your butt – so grab that eggnog and make for the couch. All the arrangements are brilliant. It’s also a great chance to hear Brian sing some beautiful lead. He injects “Blue Christmas” with sweetness and tenderness that comes full circle when they close the album with “Auld Lang Syne” and Dennis speaks on behalf of the band, wishing ‘every one of you, a very Merry Christmas, and we hope the New Year brings you as much happiness as this year has brought us. Thank you very much.’
~ DECOY SPOON
2011/12/22