Click here, Ye Merry Gentlemen, for a random Rebuilt Tranny album

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This is the album that really defines what an American Christmas is all about. The original LP version of this was released in 1955 but the songs were recorded as early as 1942. This, of course, puts it right smack dab in the midst of World War II.

Now I don’t have any concrete evidence to go on but I’m going to say that this album won the war for the Allies. Anyone stateside with access to a radio would have heard these songs during that gnarly brawl overseas. The presence of Bing’s masculine yet gentle tremelo recharged the nation of Rosie the Riveters each year with tremendous effect. His words soothed and assured them that yes, everything would one day return to normal. Our boys would be home for the Christmas; if not this year then definitely the next.

Sure enough Bing was right: the boys came home  marching triumphantly and America, in their minds, had solidified its place as the moral compass for the world.

Christmas for The Good Guys

Of course, when the G.I.’s returned home there were many new traditions just waiting to be created. One of these was adopting Bing, an All-American guy with an honest gee-whiz face, as the voice of the holidays. And thank you Jesus. I can’t think of anyone else I’d want captaining the U.S.S. Noel.

Whenever I put on this disc it’s always like slipping on the most comfortable sweater in the world and cozying up to a real wood-burning fireplace. It’s so incredibly warm and reassuring.

Ok, too warm.

If you’ve never listened to this album you’ll still recognize the majority of the tracks from movies like A Christmas Story. However, two of the most jolly songs on here were written long after the war in 1950 and 1951. The 50s were a time of carefree optimism and this is perfectly captured in the songs “Christmas in Killarney” and “Mele Kilikimaka”. Both songs take a cheeky, if perhaps a bit culturally stereotypical, spin on the Christmas theme. Make sure to check them out at end of the disc–you’ll be humming them throughout the holidays.

^Christmas Vacation featuring Mele Kilikimaka. Unfortunately you’ll have to visit YouTube to watch this gem.^

Click here to download Merry Christmas to MP3

Tracklist