*download below*
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 vocals 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.
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.
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 fun 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^
Click here to download Merry Christmas to MP3
Tracklist
| A1 | Silent Night | 2:35 | ||
| A2 | Adeste Fideles (Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful) | 3:08 | ||
| A3 | White Christmas | 3:03 | ||
| A4 | God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen | 2:15 | ||
| A5 | Faith Of Our Fathers | 2:54 | ||
| A6 | I’ll Be Home For Christmas (If Only In My Dreams) | 2:52 | ||
| B1 | Jingle Bells | 2:35 | ||
| Backing Vocals – Andrews Sisters, The | ||||
| B2 | Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town | 2:38 | ||
| Backing Vocals – Andrews Sisters, The | ||||
| B3 | Silver Bells | 2:59 | ||
| Vocals – Carole Richards | ||||
| B4 | It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas | 2:43 | ||
| B5 | Christmas In Killarney | 2:40 | ||
| B6 | Mele Kalikimaka | 2:49 | ||
| Backing Vocals – Andrews Sisters, The | ||||
