It’s that time of year again when Bear Family Records releases an annual compilation dedicated to vintage Christmas tunes, usually a mix of obscure and known recordings from the mid-20th century. This year’s offering is “Santa is Rockin’ and Rollin’”, containing 25 tracks on one CD. These are always a fascinating listen, as they provide an antidote to the yearly ritual of listening to the same festive classics. It also helped to establish that there was a world outside of the usual, and it shines a light on it.

My Thoughts on the Album

The album begins with “Jingle Rock” by Tommy Lee & The Orbits, a revved-up restructuring of “Jingle Bells” that transfers the traditional tune to a more Rock ‘n’ Roll-friendly narrative. It sets the vibe perfectly and will have you singing in no time. The same could be said for The Outlaw’s “Run Run Rudolph”, an addictive Chuck Berry cover recorded live that features a prominent boogie piano.

There are dashes of familiarity sprinkled throughout this collection. Expect little embellishment from traditionally festive texts and tunes, transposed in imaginative and unimaginative ways. “Jingle Bells” is possibly the most visited here, under various titles, but with equal amounts of success. Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” is given another decent Rock ‘n’ Roll reading, this time by Jerry Robinson in 1962. Country star Del Reeves makes an appearance with the infectious “Twisting Santa Claus”, a number that bears more than a passing resemblance to his (then recent) hit “Girl on the Billboard”. Bobby (Boris) Pickett of Monster Mash fame, lends his particular ghoulish style to a festive offering released the same year as his hit.

The mix of genres is eclectic as ever, with shades of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Rockabilly, R&B, Country, Instrumental and Doo-Wop. Compared to previous entries, this one is even more stacked with obscure recordings that haven’t seen the light of day for many years. This is an exciting adventure that is sure to provide a new favourite festive tune from yesteryear.

My Highlights

This is one of those compilations where nearly every song could be considered a highlight for its own reasons. From the excellent Chet Atkins production of Jack Scott’s “There’s Trouble Brewing”, to the vocal performance on Kathy and Jimmy Zee’s “Santa Claus Rock and Roll”. I enjoy the eccentricity of this collection —snapshots of their time that evoke vintage holida.y vibes. Benny Lee with The Ken-Tones’ “Rock ‘n’ Rollin’ Santa Claus” is a fun track that utilises the phrase “On the beam”, while Santa’s Got a Coupe De Ville features car sound effects. Canadian artist Marcel Martel’s contribution, sung in French, demonstrates the universal nature of the genre.

While much of the material has a touch of naivety and innocence often presumed in vintage recordings, I did enjoy the inventive use of innuendo in “Santa Claus Won’t Come This Year” by Charlie Stewart.

Sound Quality:

As expected with material of this age, the quality is mixed depending on the recording. Some sound like studio masters, while others have a more overexposed quality about them. It is always clear that Bear Family Records has done its utmost to ensure these recordings sound the best they can, and that any quirks from the original recording conditions or preservation form part of the nostalgia.

A Little Something Extra:

The album is presented inside a standard CD case, with nicely printed artwork. Inside is a booklet featuring liner notes by regular contributor Bill Dahl. As informative as ever, each track and artist is covered with a little bit of context. Included alongside the writing are rare photographs, labels and images.

Conclusion:

While I usually approach these Yuletide albums with a degree of trepidation, largely because the genres are so varied, this one feels like a true cohesive experience. As always, it is a window on mid-20th-century music and cultural trends that will provide much humour but also intrigue. A trawl through some familiar compositions reinvented, and a large smattering of obscure gems; Santa is Rockin’ and Rollin’ is an irresistible collection that will interest vintage music fans looking for something different. Santa is Rockin’ ‘n’ Rollin’ is available to order on CD from Bear Family Records. A shorter vinyl version is also available.

Tracklisting

Tommy Lee & The Orbits – Jingle Rock
The Outlaws – Run Run Rudolph
The Martells with the Bella Tones – Rockin’ Santa Claus
Nathaniel Mayer – Mr. Santa Claus (Bring Me My Baby)
Chuck Blevins – Slieghbell Rock
Harry Lee – Rockin’ On A Reindeer
Bill Parker – Santa is Rockin’ And Rollin’
Jerry Robinson – White Christmas
Jack Scott – There’s Trouble Brewin’
Del Reeves – Twisting Santa Claus
Santo & Johnny – Twistin’ Bells
Big Bud – Snow-Man Rock
Benny Lee with The Ken-Tones – Rock ‘N’ Roll Santa Claus
Little ‘Lambsie’ Penn – I wanna Spend Xmas with Elvis
Jody Levins and His Boys – Jingle Bells Boogie
Donny Burns – Cool Yule
Patty Surbey & The Canadian V.I.P.’s – Christmas All Year ‘Round
Kathy and Jimmy Zee – Santa Claus Rock And Roll
The Four Imperials – Santa’s Got A Coupe De Ville
Little Bobby Rey – Rockin’ J Bells
Marcel Martel – Rock ‘n’ Roll Du Pere Noel
The Uniques – Rock’n Rudolph
Charlie Stewart – Santa Claus Won’t Come This Year
Sandy Center – Come On Baby, It’s Christmas
Bobby (Boris) Pickett – Monster’s Holiday

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