A Big "Humbug" Indeed
James Scharnott | Noo Yawk, NY | 11/04/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I can't get too terribly Grinchy/grouchy; this album is obviously a budget compilation(short running time; no liner notes; etc.). Produced by Rod McKuen (!) and released on his Stanyan imprint as part of a series of Holiday albums, it is a bit of a mishmosh of over-anthologized tunes, a handful of scarce gems, and a bit of "what the heck does THIS have to do with Christmas?" moments.
Thus, hinding among The Singing Dogs yet again and a clucking vocal version of "In the Mood" (actually performed by Ray Stevens under a nom de poultry),little treasures emerge: Eartha Kitt returns with a fresh list for Santa; Pearl Bailey strips her holiday shopping list down to the bone, letting us know exactly all she wants for Christmas; Jospehine Premice brings us a slightly naughty calypso; Julia Lee gets down and hormonal in a barrelhouse lament; and The Portsmouth Sinfonia deconstructs "Pete Chi Kovsky"'s "Nutcracker" in a manner that would leave Spike Jones slack-jawed in amazement.
Most of the rest is filler (save Freberg's warning against holiday commercialism, still potent after over fifty years). As much as I like "The Logger," it has nothing to do with the season at all!
On the plus side, these are all original recordings from the '50s through the '80s. If you are in the proper mood and ready for a snarky giggle at the Season's underside -- and have a quick finger on your CD's fast forward control button -- you'll have a good time.
"