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Top 10 Christmas Albums on Vinyl
There is something to be said about the art of a great Christmas album. Part of it is song selection, part of it is song interpretation, part of it is simply the voice. But above all else, the one quality that ultimately makes a Christmas album timeless is its ability to capture that thing we call the Christmas spirit—something all of the following albums share.
#10) Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas (1994)
Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas takes the cake when it comes to contemporary Christmas albums—and yes, it exists on vinyl! With a mix of joyous yuletide celebrations and more reverent gospel-flavored numbers, she creates a timeless holiday classic that belongs alongside those by greats like Bing and Nat. Her original “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become an indispensable Christmas favorite, just as this album has become a holiday staple. From her dancefloor-ready rendition of “Joy to the World” to the immaculate restraint she shows on sacred carols like “Silent Night” and soulful delivery of “O, Holy Night” and “Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child,” Mariah Carey gets it right.
#9) The Ventures – The Ventures’ Christmas Album (1965)
This one is just plain fun. The instrumental surf-rock band wipes out more traditional holiday albums by weaving classic ’60s pop songs into popular Christmas standards. Their own “Walk, Don’t Run” turns into “Jingle Bells” while the Beatles’ “I Feel Fine” morphs into “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Wooly Bully” becomes “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and the Champs’ “Tequila” mashes up with “Frosty the Snowman.” Twangy guitar, reverb, and sleigh bells never sounded so good together!
#8) Elvis Presley – Elvis’ Christmas Album (1957)
I love Elvis’ rock ‘n’ roll-meets-gospel take on the holidays. Though the rock ‘n’ roll part seemed blasphemous at the time, it’s classic now—and this album is in fact the best-selling Christmas album of all time in the U.S. On Side One, you’ve got the naughty “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” and bluesy classic “Blue Christmas,” while Side Two closes with “Peace in the Valley” and other straight-ahead gospel numbers. Though Elvis would release another Christmas album, Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas, in the early ’70s, Elvis’ Christmas Album was recorded in the prime of his career, and I prefer it for the King’s outstanding takes on “White Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane),” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
#7) The Beach Boys – The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album (1964)
When it comes to pop Christmas albums, The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album is one of the very best. These Southern California boys warm up the holiday season with a loveable mix of standards and rocking originals. A 40-piece orchestra arranged by Dick Reynolds, the Four Freshmen’s arranger, lends a wide-sweeping twinkle to the album’s seven standards, and “We Three Kings of Orient Are” is reworked brilliantly with a Brian Wilson/Mike Love duet and choirs of overdubbed harmonies that make it stand out as one of the best renditions to date (besides your elementary school’s version, of course). But arguably the highlights are the originals like “Little Saint Nick,” which has itself become a holiday classic. The album ends with an fantastic a cappella version of “Auld Lang Syne” that sets the tone for the new year, no matter if it’s 1965 or 2012.
#6) John Denver – Rocky Mountain Christmas (1975)
I think that at the heart of this album is a simplicity, as pure and pristine as the Rockies, that is a refreshing contrast to the schmaltzy ornamentation of the majority of holiday music. Sure, there are some not so great inclusions on this beloved country-folk singer’s first Christmas album (“Please Daddy, Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas”), but these are easy to overlook with the many warm and friendly odes to Christmas and Colorado. Rocky Mountain Christmas plus a warm fireplace equals the ultimate in comfort and joy.
#5) The Carpenters – Christmas Portrait (1978)
The brother and sister duo’s first Christmas album remains one of the most loved albums in their catalog. Their original song “Merry Christmas, Darling” has become a holiday standard, and I’d have to say theirs is my favorite rendition of both “Sleigh Ride” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” I think what really sets this album apart, however, is that the magic of Christmas was in their hearts. The flawless combination of Karen’s longingly sweet vocals and Richard’s charming arrangements—not to mention the painstaking care Richard brought to the album—makes this a timeless celebration of the season that both tugs on the heartstrings and brings a smile to your face. I also really like their whimsical, jazzy rendition of “Carol of the Bells.”
#4) Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song (1963)
There are few voices so well suited to Christmas fare as Nat King Cole’s. His honeyed vocals, beautifully nuanced delivery, and tasteful orchestral accompaniment make this the most sentimentally sweet Christmas album around. Plus, The Christmas Song collects some of the most well loved Christmas tunes like “Joy to the World,” “Adeste Fideles,” “O, Holy Night,” “Away in a Manger,” “The First Noel,” “Silent Night,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and of course Cole’s definitive version of “The Christmas Song,” while also introducing lesser known tunes like “Caroling, Caroling” to the Christmas music catalog. To me, this is what Christmas is all about.
#3) Bing Crosby – Merry Christmas (1945; re-released as White Christmas)
We all dream of a white Christmas because of Bing Crosby. His definitive rendition of the song is not only immortalized on this quintessential Christmas album, it has become the best-selling single of all time. The album itself created the blueprint for Christmas albums and is one of the longest in-print albums in the U.S. Released amidst World War II, there’s an authentic poignancy to “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” while “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” is capable of eliciting a childlike giddiness in anyone. Nostalgic, timeless, warm and fuzzy, White Christmas captures not only the essence of the Christmas spirit but the essence of simpler times. The audio equivalent to a Norman Rockwell painting.
#2) Phil Spector – A Christmas Gift for You from Philles Records (1963; re-released as A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector)
Speaking of the Beach Boys, this one just happens to be Brian Wilson’s favorite Christmas album. Featuring the Crystals, the Ronettes, Darlene Love, and Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans, plus Leon Russell on piano and Sonny Bono on drums, it’s bursting with greatness. With this album, Spector set out to create a pop masterpiece, and the combination of his immaculate wall of Yuletide sound along with the amazing vocal talents of his early roster of artists makes A Christmas Gift for You not only a holiday classic but also one of Rolling Stone‘s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Love’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” the Crystals’ “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and the Ronettes’ “Sleigh Ride” are some of the artists’ best performances.
#1) Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This toe-tapping, ’60s piano jazz album has become a cherished holiday favorite. It features such Peanuts classics as “Linus and Lucy,” “Christmas Time Is Here,” and “Skating,” as well as superb interpretations of holiday standards including “What Child Is This” and “The Christmas Song,” all rounded out with evergreen favorites like “Fur Elise” and “Greensleeves.” The reason that this album tops the list is that it appeals to both Christmas music lovers and non-lovers alike—a true Christmas miracle!
Honorable Mentions:
Tony Bennett – Snowfall (1968)
A swinging affair from the legendary crooner Tony Bennett. His smooth pipes and romantic zing make seasonal favorites like “Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song” especially charming.
Johnny Mathis – Merry Christmas (1958)
The best of several Christmas albums Johnny Mathis has recorded, 1958’s Merry Christmas features his hit rendition of “Winter Wonderland” and irresistibly smooth reading of “The Christmas Song.” However, it’s his classic version of “Sleigh Ride” that I’ve remembered all through my life.
Perry Como – The Perry Como Christmas Album (1968)
Accompanied by an orchestra and the Ray Charles singers, Perry Como delivers a wholesome holiday delight with this 1968 LP that rivals his classic television Christmas specials and has yet to be replicated in any of his recent Christmas CD compilations. As essential to Christmastime as hot cocoa and mistletoe.
Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas (1960)
With big band backing conducted by Frank DeVol, the jazz vocal legend swings and “giddy yaps” through holiday favorites like “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bells,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” while offering a happier take on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and sentimental reading of “What Are You Doing New Years Eve?”
Arthur Fiedler with the Boston Pops – A Christmas Festival (1970)
The go-to classical Christmas album from the legendary pop orchestra and its legendary conductor.
Andy Williams – The Andy Williams Christmas Album (1963)
Reminding us “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”!
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: December 7, 2011
With a few exceptions (Sting), there is an exciting dark undercurrent running through this week’s vinyl releases. While it’s unlikely that this was divined by the vinyl gods, it sure is fitting for the winter season.
The Black Keys – El Camino (Nonesuch)
Vinyl pressing of the garage-blues duo’s new album. The follow-up to their Grammy-winning album Brothers (2010), El Camino also features production by Danger Mouse. But instead of going the soul route again, the album delivers a much more catchy, stadium-ready, hard-driving rock ‘n’ roll punch with a bit of ’70s glitz. And it’s already earning votes for the best album of the year!
Sting – The Best of 25 Years (A&M Records)
This career retrospective features 12 re-mastered Sting tracks including “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,” “All This Time,” “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,” “Fields of Gold,” and his 2003 collaboration with Mary J. Blige, “Whenever I Say Your Name.” Also included is a new mix of “Never Coming Home,” as well as previously unreleased live versions of the Police songs “Message in a Bottle” and “Demolition Man.”
Lady Gaga – Born This Way – The Remix (Interscope)
This 14-track double LP remixes Lady Gaga’s 2011 album, Born This Way. Hits like the title track, “Judas,” “The Edge of Glory,” and “You and I” become dark dance tracks under the remixing hands of Zedd, Goldfrapp, Foster the People, Wild Beasts, Metronomy, and Twin Shadow, among others.
Brian Eno – Small Craft on a Milk Sea (Warp Records)
Double LP pressing of Brian Eno’s 2010 instrumental album and Warp Records debut. A collaboration with electronic musicians Leo Abrahams and Jon Hopkins, Small Craft on a Milk Sea finds Eno, the ambient music pioneer, creating evocative atmospheres and sound collages that he himself refers to as “sound-only movies.” Yet, it’s not all ambient as Small Craft on a Milk Sea gives way to varying moods and can turn fierce in a blink.
Gary Numan – Telekon (Vinyl 180/Virtual)
Re-mastered 180-gram double vinyl reissue of the New Wave icon and synth pioneer’s chart-topping 1980 album. Includes two singles left off the original single disc release: “We Are Glass” and “I Die: You Die.”
Imelda May – Mayhem (Decca)
Vinyl pressing of the 2010 album from the incredible Imelda May, the Irish singer who has topped the charts in her home country and earned the 2009 title of Best Female Artist of the Year at the Irish Meteor Awards. Steeped in May’s classic fusion of rockabilly and blues, Mayhem also channels early PJ Harvey and Chrissie Hynde in its moods.
The Locust – Peel Sessions (Radio Surgery)
The San Diego grindcore punk band, you ask—they were on the Peel Sessions? The crazy ones that wear full-body nylon suits when they perform? Yep, in 2001 they went to the BBC Studios and sat down with the legendary John Peel. The resulting album is back in stock on vinyl!
Throbbing Gristle – Greatest Hits (Industrial Records)
The latest in the Throbbing Gristle deluxe-vinyl reissue series, Industrial Records has released a re-mastered, limited run of the English industrial music pioneers’ 1980 Greatest Hits compilation. Comes with an eight-page color booklet featuring unpublished photos, press reviews from the time, etc.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: November 30, 2011
It’s a ’90s alternative-rock celebration this week: the Smashing Pumpkins are reissuing their first two albums on vinyl, and the brand new album from Jane’s Addiction is now available on vinyl! (Coincidentally, these make me more nostalgic than Christmas.)
The Smashing Pumpkins – Gish, Siamese Dream (Virgin)
The Smashing Pumpkins’ groundbreaking Butch Vig-produced 1991 debut, Gish, and its seminal 1993 follow-up, Siamese Dream, re-mastered and reissued on vinyl for the first time. 180-gram, double gatefold vinyl. Angst has never sounded so beautiful.
Jane’s Addiction – The Great Escape Artist (Capitol)
Though Jane’s Addiction practically defined the alternative-rock genre with their groundbreaking albums Nothing’s Shocking (1988) and Ritual de lo Habitual (1990), they had only released three studio albums when The Great Escape Artist came out this past October. Along with original members Perry Farrell (vocals), Dave Navarro (guitar), and Stephen Perkins (drums), TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek played a big role on the album, and along with producer Rich Costey (Interpol, Muse) brings out the band’s post-punk influence.
Gorillaz – The Singles Collection 2001-2011 (Virgin)
So it’s not entirely a ’90s celebration; the virtual hip-hop group created by Blur’s Damon Albarn and comic book artist Jamie Hewlett has just released a singles collection that looks back at the aughts, a decade when their cunning, crossover singles topped the charts around the world and earned numerous awards for both audio and visual innovation. Not only a greatest hits compilation, this singles collection captures the complexity of the band. As integral as Gorillaz’ videos are to their songs (they are a cartoon band, afterall!), I have to say I can’t wait to hear “Clint Eastwood” on vinyl. Double 140-gram vinyl, that is.
Joe Jackson – Night & Day (Music on Vinyl Import)
It may be hard to track down this import from the Netherlands’ Music on Vinyl reissue label, but well worth it. Originally released in 1982, Night & Day is the English artist’s tribute to his Tin Pan Alley heroes Cole Porter and George Gershwin, and it marks Jackson’s transition from New Wave rocker to more sophisticated songwriter. Full of Latin rhythms, jazzy horns, and shiny keys, the album transports the listener to early-’80s New York City and features the Grammy-nominated single “Steppin’ Out.” 180-gram audiophile vinyl in a gatefold sleeve.
Tony Bennett – I Left My Heart in San Francisco (Music on Vinyl Import)
Also from Music on Vinyl comes a 180-gram reissue of Tony Bennett’s landmark 1962 vocal pop album. Its title track has become the legendary crooner’s signature song, and the album helped established his career.
Nathan Davis – If (Soul Jazz/Universal Sound)
Limited vinyl LP edition of this highly collectible 1976 funk-jazz release from saxophonist Nathan Davis.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: Thanksgiving 2011 Edition!
Judging by all the exceptional reissues and collectors’ box sets out this week, the holiday season is in full force this year! And the best news is that all of these treasures are available online, so you don’t need to wrestle the Black Friday crowds to get them. Here’s to a truly happy holiday and even happier listening.
Rolling Stones – Some Girls (Republic)
Re-mastered vinyl reissue of the Stones’ seminal 1978 album. The English rock icons’ best-selling album in the U.S., Some Girls features classics like “Beast of Burden,” “Shattered,” and “Miss You,” as well as a cover of the Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me).” Also available is a super deluxe edition that includes the re-mastered original album on CD, another CD of 12 unreleased songs—outtakes from 1978 that were recently completed by Jagger and crew, and a 7-inch single of the re-mastered “Beast of Burden”/”When the Whip Comes Down.”
The Who – Quadrophenia (Geffen)
Re-mastered double LP reissue of the British rock band’s landmark 1973 rock opera—the Who album Pete Townshend says he is the most proud of. And for the mega fan, there is also a super deluxe limited edition box set with CDs of additional demo tracks, an eight-track quadraphonic surround-sound DVD, a 100-page hardback book that provides an in-depth look at the making of the album, and one lone piece of vinyl—a 7-inch single featuring “5.15”/”Water” in a picture sleeve.
Foo Fighters – Foo Fighters (1995), The Colour and the Shape (1997), There Is Nothing Left to Lose (1999), One By One (2002), In Your Honor (2005), Skin & Bones (2006) reissues (Sony Legacy)
Sony Legacy reissues a huge chunk of the Foo Fighters’ back catalog, beginning with 1995’s self-titled debut (when the band was a Dave Grohl solo project) and covering everything through the band’s 2006 live acoustic album, Skin and Bones.
Nirvana – Bleach (Sub Pop)
From the Seattle indie label that initially released Nirvana’s debut album in 1989 comes this vinyl reissue. With the mission of reminding people that Nirvana had an album before their 1991 breakthrough, Nevermind, Sub Pop also stays in the spirit of Bleach‘s original $600 recording budget by presenting it here as a non-deluxe, affordably priced single LP reissue.
Kate Bush – 50 Words for Snow (ANTI-)
The new album from the British art-rock legend is subtly beautiful, peculiar, and totally alluring. Featuring Bush’s earthy voice and quiet, jazzy piano surrounded by electronic ripples and light drums, it’s not only the otherworldly soundscapes and unconventional arrangements but Bush’s restraint—a calm that lets the album’s seven expansive tracks breathe—that lends 50 Words for Snow its immersive quality. The album also features a duet with Elton John, a duet with Journeyman singer Andy Fairweather Low, actor Stephen Fry reciting Bush’s (mostly made up) 50 words for snow on the title track, and vocal contributions from Bush’s 12-year-old son, Bertie.
Ben Folds – The Best Imitation of Myself: A Retrospective (Sony Legacy)
This retrospective anthology does exactly what it sets out to do: capture each stage of the piano-pop songwriter’s career, from his years with Ben Folds Five to his solo efforts, soundtracks, and collaborations. You will find Ben Folds’ biggest hits, deep cuts, and rarities—all re-mastered from the original tapes—as well as a brand new track from Ben Folds Five, who reunited just for this album. Double vinyl LP.
The Decca Sound Box Set (Decca)
From the world-renowned label that prides itself on unsurpassed audio fidelity and the ability to capture the true brilliance of a performance comes this 6xLP box set featuring six Decca Classical recordings from the ’50s to the present day. Enjoy de Falla, Rachmaninov, Respighi, Wagner, Messiaen, Beethoven, and Britten performed by some of the world’s greatest orchestras and captured on 180-gram vinyl.
Calexico – Road Atlas 1998-2011 Box Set (Quarter Stick)
A complete collection of Calexico’s tour-only CDs available on vinyl for the first time ever! Includes four single LPs and four double LPs as well as a 40-page book of tour photographs and an mp3 download coupon that includes additional bonus tracks of previously unreleased recordings.
David Lynch – Crazy Clown Time (Pias America)
The proper musical debut from the surrealist filmmaker (yes, the man behind the television show Twin Peaks and such films as Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, and Mulholland Drive) is indeed dark, cinematic, a bit bluesy, and a bit weird. It also dabbles in dark electro-rock and features Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Karen O on opener “Pinky’s Dream.” Lynch, who has collaborated on the music to much of his film work, produced and wrote the album. He also performs on it, singing and playing guitar—though his vocals are often dressed up in effects as he inhabits a variety of characters. Double vinyl LP pressing.
Styx – Pieces of Eight (Friday Music)
180-gram limited edition vinyl reissue of the Chicago quintet’s classic 1978 album. Featuring the hits “Renegade,” “Blue Collar Man,” and “Sing for the Day,” Pieces of Eight finds the band taking its prog-rock roots to the arena and cementing its status as rock superstars.
Lost Highway 10th Anniversary Box Set (Lost Highway)
20 of the label’s finest albums—including the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, Johnny Cash’s American VI: Ain’t No Grave, Willie Nelson’s Countryman, Hank Williams’ 20 Greatest Hits, and Lucinda Williams’ West and Blessed—all pressed on clear vinyl. Get ’em while they’re still available!
My Morning Jacket – Circuital Deluxe Box Set (ATO)
The acclaimed 2011 album from My Morning Jacket is now available in this super deluxe box set, which features a hardcover book of lyrics and photos from the recording session, two green 180-gram LPs, a 30-minute DVD documentary, and an archival-quality lithograph of a Danny Clinch photo of the band.
The Black Keys – Chulahoma (Fat Possum)
Limited-edition picture disc reissue of the Black Keys’ 2006 EP featuring six songs by Junior Kimbrough, the late Mississippi bluesman who greatly influenced the duo’s Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney.
The Head Cat – Fool’s Paradise (Cleopatra)
Limited-edition vinyl reissue of the 2006 album that brought together Lemmy of Motörhead, Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats, and guitarist extraordinaire Danny B. Harvey for a collection of covers from the likes of Buddy Holly (“Tell Me How,” “Not Fade Away”), Carl Perkins (“Matchbox”), and Johnny Cash (“Big River”).
Deftones – White Pony (Maverick)
The Deftones’ pivotal 2000 album, White Pony, is back on vinyl and available as a double vinyl LP.
The Marshall Tucker Band – Greatest Hits (Shout Factory)
In celebration of their 40-year anniversary, the Southern rock band gives its fans the gift of its greatest hits on 180-gram vinyl. The double LP features 14 of the band’s most notable songs like “Can’t You See,” “Heard It in a Love Song,” and “Fire on the Mountain,” plus three previously unreleased live tracks.
Ziggy Marley – Wild and Free (Tuff Gong Worldwide)
2011 project from reggae torchbearer Ziggy Marley, featuring co-production from Don Was and guest appearances by Heavy D, Woody Harrelson, and Ziggy’s son Daniel.
The Weakerthans – Fallow, Left and Leaving (Epitaph)
Reissues of the Canadian indie-rock band’s Fallow (1997) and Left And Leaving (2000).
J. Mascis – “Circle” 7-inch (Sub Pop)
A 7-inch single from Dinosaur Jr. frontman J. Mascis featuring his cover of Edie Brickell’s “Circle” (which has recently become a live favorite amongst his fans) paired with “I’ve Been Thinking” from the Several Shades of Why sessions, previously unreleased in the U.S.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: November 16, 2011
Whether you like acoustic steel-string guitar (John Fahey), heavy metal guitar (Mastodon), or an orchestra in place of guitar (Peter Gabriel), there is something for you this week. And in vinyl news, there is a new reissue label called Real Gone Music that is launching this month with 180-gram reissues from Question Mark and the Mysterians, and Impex Records is the exciting new audiophile label from the Cisco Music team. Anyway, on to the new releases:
Peter Gabriel – New Blood (Real World)
The new album from music great Peter Gabriel is now available as a double 180-gram LP plus bonus 7-inch! After setting other people’s songs to orchestral arrangements on his 2010 LP, Scratch My Back, Peter Gabriel now re-imagines his own music in an orchestral setting. He ditches the rock instrumentation —and leaves off some of his mega-hits like “Sledgehammer,” “Shock the Monkey,” and “Games Without Frontiers”—and reconstructs carefully selected songs including “Don’t Give Up,” “Digging in the Dirt,” “San Jacinto,” “The Rhythm of the Heat,” and “In Your Eyes” with just his voice and a 46-piece orchestra. The 7-inch features his classic “Solsbury Hill” and “A Quiet Moment.”
John Fahey – The Transcendental Waterfall: Guitar Excursions 1963-1967 (4 Men with Beards)
6xLP box set gathering some of the most influential guitar solo recordings from one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Included are the noted fingerstyle guitarist’s albums Blind Joe Death (1959), Death Chants, Breakdowns and Military Waltzes (1963), The Dance of Death and Other Plantation Favorites (1964), The Great San Bernardino Birthday Party (1966), The Transfiguration of Blind Joe Death (1965), and Days Have Gone By (1967), all reissued on 180-gram vinyl.
Mastodon – The Hunter (Reprise)
The new album from Atlanta’s sludge-metal monsters is now available as a deluxe double 180-gram LP. Produced by Mike Elizondo, The Hunter has earned rave reviews as the year’s best metal album. Also available on 140-gram vinyl.
Sigur Ros – Inni (XL Recordings)
Anyone who has ever seen this Icelandic group live understands the otherworldly brilliance they can harness in concert. For their first live release, Sigur Ros pairs a triple 150-gram LP and 75-minute concert DVD capturing their last show before their 2008 hiatus, at the close of their world tour at London’s Alexandra Palace. The live album is comprised of the full set played in order with just one omission. A previously unreleased song called “Lúppulagid” is also included as the final non-live track on the album.
Various Artists – This Warm December: A Brushfire Holiday Vol. 2 (Republic)
The second Christmas collection from Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records label is sure to bring plenty of warmth to the holiday season. The album features originals by Johnson, G. Love, Matt Costa, ALO, Money Mark, Zach Gill, Paula Fuga, and Neil Halstead, as well as classic Christmas songs like “Frosty the Snowman” performed by Zee Avi, “Jingle Bell Rock” performed by Rogue Wave, and a cover of the Band’s “Christmas Must Be Tonight” by Bahamas.
The Scorpions – Comeblack (Sony Import)
Limited double vinyl LP pressing of the new album from the German hard-rock vets. The cleverly titled Comeblack features re-recordings of Scorpions classics as well as covers of some of their favorite songs by the Beatles, the Stones, T. Rex, the Kinks, and others.
The Dream Academy – Remembrance Days (Reprise)
Vinyl reissue of the English pop-rock trio’s sophomore album, originally released in 1987. Features the tracks “Indian Summer,” “Power to Believe,” and a cover of “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime” featuring Lindsey Buckingham.
Low – I Could Live in Hope (Plain)
Double 180-gram vinyl reissue of the slowcore band’s magnificent 1994 debut album.
Question Mark & the Mysterians – 96 Tears, Action (Real Gone Music)
Kicking off the newly formed vinyl reissue label Real Gone Music are two reissues from the legendary Michigan garage-rock band Question Mark & the Mysterians. Both the band’s 1966 debut, featuring its biggest hit “96 Tears,” and its 1967 follow-up album, featuring the single “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby,” are now available on 180-gram 45rpm vinyl.
Alkaline Trio – From Here to Infirmary (Cobraside)
Re-mastered 10-year anniversary reissue of the punk band’s third full-length album. Features the songs “Private Eye” and “Stupid Kid.”
Jennifer Warnes – The Well (Impex Records)
From Jennifer Warnes—the voice behind “Up Where We Belong” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”—is a 180-gram vinyl reissue of her 2001 album, The Well. Re-mastered at 45rpm by the new audiophile label Impex Records.
The Impressions – This Is My Country (Hi Horse Records)
Reissue of the Chicago soul group’s 1968 album, featuring a mix of Curtis Mayfield’s socially conscious songs like the title track and “They Don’t Know” as well as his love songs.
The Gerry Mulligan Quartet – What Is There to Say? (Original Recordings)
180-gram vinyl pressing of this classic 1959 jazz album by baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan and his famed pianoless quartet. The last album he would record with the quartet, it captures Mulligan in his prime with songs like the title track, “My Funny Valentine,” “Utter Chaos,” “Just in Time,” and “Festive Minor.”
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Top 5 Turntables For Less Than $150
Turntables have always varied wildly in price–from basic, cheap models, all the way to ridiculously expensive handmade audiophile models. Fortunately, the ‘cheap’ models are much better today than they were 30 or 40 years ago, allowing new and old music fans alike a chance to enjoy vinyl records without spending a lot of money. Here is our list of the best turntables available for less than $150.
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