Our Review
Classic Rockin' Christmas is just what you probably expect--a rock 'n roll blast of holidays past! The 12 cuts, largely familiar tunes, range from the 1960s (Bobby Helms' previously unreleased 1968 version of "Jingle Bell Rock") to 2001 (Michael McDonald's "White Christmas/Winter Wonderland"). Every song truly rocks, except for Christine McVie's mild-mannered and lovely "Coventry Carol."
Pinning down my favorite track is no hardship on this disc. I have long been a fan of Jethro Tull, and the group's memorable "Christmas Song" steals this particular show (The Jethro Tull Christmas Album is also reviewed on this site).
Michael McDonald's tasty "White Christmas/Winter Wonderland" is another joy, opening in the gentlest fashion before ripping your socks off. And the Ventures' "Sleigh Ride" certainly provides a nostalgic trip for aging rockers.
Hankering to relive your rock 'n roll past? Then strap yourself in for some time travel down familiar rockin' roads for the holidays.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)
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From the liner notes:
Compilation produced by Bill Crowley
Executive Producer: Bob Frank
Includes: previously unreleased 1968 rockin' version of Bobby Helms' "Jingle Bell Rock"!
Various Artists
Classic Rockin' Christmas
Artist site
Label: Koch Records
Length: 37 minutes
Genre: Rock
Release: 2004
Track List
| Song Title | Artist |
|---|---|
| Father Christmas | The Kinks |
| Rock And Roll Christmas | George Thorogood & The Destroyers |
| 2000 Miles | The Pretenders |
| Christmas Song | Jethro Tull |
| Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer | The Smithereens |
| White Christmas/Winter Wonderland | Michael McDonald |
| Please Come Home For Christmas | Pat Benatar |
| Sleigh Ride | The Ventures |
| Coventry Carol | Christine McVie |
| Run Rudolph Run | Dave Edmunds |
| Jingle Bell Rock (Hot Rockin' Version | Bobby Helms |
| Christmas Is The Time To Say "I Love You" | Billy Squier |