Our Review
Rusty Bladen's Feels Like Christmas is a warm-spirited and rousing holiday album that is country-fried rock 'n roll. The overall mood is rollicking, Bladen's winning vocals are welcoming, and the instrumental support is top-notch.
This upbeat release features mostly modern holiday gems, but opens with Bladen's own Feels Like Christmas, a bright piece reminiscent of something that the Beach Boys and/or early Beatles might have recorded. Bladen's a fine songwriter, and his pleasing, country-tinged voice ties the whole package together. The artist's vibrant version of Christmas Time's A Comin' is a terrific thigh-slapper. The folksy approach to We Wish You a Merry Christmas, which includes some artful clappin' and stompin', is also charming.
Feels Like Christmas is a feel-good, fun, and family-friendly album for the holidays. Those who favor country music with a rockin' core will especially enjoy what Rusty Bladen has to offer.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)
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From the liner notes:
Rusty Bladen: lead vocal & harmonica
Dane Clark: drums, percussion, backing vocals
Vernay Reindollar III: bass guitar
Sandy Williams: lead, rhythm guitars, mandolin
Troye Kinnett: keyboards and accordion
John McDowell: backing vocals
Jackson & Lydia Bladen: lead vocals
Additional background vocals, hand claps and foot stomps by Rob Nichols, Beth Petrow, Mike Petrow, & Tina Durst.
Road Band: Vernay Reindollar III, Tim Halcomb, Mark Hamilton, Tony Burton, Kevin Burkett, Paul Surowiak, J.W. Smith, Woody Woodmansee.
This album has been a long time coming. Who doesn't love Christmas songs? I've put together some of my favorites along with one original tune. I think you'll enjoy them all. I hope this music will be a part of your Christmas this year and many years to come... Crank it loud for the neighbors!
Rusty Bladen
Feels Like Christmas
Artist link
Label: River Road Records
Length: 44 minutes
Genre: Rock
Release: 2006
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Feels Like Christmas |
| Walking in a Winter Wonderland |
| Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy |
| Away in a Manger |
| Christmas Time's A Comin' |
| Little Drummer Boy |
| Jingle Bells |
| Go Tell It on the Mountain |
| Frosty the Snowman |
| Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas |
| Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer |
| We Wish You a Merry Christmas |
| Rudolph (Kids' Version) |