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Evidently a compilation recorded over several years and using several configurations of artists Danny B. Harvey, Slim Jim Phantom, and Gary Twinn, The Swing Cats Presents A Rock-A-Billy Christmas is a treat from cover to cover. I usually reserve words like "musicality" for my classical picks, but there's no denying this description applies. Enhanced by the superior production values, the guitar licks are as crisp and clear as anything you'll hear.

Since Slim Jim Phantom was a Stray Cat, it is impossible to avoid comparison: the Swing Cats are just a whole 'nother litter of cats. Where the Stray Cats had that tempestuous, raw '80s new wave sound, the Swing Cats are a more mature, sweeter sounding rockabilly. The tempo is less frantic, so every note is played, every harmony savored, every vocal crooned. These fellows are completely settled artistically and unafraid of a little sweetness.

I appreciated Hepcat Holiday, Harvey and Twinn's reworking of The Night Before Christmas, performed as a talking rockabilly blues number. Harvey's guitar stands out on just about every track: his intro on Christmas Tree Boogie reminded me for a moment of the Lost Planet Airmen, and his licks on The Honeydippers Silent Night was, in fact, sweeter than honey. The Swing Cats' White Christmas was sweet, too.

In all, there are 14 songs on this CD, each one worth the price of the record. Sweet.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2002)

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From the liner notes:

On The Swing Cats Presents A Rock-A-Billy Christmas, the Swing Cats are Danny B. Harvey, Slim Jim Phantom (of Stray Cats fame), and Gary Twinn. A few tracks list a band named the Honeydippers, now defunct, composed of Harvey and Twinn.

Harvey has enjoyed long-term success as a rockabilly artist, recording and touring with many top acts, including Australian rocker Brigitte Handley. He has also written several film scores, including Roger Corman's Last Exit to Earth and The Rage Carrie 2.

Swing Cats

A Rock-A-Billy Christmas

Artist link

Track List