CHRISTMAS IN SOULSVILLE – VARIOUS ARTISTS (Vinyl LP)

Christmas In Soulsville – Various Artists on LP

You might not think of holiday music when you think of Stax Records, but the label released numerous singles of holiday and seasonal music by its biggest stars throughout its storied history, many of which are compiled on Christmas In Soulsville. Christmas sounds classic and different here in Soulsville.

Soft, floating falsetto lead vocals and companion harmonies help The Temprees make “The Christmas Song” sound merry and bright, and Booker T. & The MGs glide through a smooth groovin’ “Winter Wonderland.” Isaac Hayes polishes his piano and vocal in “The Mistletoe & Me” to a glossy pop finish, sweet and potent from strings and horns stirred like invigorating rum through his cup of holiday cheer.

Even among the twinkling holiday reds and greens, Soulsville is still home to plenty of blues. Hayes’ “Winter Snow” mourns the passing of a romantic relationship with a woman whose heart is as cold as its title. Albert King’s guitar buzzsaws into big city electric blues, while Mack Rice kicks up a southern country blues ruckus, in their respective takes on “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’.”

Other stops on this tour of Christmas In Soulsville come with intriguing backstories. For example, legend maintains thatRufus Thomas co-wrote his funky solo throwdown “I’ll Be Your Santa, Baby” – which sure sounds interested in unwrapping more than presents and stuffing more than stockings – with an exotic dancer. Soulsville sounds like one funky, swingin’ place to celebrate Christmas!

1.  Merry Christmas, Baby [take 1] – Otis Redding

2.  Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas – The Staple Singers

3.  Winter Wonderland [take 2] – Booker T & The MG’s

4.  The Mistletoe And Me (Album Version) – Isaac Hayes

5.  Black Christmas – The Emotions

6.  Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’ (Album Version) – Albert King

7.  White Christmas – Rance Allen Group

8.  I’ll Be Your Santa Baby – Rufus Thomas

9.  Please Come Home For Christmas – Little Johnny Taylor

10. What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas – The Emotions

11. Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’ (Album Version) – Mack Rice

12. Winter Snow (Album Version) – Isaac Hayes

13. It’s Christmas Time Again (The Christmas Song) – The Temprees

14. Christmas Comes But Once A Year – Albert King

15. That Makes Christmas Day – Rufus Thomas