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Top-Selling Vinyl Releases of 2011
RollingStone.com recently published an interesting piece about the top 10 best-selling albums of 2011, according to sales data from Nielsen SoundScan. While the Beatles' Abbey Road takes the #1 slot for the third year in a row, the rest of the list predominantly features 2011 releases from indie artists - the new wave of vinyl bands. And there is no doubt that their music sounds stunning in this format.
1.
The Beatles - Abbey Road (41,000)
2. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (29,700)
3. Bon Iver - Bon Iver (27,200)
4. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More (26,800)
5. Radiohead - The King of Limbs (20,800)
6. Adele - 21 (16,500)
7. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago (16,200)
8. Wilco - The Whole Love (14,900)
9. The Black Keys - Brothers (14,200)
10. The Black Keys - El Camino (13,800)
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Top 10 Posthumous Albums
The recent release of the late Amy Winehouse’s Lioness: Hidden Treasures got me thinking about posthumous albums. How, when done out of love and respect, they can be a true artist tribute and a treasure to any fan; and how they can just as easily be a shameless attempt on the part of the record label to cash in on the departed. These albums that follow stand out for being essential entries in the artists’ discographies (as well as in every vinyl collection). In loving memory of the musicians we lost in 2011.
#10) Sublime – Sublime (1996)
This album often gets overlooked on posthumous best-of lists. Sublime’s third, it was to be the Long Beach band's major label debut and was completed just before lead singer/guitarist Bradley Nowell died of an overdose. It indeed proved to be Sublime's mainstream breakthrough, going multi-platinum and dominating alternative rock radio with songs like “Wrong Way,” “Santeria,” and “What I Got.” A classic reggae-punk album.
#9) Tupac – The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (1996)
There are a few names that immediately come to mind when talking about posthumous albums, and Tupac Shakur's is one of them. His posthumous discography is epic and easily outnumbers the work he produced during his lifetime. Shakur's first posthumous release, The Don Killuminati takes the cake. It was recorded just before his fatal shooting in Las Vegas and released under the name Makaveli two months after his death. Introducing a darker, angrier side and a new sound that has come to define the rapper in the years since his passing, The Don Killuminati is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.
#8) Gram Parsons – Grievous Angel (1974)
This former Byrd and Flying Burrito Brother overdosed a week after completing his second solo album, Grievous Angel. (He was 26 - just shy of joining the 27 Club.) Grievous Angel features Emmylou Harris as well as guests Bernie Leadon and Linda Ronstadt. What’s interesting about this release is that it was already “posthumous compilation-like” even prior to Parson’s death. Featuring only two (at the time) new songs, it gathered songs that were rejected from previous albums along with country standards and material Parsons had recorded with the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and when he was a Harvard-based folksinger in the mid '60s. The result is an alt-country masterpiece that brilliantly fuses country with psychedelic rock, pop, and R&B – what Parsons called “Cosmic American Music.”
#7) Roy Orbison – Mystery Girl (1989)
This album is amazing for a number of reasons. After the great success of his debut album with the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys (featuring Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and Jeff Lynne), Mystery Girl is Roy Orbison's first solo album in a decade and a major career comeback. Unfortunately he died from a heart attack before it was released and never got to enjoy its success. Collaborators U2 and Tom Petty did a spectacular job finishing it up, and as Orbison’s voice is still in great form, this album can hold up to any of his early-‘60s output. Just look at opener “You Got It” – it’s an Orbison classic!
#6) Johnny Cash – American V: A Hundred Highways (2006)
Johnny Cash’s American series - a series of Rick Rubin-produced albums that began in 1994 and is responsible for one of the biggest music comebacks in history - is pretty phenomenal as a whole. And this, its fifth installment is no exception. Released three years after Cash’s death, it became his first No. 1 album since 1969’s Johnny Cash at San Quentin. It’s obvious that Rubin handled the final arrangements, made after Cash’s death, with great respect for the Man in Black. He stuck to the aesthetic of the series, featuring minimal accompaniment with Cash’s baritone front and center, singing a mix of covers, originals, and re-recordings. June Carter Cash passed away during the recording sessions for this album and a sense of mortality pervades, made all the more powerful by Cash’s aging voice. Though an American VI would be issued in 2010, this remains the stronger collection.
#5) Jimi Hendrix – Live at the Fillmore East (1999)
An elite member of the 27 Club, Jimi Hendrix has one of the most massive posthumous discographies of all time. And while there are numerous releases that mine every inch of his vaults for buried treasure, this live recording of his performances at the iconic venue with the Band of Gypsies on December 31, 1969 and January 1, 1970 stands out from the rest. It captures Hendrix at his peak, just nine months before his death, and while it’s not the Experience backing him up, the sound is phenomenal. His renditions of “Machine Gun” and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” alone are nothing short of revelatory.
#4) Otis Redding – The Dock of the Bay (1968)
Like Janis Joplin, Otis Redding had his biggest hit after death. In fact, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay" is the first posthumous No. 1 single in history, recorded just days before Redding’s fatal plane crash outside of Madison, Wisconsin. Released in 1968, Redding’s sixth studio album is a collection of B-sides and singles dating back to July of 1965, including two previously unissued tracks from 1966 and 1967. While not the most cohesive, the album truly showcases the soul singer’s versatility and extraordinary talent.
#3) Joy Division – Closer (1980)
Joy Division had only released one album when its frontman and primary songwriter Ian Curtis committed suicide in May of 1980. Fortunately, the band had another album finished. The fact that Closer was completed in Curtis’ lifetime surely contributes to its stellar quality; it was, in reality, the band’s second album. However, there is no doubt that Curtis’ death amplified its impact. Embodying darkness and despair in its music, lyrics, and cover art, Closer is as haunting as it is flawless. It reflects the band’s own progression into lusher sonic realms, featuring more synthesizers (which the surviving members would wholeheartedly embrace with their next project, New Order). Making many best of-lists, Closer is just as vital to the post-punk movement as it is to the band’s legacy.
#2) Janis Joplin – Pearl (1971)
Janis Joplin died of a heroin overdose during the recording sessions for Pearl, her fourth album, leaving one song without vocals. In her absence, producer Paul Rothchild put the finishing touches on what is now her most well-known album. Not only does Pearl stand out as the shining star in her catalog, it’s the album most people associate with Joplin. It features the a cappella “Mercedes Benz,” her powerful reading of “Cry Baby,” and her only No. 1 hit, a cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee.” Released four months after Joplin’s death, the album topped the charts and has since gone multi-platinum. Polished but still oozing with her raw passion and heartache, Pearl is a wonderful representation of Joplin and a magnificent album all around.
#1) Nirvana – MTV Unplugged in New York (1994)
MTV Unplugged in New York aired in December of 1993; Kurt Cobain committed suicide in April of 1994. The first Nirvana album released after his death, MTV Unplugged in New York is one of the most beloved and vital entries in the band’s catalog. In addition to featuring songs that don’t appear elsewhere, this live acoustic performance captures a naked intimacy and honesty that is extremely powerful, if not chilling. Here is this grunge band showing a softer, vulnerable side and playing a setlist of songs that no one expected - including Bowie, Lead Belly, Meat Puppets, and Vaselines covers. Between these, the stage banter, and the acoustic version of “About a Girl,” this album is absolutely priceless. Here’s my two cents: if you want to really get to know Nirvana, start here. One of the greatest albums of all time, it showcases this influential band's emotional and musical depth like no other.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: December 28, 2011
The last reissues of 2011 are the perfect antidote to your sugar coma. Between the 180-gram imports from Real Gone Jazz (who took three classic albums from some of the most legendary jazz artists and packaged them together on virgin white vinyl) and Wax Time, all signs point to NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO EXPAND YOUR JAZZ VINYL COLLECTION!
John Coltrane – John Coltrane (Real Gone Jazz)
From Coltrane's early years come these reissues of his 1957 solo debut, Coltrane, its follow-up, Blue Train, and 1958’s Soultrane.
Nina Simone – Nina Simone (Real Gone Jazz)
Nina Simone’s 1958 debut album, Jazz As Played at an Exclusive Side Street Club (also released as Little Girl Blue), is paired with The Amazing Nina Simone (1959) and Nina Simone at Town Hall (1959) to make for one incredible collection.
Ray Charles – Ray Charles (Real Gone Jazz)
Re-mastered triple LP set featuring the 1959 albums What’d I Say and The Genius of Ray Charles along with 1960’s The Genius Hits the Road.
Chet Baker - Chet Baker (Real Gone Jazz)
1958’s It Could Happen to You plus 1959’s Chet and Chet Baker in Milan.
Ahmad Jamal – Ahmad Jamal (Real Gone Jazz)
From the great jazz pianist: 1956’s Count ‘Em 88, 1958’s But Not for Me, and 1959’s Jamal at the Penthouse.
Billie Holiday – Songs for Distingué Lovers (Wax Time Import)
Limited 180-gram vinyl reissue of this 1957 recording from the great jazz singer, featuring her expressive readings of standards from the Great American Songbook. The album finds Holiday backed by an all-star band and features solos by trumpeter Harry Edison, saxophonist Ben Webster, and guitarist Barney Kessel.
Sun Ra and his Arkestra – Jazz in Silhouette (Wax Time Import)
Limited 180-gram vinyl reissue of this 1959 masterpiece from Sun Ra’s pre-avant-garde, Chicago period.
Duke Ellington – Such Sweet Thunder (Wax Time Import)
Limited 180-gram vinyl pressing of this 1957 album - a 12-part suite based on the works of William Shakespeare - from the great jazz composer and big band leader.
Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald - Ella and Louie Again (Wax Time Import)
Limited 180-gram vinyl pressing of this classic 1957 collaboration between two of the most recognizable jazz vocalists, the sequel to their 1956 duets album.
Phil Spector – A Christmas Gift for You from Philles Records (Music on Vinyl Import)
The greatest rock ‘n’ roll Christmas album of all time is now available on 180-gram vinyl. Featuring Spector’s signature Wall of Sound production technique together with the incredible vocal performances of Darlene Love, the Crystals, the Ronettes, and Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans. Originally released in 1963.
David Bowie – Heathen (Music on Vinyl Import)
The best of his late-career releases, 2002’s Heathen is reissued here on 180-gram audiophile vinyl. Co-produced by Tony Visconti, it feels like classic Bowie – and features guest guitar spots from Pete Townshend and Dave Grohl, as well as a Pixies cover and a Neil Young cover.
Yes – In the Present: Live from Lyon (Frontiers Records Import)
2011 triple live album from the prog-rock vets, recorded in Lyon, France on December 1, 2009. Features new lead singer Benoit David backed by the group’s founding fathers.
Johnny Winter – Second Winter (Friday Music)
180-gram audiophile reissue of the self-produced 1969 album from the legendary Texas blues rocker. Re-mastered from the original tapes, it is presented here in its original three-sided format. One of Winter’s finest albums, Second Winter features his career-defining songs “Highway 61 Revisited” and “Johnny B. Goode.”
James Carr – In Muscle Shoals 7-inch (Kent Records UK)
For this EP, the Memphis soul man ventured down to Muscle Shoals, Alabama and cut these four tracks at FAME and Quinvy Studios between 1968 and 1969. This limited-edition 7-inch import features longer, new stereo mixes of both tracks on Side One and mono versions of both tracks on Side Two. The ‘60s-styled sleeve features a very rare photo of Carr.
Pete Shelley – Sky Yen (Drag City)
Vinyl reissue of the experimental electronic solo debut from the Buzzcocks frontman, recorded in 1974 and originally released in 1979.
Van Dyke Parks – "Amazing Graces"/"Hold Back Time" (Bananastan LLC)
The latest from the acclaimed songwriter’s 7-inch single series. Album art features life-size sculptures of Van Dyke Parks by Charles Ray.
Marianne Faithfull – Dangerous Acquaintances (Music on Vinyl Import)
180-gram reissue of Faithfull’s 1981 album featuring “For Beauty’s Sake,” a song she co-wrote with Steve Winwood.
Beth Gibbons and Rustin Man – Out of Season (Music on Vinyl Import)
The 2002 solo debut from Portishead singer Beth Gibbons featuring former Talk Talk bassist Paul Webb, aka Rustin Man, reissued on 180-gram audiophile vinyl.
Jill Scott – Who Is Jill Scott: Words and Sounds Vol. 1 (Music on Vinyl Import)
180-gram vinyl pressing of the 2000 debut album from the soul singer and spoken-word poet.
2012 sneak-peak:
The Monkees – Greatest Hits (Friday Music)
Classic ‘60s hits like "Daydream Believer," "Last Train to Clarksville," "I'm a Believer," "Pleasant Valley Sunday," "Valleri,” and “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” can all be enjoyed in full audiophile splendor NEXT WEEK thanks to this 180-gram reissue from Friday Music, impeccably mastered from the original 1969 Colgems Records tapes. Includes long-time unearthed vinyl mixes of the band's hit singles as well as album tracks like “She” and “Shades of Gray.”
And in case you missed last week’s awesome reissue from Friday Music:
America – History/America’s Greatest Hits (Friday Music)
This 1976 greatest hits compilation was produced by George Martin (the Beatles) and is loaded with the band’s classic-rock hits like “A Horse with No Name,” “Ventura Highway,” “Tin Man,” “Sister Golden Hair,” and “I Need You,” as well as stand-out album tracks. It is now available for the first time on 180-gram audiophile vinyl – classic Phil Hartman album artwork and all.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: December 14, 2011
Andy Warhol famously once said, “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” While many musicians certainly do enjoy only 15 minutes of fame, many of these artists below are the exception. In spite of their mega-stardom, they created music with staying power and sustained long, influential careers. Now they are immortalized on vinyl.
Various Artists – 15 Minutes: Homage to Andy Warhol (Sony Legacy)
Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, and over a dozen additional artists contribute an original recording and an original piece of art inspired by their relationship with Warhol. Includes four vinyl LPs, three CDs, and 16 12” x 12” silkscreen prints, as well as artist notes.
Pearl Jam – Pearl Jam Twenty Soundtrack (Columbia)
180-gram triple vinyl LP pressing of the soundtrack to Cameron Crowe’s acclaimed 2011 documentary, packaged in a double-gatefold sleeve. In addition to 29 rare and unreleased tracks hand-picked by Crowe, the package comes with a full-color book of never-before-seen photos, and each LP is housed in a full-color inner sleeve with stills from the film.
Amy Winehouse - Lioness: Hidden Treasures (Universal Republic)
Double vinyl pressing of this posthumous release from the British soul diva that collects previously unreleased tracks dating back to 2002. These include covers of the Shirelles’ classic “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” (which Winehouse recorded in 2004 with the Dap Kings), Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto’s “The Girl From Ipanema,” Ruby & the Romantics’ “Our Day Will Come,” and Leon Russell’s “A Song For You,” first made famous by Winehouse’s favorite artist, Donny Hathaway. Also included are post-Back to Black Winehouse compositions intended for what would have been her third album, as well as alternate versions of Winehouse’s popular songs like “Wake Up Alone,” “Tears Dry,” and her Zutons cover, “Valerie.”
Lou Reed and Metallica- Lulu (Warner Bros.)
Double 180-gram vinyl pressing of the 2011 collaboration between Lou Reed and Metallica. Drawing inspiration from German playwright Frank Wedekind’s controversial “Lulu Plays,” Earth Spirit (1895) and Pandora’s Box (1904), about a young, abused dancer and her series of relationships, the album pairs Reed’s spoken-word recitations with Metallica’s meaty, hard-rock grooves. Though Reed had originally sketched out the lyrics for a theatrical production, he was inspired to team up with Metallica after their performances together at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert in 2009.
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik reissue (Warner Bros.)
Double 180-gram reissue of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ landmark 1991 LP. A seminal alternative rock record, the album showcases the band’s signature blend of funk and punk and features RHCP staples “Under the Bridge,” “Give It Away,” “Suck My Kiss,” and “Breaking the Girl.” Produced by Rick Rubin.
Grateful Dead - Built to Last (Friday Music)
For the first time on 180-gram vinyl is this 1989 LP, the final studio album from the Dead.
Gary Numan - 1980-81 (Virtual/Vinyl 180)
5xLP box set from the New Wave icon and synth pioneer. Includes a re-mastered 180-gram double LP pressing of his chart-topping 1980 album, Telekon, featuring additional singles tracks, as well as a re-mastered 180-gram 3xLP pressing of Living Ornaments ’81, a live recording of his “farewell” concerts at Wembley Arena before his temporary break from performing.
Drake - Take Care (Cash Money)
Vinyl pressing of the 2011 R&B-influenced sophomore album from Canadian rapper Drake. Featuring Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and Andre 3000 among others, Take Care assumes a mostly melancholy mood with dark synths, murky beats, low-end grooves, and introspective lyrics.
Dia Frampton - Red (Universal Republic)
Runner-ups can get record deals too! And this runner-up from NBC's hit T.V. series The Voice did something the other finalists didn’t–she released her debut solo album on vinyl! Classic singer-songwriter tunes in the indie-pop/folk vein showcasing Frampton’s winning voice and honest storytelling.
Frankie Paul - Tomorrow (Jammys)
Vinyl pressing of this 1992 album from the reggae icon, aka “the Jamaican Stevie Wonder.”
Savoy Brown - Voodoo Moon (Ruf)
2011 album from the ‘60s British blues-rock band, written by its sole constant member, Kim Simmonds. 45 years into the band's career, Savoy Brown is still loving the blues and Simmonds’ guitar chops are strong as ever.
IMPORTS:
Bob Marley - Natty Dread (Music on Vinyl Import)
180-gram vinyl reissue of this quintessential reggae album, originally released in 1974. Marley’s most political record, Natty Dread portrays life in the ghetto of Jamaica’s Trenchtown and bursts with Rastafarian spirit. Features Marley’s most enduring classics "Lively Up Yourself," "No Woman No Cry," "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)," "Rebel Music (3 O’Clock Road Block)," and "Revolution."
Leonard Cohen - New Skin for the Old Ceremony (Music on Vinyl Import)
180-gram audiophile vinyl reissue of this 1974 album from the great poet and songwriter. Cohen’s fourth album, it sets his vivid lyrics to richer arrangements and features a duet with Janis Ian, “Who By Fire,” as well as a song about his relationship with Janis Joplin, “Chelsea Hotel #2.” One of Cohen’s best.
The Jam - The Gift (Music on Vinyl Import)
The final studio album from the U.K. New Wave band, originally released in 1982. Debuting at No. 1 on the British charts, The Gift embraces frontman, aka “The Modfather,” Paul Weller’s love for Northern Soul.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Countdown: Time in Outer Space (Music on Vinyl Import)
The jazz pianist’s most adventurous album returns to vinyl for the first time since its initial release in 1962. 180-gram audiophile pressing.
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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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