A Motown Christmas - Various Artists ***

'A Motown Christmas' was first released in 1973 as a double LP.  It is altogether a mixed bag of goodies. The album features the Funk Brothers at their best but also schmaltz that could have been presented by Lawrence Welk. Sometimes a fresh, new arrangement can't save a weak song. Also a good performance can be ruined by an overdone arrangement.

I will say up front that I love Michael Jackson/Jackson 5 which is reflected in this review.

Note: Newer releases add I Want to Come Home For Christmas as a bonus track.

Anyway, on with the show...



FAVORITE SONGS:

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - The Jackson 5
What Christmas Means To Me - Stevie Wonder
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Temptations
Someday At Christmas - Stevie Wonder
Jingle Bells - The Miracles


SONGS ALSO RECOMMENDED:

My Favorite Things - The Supremes
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - The Jackson 5
The Christmas Song - The Jackson 5
Give Love On Christmas Day - The Jackson 5
It's Christmas Time - The Miracles
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas/We Wish You A Merry Christmas - The Jackson 5
I Want To Come Home For Christmas - Marvin Gaye


LEAST FAVORITE SONGS:

Ave Maria - Stevie Wonder
Deck The Halls/Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella - The Miracles
Silent Night - The Temptations
Little Christmas Tree - Michael Jackson
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - The Miracles
Joy To The World - The Supremes
Little Drummer Boy - The Temptations
Silver Bells - The Supremes
Frosty The Snowman - The Jackson 5
My Christmas Tree - The Temptations
White Christmas - The Supremes
One Little Christmas Tree - Stevie Wonder
Children's Christmas Song - The Supremes


***

The Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas OST ****

Wow. Talk about the soundtrack to a big part of my childhood.

Jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi's music accompanied the early Peanuts TV specials from 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' (1965) onward, as featured here. The album mixes originals and peppy, original arrangements of traditional Christmas carols.

When people hear 'Linus and Lucy' they think of the Peanuts characters. On a related note, my nieces absolutely love that song! They call it "The Charlie Brown Song". And as a keyboardist, I can't put this album down.


Favorite Song: Linus and Lucy

Least Favorite Song: Hark! The Herald, Angels Sing

Songs Also Recommended: Christmas Is Coming , Skating, Christmas Time Is Here

****

The Sylvers - Sylvers I ****

Prior to having hits like 'Boogie Fever' and 'Hot Line', the Sylvers released their first 3 albums on Pride/MGM Records. In the early 1970s not every family musical act could claim to have the same musicians live as on record. The Sylvers were also able to write strong, original material. Especially Leon.

Their self-titled first album consists of love songs and social commentary with soul and funk. It was produced by Jerry "The Iceman" Butler and Keg Johnson. Alas like their other records on Pride, it's out of print.


Favorite Song: I'm Truly Happy

Least Favorite Song: Chaos

Songs Also Recommended: Wish That I Could Talk to You, Fool's Paradise, How Love Hurts, I'll Never Be Ashamed

****

Weird Al Yankovic - Mandatory Fun ***

Weird Al's latest #1 Billboard 200 album parodies songs I frequently hear emanating from stores' intercoms while shopping and introduces more catchy originals.

I also like how he decided to let the fans vote on which songs should become hits instead of just having the record company release the singles they think have hit potential.


Favorite Song: Word Crimes
Least Favorite Song: Mission Statement
Songs Also Recommended: Foil, Tacky, Handy, Sports Song

***

Mint Condition - Believe In Us **** 1/2

Mint Condition have proven themselves to still be one of the tightest R&B bands both in the studio and live. 'Believe In Us' is a song with a religious message that even the non-religious will love. I first heard it on 89.3 KJMC in Des Moines, IA.

Hear for yourself.

Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams - Get Lucky ****

Though not normally one who listens to bands who do electronic dance music, I'm a sucker for songs with a funky beat, even disco on occasion. This song, written and produced by Nile Rodgers, recalls his days with Chic. And I'm sure it would have charted just as well in 1979 as it has here in 2013.

****

Rick James - Deeper Still ***

This is Rick James' final album, released posthumously in 2007. It is a mix of funk, jazz, quiet storm and even folk. Given that Rick is best known for his funk songs, some of the tracks are disappointing but other tracks are gems and you have to wonder why the album didn't get more promotion.

Many of the lyrics show Rick looking back on his life and enjoying the present. One lyric, in the song 'Stroke' is set in future tense, "I will be back again... and just as bad." The good kind of bad, that is. Hopefully in 100 years, his name will be associated with more than the Dave Chappelle quote, "I'm Rick James, bitch."

Favorite Song: Funk Wit Me
Least Favorite Song: Guinnevere
Songs Also Recommended: Taste, Stroke, Deeper Still, Stop It