THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION : Each of the ex Beatles have a Christmas hits in their canon but Ringo took things a bit further. He recorded a whole album of Christmas songs. He should have done this earlier when John was still alive. It would be swell if each of The Beatles could contribute a Christmas songs for this album. This album was originally titled "I Wanna Be Santa Claus," but for whatever reasons known and unknown it was changed to this. This is also one of Ringo's album that I can enjoyed tremendously. Mixed with new songs and old chestnuts, this is one Christmas album with a different. I stumbled upon this Cd by accident for I never expected it to be on sale here.

Come On, Christmas, Come On ( Starkey / Hudson / Grakal ) : A typical Ringo's drum driven song that's mindless but fun. The loud drumming ensures that you pay attention.

Winter Wonderland ( Smith / Bernard ) : This is definitely the best track from this Cd. A rock version of this Christmas and Ringo sings it just right. If a single should be culled from this Cd, this should be the one.

I Wanna Be Santa Claus ( Starkey / Hudson / Monda ) : An delightful new Christmas song to add to your collection. A fun and enjoyable song that leaps out at you.

The Little Drummer Boy ( Onorati / Davis ): This classic was given the Ringo Starr treatment given the extract punch on the drumming.

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer ( Marks ) : Nobody could possibly go wrong with this popular classic and Ringo didn't either. Sung in his famous laid back vocal, this was Ringo at his natural best.

Christmas Eve ( Starkey / Hudson ) : The pace slowed down somewhat on this original ballad. Still, it is much better than those ballads that he attempted on his early albums which he shouldn't have done in the first place. At least here he didn't make me cringe.

The Christmas Dance ( Starkey / Hudson / Cox / Dudas ): The pace picks up again on this fast paced original which is really quite danceable. A good track nevertheless.

Christmas Time Is Here Again ( Lennon / McCartney / Harrison / Starr ) : This was first recorded by Ringo's former group which was actually just a mindless repeating of the song title till you wanna scream. Ringo's version here actually improves on the original probably due to the bigger instrumentation.

Blue Christmas ( Johnson / Hayes ) : Another fine cover on this oldies which sees Ringo singing with ease and much confidence. There's a country feel on this track with the pedalling steel guitar.

 Dear Santa ( Starkey / Hudson / Dudas ) : This slower number reminds me of those 50's type of big ballads. Probably the best original slow number here.. I especially love the on going guitar plucking in the background.

White Christmas ( Berlin ) : A calypso but slightly reggae treatment of this old chestnut works to its best interest and made this another nice treat for the ears.

Pax Um Biscum [ Peace Be With You ] ( Starkey / Hudson / Gordon ) : This is the weakest track here with Indian music backing that would make George Harrison proud. He could well have substituted the word 'Merry Christmas' with 'Deepavati' and no one would be any wiser.

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DOP : 31st October 2010