That’s Brown. James Brown. I think I may just have found a rival to Phil Spector’s Christmas Gift For You in the Best Christmas album In The World….Ever! stakes. James Brown’s Funky Christmas does exactly what it says on the tin and a whole lot more. Whether it’s a-whoopin’ and a-hollerin’ call-and-response gospel frenzy, or down-on-its-knees testifyin’ doo-wop soul, or the sort of on-the-one dance music that led to JB being re-christened Mr Dynamite, James Brown’s Funky Christmas is one hell of a soulful shout-out to Santa Claus; a right proper lookin’ to the skies for forgiveness frenzy of festive funk.
It’s real soul, man, not the sort of artifice with a catchy chorus and a couple of sleigh bells that normally gets chucked about this time of year. Despite titles such as Let’s Unite The Whole World At Christmas and Santa Claus, Santa Claus, I could quite happily listen to this album round the barbeque in July. I couldn’t say the same for Mariah Carey’s (albeit terrific – aye!) Christmas effort.
Get on the good foot and get down(loadin’)
Then go and buy the whole album. You won’t regret it.
Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto
Let’s Make Christmas Mean Something This Year
*Token Christmas post. Normal service resumed next week with Plain Or Pan’s annual end-of-year compilation and other such delights. Hope Santa’s good to y’all.
Plain Or Pan 