Xmas Gonzo Style

Amazon.com
Jerry Jeff Walker's got the right idea about Christmas music. As he writes in his fun and memorable liner notes, "When we finally decided it was time to do a Christmas album, we had two thoughts in mind: it should be fun, and it should have sleigh bells!" Walker's always had the corner on a peculiar brand of country-rock pathos that cuts right to listeners' pleasure centers. Maybe it's his no-Nashville-nonsense attitude or his Everyman voice (thin and fragile enough in its satisfying imperfection, but effective enough to make you want to sing along). Whatever the reason, Walker delivers a fairly pleasant down-home mixture of songs arranged with old-fashioned country trappings and few gaudy embellishments. What's more, when was the last time you heard the "Twelve Days of Christmas" retooled to reflect a cowboy's wish list (two pairs of boots, dancin' ladies, prancin' horses, buckin' bulls, cowboy shirts, and five cans of beans)? Almost makes a guy want to move to Texas. --Martin Keller

Tracks:

I'll Be Home For Christmas
I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting...)
Medley: Here Comes Santa Claus / Up On The Housetop
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Jingle Bells
Walking In A Winter Wonderland
Frosty The Snowman
Jingle Bell Rock
The Twelve Days Of Christmas
We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Amazon.com

Jerry Jeff Walker's got the right idea about Christmas music. As he writes in his fun and memorable liner notes, "When we finally decided it was time to do a Christmas album, we had two thoughts in mind: it should be fun, and it should have sleigh bells!" Walker's always had the corner on a peculiar brand of country-rock pathos that cuts right to listeners' pleasure centers. Maybe it's his no-Nashville-nonsense attitude or his Everyman voice (thin and fragile enough in its satisfying imperfection, but effective enough to make you want to sing along). Whatever the reason, Walker delivers a fairly pleasant down-home mixture of songs arranged with old-fashioned country trappings and few gaudy embellishments. What's more, when was the last time you heard the "Twelve Days of Christmas" retooled to reflect a cowboy's wish list (two pairs of boots, dancin' ladies, prancin' horses, buckin' bulls, cowboy shirts, and five cans of beans)? Almost makes a guy want to move to Texas. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Now, This is Fun.......2001-07-25

This CD is a must for JJW fans, but virtually anyone will enjoy it. In his trademark laid-back style, Jerry Jeff presents many of the old standards, but somehow manages to make each one refreshing. A few of the lyrics have been "tweaked", making them a little more Western, a litle more bawdy and a lot more fun. But even the songs delivered straight sound fresh. All in all, listening to this project feels like being invited into JJW's living room on a holiday evening to be entertained by him and some very talented (and fun) friends.

Music Album:

Music Album