 Various Artists The sequel to the original Christmas Cocktails is no lump of coal, but it is a decidedly weaker stocking stuffer than its predecessor. Where the other one sustained a more or less reverent type of irreverence (not as dated as some of the volumes in the Ultra Lounge series), the second one is considerably more "crazy" and not as satisfying overall. Still, many great moments are to be found, usually where the CD sticks to the "real" greats. It's funny, Capitol has a few Christmas collections that are virtually identical in terms of featured performers, but are marketed more as straightforward "Christmas classics" type of releases. Performers like Lena Horne and Peggy Lee don't need to be labeled "lounge" to be appreciated, in my opinion. But who cares, it's Christmas, I'll be magnanimous and stop complaining about the condescending way "cheesy" music gets marketed. I did formerly enjoy it, now I prefer my gin straight-up, so to speak. (?) High points of Part Two are Lou Rawls's cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Merry Christmas, Baby," Lena Horne's "Jingle All the Way," Nat King Cole's "All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth," and the beautifully idiotic "Christmas Island" by Bob Atcher & the Dinning Sisters. My favorite track is June Christy's marvellous "The Merriest," which swings and swungs merrily, leaving milk and cookies for my Santified ears every time I hears it. Other memorable moments are provided by the likes of the Ventures ("Frosty the Snowman" by way of "Tequila"), Martin Denny ("Greensleeves" by way of "Quiet Village"), and Stan Kenton's sorta weird spoken word single "What is a Santa Claus?" (closing the disc as a bonus track). This is a nice, somewhat predictable companion to the first Christmas Cocktails, sufferings a bit from "bachelor pad" marketing, but it makes fine background music for boffing that special janitor during the holiday office party, or simply humoring Granddad during Christmas dinner, while he prattles on endlessly about things that never happened to him. Damn Alzheimer's. Fortunately, thanks to all the egg nog, he won't be the only one with the foggy brain by the end of the night. He will, however, be the only one to defecate in the fireplace.
Review by NevilleBrother4039@aol.com |