The Supremes - Merry Christmas
It only takes a few
spins (yep, this review comes courtesy of a piece of vinyl spinning
on a 1970's piece of kit called a turntable) of the Supremes 1965
album 'Merry Christmas' to make you realise what a special release
it is (even the CD reissue has plenty of worth as it includes a
Florence Ballard fronted version of 'Silent Night'). Pity then that
Diana Ross and her band only recorded a single Christmas album
given the abundant riches that came as a result of this effort.
'Merry Christmas' was exquisitely tailored thanks to producer
Harvey Fuqua who also produced Sam Cooke.
The Supremes
Christmas album was released by Motown and much of its sound is
redolent of the Detroit label. As you'd expect there was 12 tracks
(you've got to question any Christmas record that strays from that
magical count!) and they mostly comprised of well known secular
standards like 'White Christmas', Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer'
and 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'. There were a couple of
curveballs too, like the cover of 'My Favorite Things' which had
originally appeared on the soundtrack to 'The Sound of Music'. 'My
Favorite Things' leaves you in no doubt that it is a product of the
sixties but in adding plenty of sleigh bells it is an altogether
perfect aid to downing a pint of eggnog. Elsewhere on the album
there are tunes that don't often get a look in on festive releases
like 'Little Bright Star' and 'Born of Mary'. Both are sumptuously
delivered and what might have been a risky move in other hands ends
up being a triumph when performed by the Supremes.
'Merry Christmas'
opens with a string and glockenspiel laden 'White Christmas'. It is
a pretty, albeit safe, start and it is only when the subsequent
track 'Silver Bells' arrives that you begin to feel you are in the
company of greatness. The production is pristine, orchestral
flourishes abound and the harmonies are heaven sent. 'Merry
Christmas' includes 2 originals called 'Children's Christmas Song'
and 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Me'. The latter is a perfect little
ditty that puts Ross's vocals in the spotlight (and my how she was
happy about that) but Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard do their
best to steal it back with their trademark delightful cooing.
'Children's Christmas Song' was released as a single and it is a
shame that it has somehow got lost along the way, for this is 3
minutes that is deserving of annual praise. 'My Christmas Tree'
(written by Jimmy Webb) is doused in melancholy with Ross playing
it as if her heart had been broken in two. This turn of events is
hardly surprising given that the lyrics are flush with genuinely
lonesome scenes.
The general tone of
'Merry Christmas' is quiet and reflective which is not something
you'd expect from the normally exuberant Supremes. Not that it is
detracts from your enjoyment and 'Merry Christmas' makes for the
gentlest of background decorations. The less than upbeat mood is
probably a result of the song choices. 'Little Drummer Boy' for
example is note perfect with all 3 singers getting into costume,
rowing behind the slow marching drum beat. Even the normally
frantic 'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' is coolly played, all
dashing brass and effortless swing but just one step short of the
expediency that the song is best known for.
Of course the girls
do let their hair down on occasion. This is most pronounced on
their rendition of 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' where they add
subtle nuances to a song that is loved all around the world. 'Joy
To The World' is similarly action-packed with a momentum that you
don't normally expect from the cherished carol. Ross and the
frenetic instrumentation set a galloping pace and end 'Merry
Christmas' on a truly triumphant note.
So good is 'Merry
Christmas' that you might find yourself sneaking a listen during
those pesky non-Christmas months. This is probably down to the fact
that the Supremes recorded an album that is not only a wonderful
festive piece but one that is truly great no matter what time of
the year it is played. That said there is something exhilarating
about waiting until December 1st to unwrap this gift
each year, for it is a gift that can't help but keep on giving.
The Supremes - Merry Christmas Christmas Videos
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