Reviewed by Robin Thompson

This is a (another) re-release of the original 1957 hit album with some added non-festive bonus tracks drawn from the same period in Elvis' career. It features holiday schmaltz like Irving Berlin's "White Christmas", carols such as "Silent Night" and the odd original song. On the subject of "White Christmas", although Elvis' interpretation of the song was despised by the composer it remains one of the few versions that was bold enough to depart from the well-loved original. I still like it, perhaps because I heard this version first, before seeing the ubiquitous Bing Crosby in Holiday Inn. I also love the Leiber/Stoller penned, "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" particularly as it demonstrates that even Christmas is not exempt from the 12 bar rock 'n' roll treatment. Elvis was a massive rising star when this was first released which was no doubt the main reason for it being a big seller but it's still a good album 51 years later.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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