Reviewed by Dougie Adam

When I learned that the secret new studio album was in fact a Christmas one some of my excitement dipped to say the least! But once I heard it I was quietly pleased with the overall results. As with any Christmas album there are a few tracks which maybe don't work well but on the whole the carols and Christmas songs manage to sound quite fresh and the fun treatment of "Jingle Bell Rock" and polished pop versions of "O Holy Night" and "The First Noel" plus a tender "Christmastime Is Here" all sound as good as almost anything on any other Christmas album or anything Larry has released in the last few years (which have been quite productive). Younger brother Charles has done a good job producing and engineering and his latest band Softcore provide some inventive and contemporary backing to Larry's heartfelt singing. Two older recordings of Larry's own Christmas songs ("Christmastime" and "The Day That A Child Appeared") accompany the 10 new recordings. Surprisingly listenable for a Christmas album and Normaniacs are advised that this album sounds most like 'Copper Wires' from the back catalogue.

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