Swingin’ Christmas
Various Artists
Daddy-O/Triple Crown
Reading out of the Jaded Critic’s Handbook: “Every trend follows a set pattern. There’s a handful of bands that define a genre. One breaks away from the pack and enjoys inexplicable success. Several more bands join the fray. Watered-down imitations follow. The ‘originals’ complain that they started it all yet now are moldering in neglect. Backlash begins. A car commercial capitalizes on the trend, using it for its background music. More TV commercials buy into it. The backlash gains momentum, and begins receiving equal time. A Christmas album is released, to the enjoyment of everyone’s parents. Trend over.”
So here we are, Swingin’ Christmas, coming out at the same time as we hear people saying “the only good swinger is the one on the end of a noose.” To be fair, this is pretty good, a lot of classy renditions of Xmas classics set to swing, and if you’re still cheering for the movement you’ll be quite pleased with the results. Highlights include Swingtips’ “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and Heavenly 7’s “I Saw Mommy Swinging with Santa Claus” (jeez… ). The truth is that, media attention or not, swing has been around for a long time, and will continue for quite some more, and there’s no reason not to enjoy this for a week out of the holidays for years to come, Gap ads or not. At least these cats can play their instruments. Triple Crown Records, 331 West 57th #472, New York, NY 10019
