James Brown's Funky Christmas

Amazon.com
Recorded at the height of Mr. Superbad's reign, this high-octane, 17-song set is guaranteed to give Santa Claus a soul transfusion--and put a little extra kick into that mistletoe kiss. While JB spends a fair amount of time pouring his heart out on inspired renditions of favorites such as "Merry Christmas Baby" and "Please Come Home," he and his always-stellar band really shine on a spate of originals that takes Christmas from an idealized holiday and makes it real. They do so in ways that are fun ("Go Power at Christmas Time") or with a dose of social consciousness ("Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto"), but the mere fact that Brown makes it all work--and makes it funky in the process--is a joy to behold. --David Sprague

Product Description
Compilation featuring 14 funky Yuletide tunes by the Godfather of Soul, including 'Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto', 'Christmas In Heaven' and 'Please Come Home For Christmas'. At his superstar peak in the 1960s and early '70s, Brown tried to appeal to several constituencies on his many LPs, and the Christmas market was not neglected. Indeed, for a while he was on a regular schedule -- this 17-track compilation includes selections from seasonal albums cut by J.B. in 1966, 1968, and 1970. Spectrum. 2005. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

James Brown's Funky Christmas,James Brown,Polydor / Pgd,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Funk,Holiday,Pop,R&B,Soul,Xmas Vocal

Average customer rating:

RIP Mr. Brown
HEY, TRUE PROOF THAT TRUE CHRISTMASES GOTTA HAVE SOUL
Christmas in Heaven
Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. James Brown Loves You.
Christmas Only the way James can make it!

James Brown's Funky Christmas
James Brown
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

In the Christmas Spirit
Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters
Motown Christmas 2
Christmas Is 4 Ever
Motown Christmas

ASIN: B000001EFD
Release Date: 1995-10-03

Tracks:

Go Power At Christmas Time
Let's Unite The Whole World At Christmas
Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto
Merry Christmas Baby
Let's Make Christmas Mean Something This Year
Soulful Christmas
The Christmas Song (Version I)
Sweet Little Baby Boy
Christmas Is Love
Please Come Home For Christmas
Santa Claus Is Definitley Here To Stay
Tit For Tat (Ain't No Taking Back)
Santa Claus, Santa Claus
Merry Christmas, I Love You
Signs Of Christmas
Christmas In Heaven
Hey America

Amazon.com

Recorded at the height of Mr. Superbad's reign, this high-octane, 17-song set is guaranteed to give Santa Claus a soul transfusion--and put a little extra kick into that mistletoe kiss. While JB spends a fair amount of time pouring his heart out on inspired renditions of favorites such as "Merry Christmas Baby" and "Please Come Home," he and his always-stellar band really shine on a spate of originals that takes Christmas from an idealized holiday and makes it real. They do so in ways that are fun ("Go Power at Christmas Time") or with a dose of social consciousness ("Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto"), but the mere fact that Brown makes it all work--and makes it funky in the process--is a joy to behold. --David Sprague

Album Description

Compilation featuring 14 funky Yuletide tunes by the Godfather of Soul, including 'Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto', 'Christmas In Heaven' and 'Please Come Home For Christmas'. At his superstar peak in the 1960s and early '70s, Brown tried to appeal to several constituencies on his many LPs, and the Christmas market was not neglected. Indeed, for a while he was on a regular schedule -- this 17-track compilation includes selections from seasonal albums cut by J.B. in 1966, 1968, and 1970. Spectrum. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

RIP Mr. Brown.......2006-12-29

Many thanks to all the wonderful reviewers who shared their love on this page. I don't own it now but you can bet I will! Can't wait!! Isn't it just so fitting that he left us at this most perfect time?

Rest in funky peace, Mr. Brown.

Thanks to all.

HEY, TRUE PROOF THAT TRUE CHRISTMASES GOTTA HAVE SOUL.......2006-12-29

now i was not too hip on this one until my mind grew and became more open. my two faves on this one is LET'S MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS MEAN SOMETHING THIS YEAR and SOUND OF CHRISTMAS. i go absolutely INSANE when these joints play within my vibe doggone!!!! they almost NEVER play his christmas stuff on the radio where i am. AN INJUSTICE!!!!!

Christmas in Heaven.......2006-12-26

Wow, it's Christmas 2006, and James Brown has left to spend Christmas in Heaven. I've listened to this disc a number of times this holiday season, and last. I like the unique tracks, and I find it hard to believe that I've never heard any of these on the radio before. I hope they'll be played every Christmas this day forward, because these songs are too good to not be heard.

In truth, a few of these gems might be a bit too funky for shopping or driving. For example, a radio station might feel socially responsible for risking drivers listening to these tracks in traffic to put their hands in the air and wave em' like they just don't care (dangerous). Rest assured, the only risky driving tracks here are Go Power, Santa Claus...to the Ghetto, and Soulful Christmas. Just make sure to keep that funk in your trunk.

The rest of these songs are safe for driving and beautiful, with awesome renditions of the classics such as Merry Christmas Baby (good for the yummy-yummy) and The Christmas Song. The rest of the album is filled with what I believe are original gems, with Let's Unite the World at Christmas and Let's Make This Christmas Mean Something This Year being just 2 fine examples. Must we endure the same classic holiday tracks every year?

12-25-06 RIP James Brown. We LOVE you!

Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. James Brown Loves You........2006-12-19

Among the many joys of the holiday season, James Brown's Funky Christmas is very near the top of the list. For eleven months, my life is a little bit empty, until sometime between the day after Thanksgiving and December first when I break out this album and decide to officially start acknowledging that it's Christmas time. In fact, I'm amazed that this hasn't become a national ritual akin to lighting the Christmas tree. There isn't a thing on this earth that better prepares me for the season than Brown's soulful ode to yuletide joy.

Throughout the uncharacteristically lengthy holiday album, there are the obligatory sprinklings of holiday "chestnuts" - "Merry Christmas, Baby", "The Christmas Song". Though far from definitive, James gives them the soul treatment and they are definitely enjoyable. It's the bevy of original music that makes this recording a masterpiece, however. Unlike the annual deluge of insipid offerings from artists inspired more by cashing in on a quickie than by visions of sugar plums, Funky Christmas is a well-thought-out, well-written, full-length album that has a ton of heart. James obviously approached this as more than a side project. Take "Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto" or "Hey America". They are undoubtedly Christmas tunes, but with thoughtful political lyrics, and nowhere near as corny as "Feed the World" or "Happy Christmas (War is Over)". "Sweet Little Baby Boy" is a gorgeous ballad, and ought to be a standard by now. "Soulful Christmas" is right up there with "Christmas in Hollis" as the best holiday song that Andy Williams never sang.

Although Funky Christmas isn't exactly as funky as some of James' other work, it's got a lot going for it. You can tell from his voice that he's truly embracing the spirit of the season as he sings, howls or just plain talks over the music. Musically, of course, the album is top notch. Every song is warm and quaint, however, as if Bootsy is jamming on your sofa or Maceo is hanging out in front of the fireplace. Now, that's a Christmas party I want to go to.

I have to confess, I'm a sucker for Christmas music anyway, but never do I have the urge to throw on Bing Crosby in the middle of the summer. One time, on my birthday (in August), a friend asked me to pick out a CD. I chose Funky Christmas and it was one of the most transcendent moments of my life. A little too transcendent, in fact. I've since decided to relegate the album to only the appropriate month for fear that I might somehow dash its funky holiday magic if I abuse the privilege.

P.S. - RIP James!

Christmas Only the way James can make it!.......2006-12-12

No collection of holiday music can be complete without James and the boys belting out some great Christmas cheer. Sure this is not your ordinary Christmas album, but it will make a great addition to someone who already has a few holiday albums. Are you tried of hearing White Christmas 12 different ways? Pick up this album. There are some real jems here like 'Let's make this Christmas special' and 'Santa bring Christmas to the ghetto'. James drives the band hard of the fast songs and the slow temo songs are excellent as well. If you like Christmas albums and specially if you like James\funk this is a great addition to round out a collection.

R.I.P. James you are missed and may be someday people will understand your impact on modern music. You were THE MAN and this is THE CHRISTMAS album. Peace.