Christmas In The Heart

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

 

 

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An unexpected release? Yes.
A surreal album? Yes.
A grower? Surprisingly yes.

Hey - I'm a Dylan nut like a lot of you out there and was entirely sceptical of this project to say the least. Like you, I listened to the 30 second sound clips initially posted on Amazon. Like you, I shook my head in despair at what I heard. One for completists only I thought. However, give the album or selected tracks a few plays and it may just win you over. I kid you not. Go on - give it a go. It is Christmas afterall.

Thanks Bob and a Merry Christmas to you.

So what's the difference between the regular and the Deluxe copy of this CD? The deluxe version contains 5 greetings cards bearing the same picture as the album cover which, I guess, are limited editions. Now back to the album.

Listening to a preview of these tracks a week ago I assumed that Dylan fans would buy this with a completely uncritical ear - and that these fans would probably be the same ones who'd hated 'Self Portrait,' now mellow and soft shoe shuffling along to 'Winter Wonderland' and bopping to 'Here Comes Santa Claus'. But then I realised that Dylan has constantly added new generations to his fan base so it is more difficult to make predictions concerning his newer listeners. I didn't know what to expect but then, I thought, 'nothing will surprise me with Dylan.' There has been a lot of merit in his last four albums - though I believe they are over-rated on account of The 'BobCat' factor which must opine that the master can do no wrong these days. This album can hardly be judged alongside his recent studio work as it is pure Christmas 'Product' and, without its status as a 'Charity Record' would be less easily forgiven - though to many of his fans Dylan can do no wrong.

'Christmas In The Heart' sounds as though Dylan has enlisted The Mike Sammes Singers/King Brothers and somehow pasted The Andrews Sisters into the mix. Where this album follows in the wake of his last couple of albums is in Dylan's ear for that 'Old Timey' music, reflected in the choice of album cover and in much of the music played on 'Theme Time Radio Hour'. This music oozes Christmas past.

With the album playing on a continual loop I came to a deeper enjoyment of it as I listened, 'The Little Drummer Boy' is quite affecting in Dylan's burnt out vocal, 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' which I confess to quite enjoying though not necessarily in the spirit I should do. Dylan intones rather than sings it. 'Do You Hear What I Hear?' [Ahem] 'The First Noel',[with a heavy Andrews Sisters sound] 'Oh Come All Ye Faithful', a slightly strained vocal as Dylan tries for notes beyond his reach and rasps out the latin verse with comic pronunciation; a frantic 'Must Be Santa Claus', a croaked 'Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem' and a mellow 'I'll Be Home For Christmas''. - '[I Guess I've Got] The Christmas Blues' sounded as though it could be an original but now I have the full credits instead of an info free demo I find it isn't. Another 'stand out' track is 'If You've Ever Spent Christmas On Christmas Island' to the tune of Patsy Cline's 'Have You Ever Been Lonely' and awash with Hawaiian guitars The whole concept is a link back to the late forties and early fifties, in particular to Bing Crosby purveyor of many a Christmas album. Dylan has included three of the songs most closely identified with Crosby--"I'll Be Home for Christmas" (1943), "Silver Bells" (1952), and "Do You Hear What I Hear?"[1962]

So what do I think? Well it's a 'Christmas Album by Dylan' - art imitates history. For back in the late sixties there was a rumoured bootleg of 'Dylan's unreleased 'Christmas Album' and there was even mock up art work and a tracklist. But considering I'm impervious to Dylan's X Factor [I can't give him 5 stars automatically because he's DYLAN!'] this album grew on me with each listening and Dylan charmed his way so far into my consciousness that I was humming and singing along to myself as I went through the rest of the day.

This is a 'Good' record but not a great one,there are few 'Great' Christmas records, though, A Christmas Gift For You from Phil Spector [Digitally Remastered By Phil Spector], is certainly one that I'll be playing alongside Dylan come Christmas. Unlike some of my detractors I can't automatically award 'Christmas In The Heart', five stars just because it is by Bob Dylan and the royalties are all going to charity.

Ok, I know that Dylan can do no wrong, but a Christmas album? Well, when I first heard about it, I was skeptical to say the least, and when it was released and I found it on my Amazon recommendations list, I passed the opportunity to buy it as I thought it was not worth it. Luckily it was given to me as a gift and my skepticism proved to be wrong.

This is a wonderful Christmas album, with well loved Christmas songs like `Little Drummer Boy' and `Winter Wonderland' to name just a few, it is an alternative to the usual Christmas music and it is so much fun to listen to. Apparently Dylan can do no wrong even where Christmas albums are concerned.

If like me, you did not buy this when it was released, get it now and don't spend another Christmas without it. And the best thing about it; Dylan is donating all royalties from the sales of the recordings to homeless charities; excellent Christmas spirit.

Have a very Happy Christmas!!!

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1.0 out of 5 stars Avoid at all costs!!
I've loved Dylan since my schooldays in the 60's and have even defended his so-called "bad" work...i. Read more

Published 29 days ago by spike361

5.0 out of 5 stars Not bought for me.
This was bought for my son. He adored his music anyway and so he really enthused about this one. Many more to come i would think.

Published 2 months ago by Jewel Rowe

4.0 out of 5 stars Master Dylan meets Disney and Andrew Sisters
When I first heard about Dylan's Christmas project, I must admit I thought it was a joke. First of all, Christmas In the Heart is not a new Bob Dylan CD. Read more

Published 5 months ago by The Big G (Gordon)

1.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas Turkey
The album contains a nice collection of songs, including traditional Christmas hymns, has nice arrangements, and is played by supurb musicians. Read more

Published 6 months ago by katamarkon

4.0 out of 5 stars Old motorbike.
Having listened to Dylan for as long as I remember (so much so the compact-cassettes melted), I took it on chin that the man would pull out something special for Christmas after... Read more

Published 11 months ago by Tom Cat

5.0 out of 5 stars The spirit of Christmas!
I love this album! No the singing is not technically perfect, in fact it's almost the opposite, but the genuine love of the songs and the tradition of Christmas oozes from every... Read more

Published 12 months ago by MJB

4.0 out of 5 stars Bob does Christmas past
So I'm a completist and would always consider it a gap on the shelf if I didn't buy it. That said, I like it. Bob doing Christmas? Read more

Published 12 months ago by Christopher J. Bloor

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Christmas Gift
These carols are arranged and performed by Dylan's superb backing band... In my view the best band he has ever had.. beautiful carols sung in an unmistakable Dylan style... Read more

Published 12 months ago by John Dunkley

1.0 out of 5 stars Has the greatest lost the plot
Oh dear. Dylan is my musical hero. I`ve spent £1000`s over the years following him on his tours and buying all my vinyl collection again on CD. Read more

Published 13 months ago by J. Walton

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Christmas album of all times
This is the best Christmas album ever - or maybe it's an album ABOUT Christmas. Anyway Bob's enthusiasm is so genuine its only parallel would be Elvis grinning hysterically on the... Read more

Published 23 months ago by Angantyr

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