The Beach Boys: Mike Love (vocals); Carl Wilson, Al Jardine (guitar, vocals); Brian Wilson (bass, keyboards, vocals); Dennis Wilson (drums, vocals).
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
The Beach Boys include: Mike Love (vocals); Alan Jardine (vocals, guitar, bass); Brian Wilson (vocals, piano, bass); Carl Wilson (vocals, guitar); Dennis Wilson (vocals, drums).
Additional personnel includes: Mat Jardine, Adam Jardine (vocals).
Producers include: Brian Wilson, Alan Jardine, Dennis Wilson, Jack Wagner.
Recorded between 1963 and 1977. Includes liner notes by Brad Elliott.
Personnel: Dennis Wilson , Adam Jardine, Alan Jardine, Mike Love , Brian Wilson (vocals).
Audio Remixer: Alan Jardine.
Liner Note Author: Brad Elliott.
Recording information: Brother Studio, Santa Monica, CA (10/20/1963-11/??/1977); Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA (10/20/1963-11/??/1977); M.I.U. Insti (10/20/1963-11/??/1977); Western Records, Hollywood, CA (10/20/1963-11/??/1977).
Arranger: Dick Reynolds.
Originally released in 1964, this classic early Beach Boys album contains both traditional holiday songs like "White Christmas," "Blue Christmas," and "Frosty the Snowman," and Brian Wilson-penned originals like "Little Saint Nick," "Merry Christmas, Baby," and "Christmas Day," the latter of which is also Al Jardine's lead vocal debut. A rarity in that half the album is produced by Dick Reynolds, the regular arranger for primary Beach Boys influences the Four Freshmen, rather than Brian Wilson himself, the CHRISTMAS ALBUM also features a gorgeous a cappella version of "Auld Lang Syne," previously unreleased mixes, and contemporary interviews with both Brian and Dennis Wilson.
Since Phil Spector produced the classic A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FOR YOU, it's fitting that Brian Wilson would emulate his idol once again and release a superior Christmas album of his own. Like BEACH BOYS PARTY!, another "novelty" record whose musical substance belies its humble origins, THE BEACH BOYS' CHRISTMAS ALBUM is the finished work of just emerged professionals.
The set begins with several Wilson originals, such as "Little Saint Nick " and "Merry Christmas, Baby"--tastefully produced in low-riding Beach Boys surfer style. Midway, the emphasis shifts to familiar Christmas standards such as "Frosty The Snowman" and "We Three Kings," featuring the Boys' rich, Four Freshman-derived harmony work and accompanied by full orchestra just like the grown-ups do. One is reminded that Brian Wilson began his musical education by figuring out those complex Four Freshman vocal parts on an old upright piano in his room. And if one ever needed reminding, again his homework paid off in droves.
ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS gathers together most of the Christmas material recorded by the group, including 1964's BEACH BOYS' CHRISTMAS ALBUM, selected tracks from a never-released second Christmas album completed in 1977 and some charming oddities (public service announcements, interviews, Christmas messages to their fans). Brian Wilson and his compatriots never approached their work halfheartedly (as least not until much later in their career), so their seasonal recordings were no money-making knock-off. Most of the tracks here are original compositions that combine Wilson's surf-and-sun-drenched musical mindset with a Yuletide flavor in a manner that will be agreeable to anyone enamored of the Beach Boys' early work. Thoughtful, informative liner notes add to the appeal of this album. minimize