The Smiley Smile Message Board

Discuss, review and rate The Beach Boys Christmas Album, released October 1964.

(http://www.smileysmile.net/images/albums/christmas.gif)(http://www.smileysmile.net/images/albums/ultimatexmas.gif)

I give it an "eh..."

One of the top 5 Christmas albums ever. Period.

As if the Christmas album genre were much of a formidable one...

Christmas doesn't start until I play the mono VINYL version.
The snap crackle and pops are an audio switch that takes me back to
old Christmas.
The best!
Pete

Ehhh, not as good as I'd hoped.  The single of Little Saint Nick is superior, and most of the originals are dire... The second side is much improved.  We Three Kings is stunning.

This is the best the boys harmonies ever sounded in my opinion, "We Three Kings", right there.

3 stars for that, and Dennys cute XMas message.

Personally, the best holiday album ever. Great harmony that leave chills (ending of We Three Kings), to make you want to dance (Little St. Nick) to make you grin (Santa's Beard). It's fun and traditional at the same time.


My mom played this every Xmas even long before I was a fan. I think it was as instrumental as Sounds of summer, Endless Summer and PS was for me.

2 for me. Fairly obvious that Brian couldn't care less about LP's at that point considereing this and Concert. He was totally focused on single tracks and distracted by touring.

2 for me also.  Listenable, but devoid of that "balls having the life squeezed out of them" factor.

I rank this as the #3 best Christmas album of all time behind "A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector" and Elvis Presley's "Christmas Album" from 1957.

Pretty boring. Mostly lame singing. It doesn't sound fun at all. The stereo mixing is pretty bad too. A shame it's that version on the cd.

2 1/2

this album is schmokin. get hip to it.

God, I love Winter Symphony... Easily the most underrated Beach Boys song, for as far as I'm concerned.

The stereo mix is awful.

Little Saint Nick is a classic record.

Santa's Beard is cool.

The rest is a whopping mass of meh.

Too much negativity in this board, sometimes. The lackluster tracks are made up by some of the most powerful Christmas records ever. This record has been timeless and will remain so until someone can match the beauty of the Beach Boys vocal sound. Brilliant record, probably the best 'themed' record after Party!

Don't you like 'The Man With All The Toys'?

The Christmas album contains some of Brian's best vocal work EVER. Because of the subject matter, that is sometimes overlooked.

Little Saint Nick (the single version) exhibits as much genius production as any surf & turf record. I still get a kick when it comes on the radio.

And I still think that Brian should've insisted on another take from Dennis when he flubbed his spoken word line on Auld Lang Syne... :police:

The originals are cool, but I absolutely detest the arrangements on the second side. Oh my god, they are so cheesy. What the hell where they thinking with Santa Claus is Comin' to Town?!

I love it, for what it is. Its a totally 1960s pop album aimed at the widest possible holiday audience, so it can lean towards cheese. It's a bit like the "demo" mode on a synthesizer, which I mean in a good a way, shows off the bands vocal capability. And isn't the groove in Man With All The Toys the prototype for Here Comes The Night? I'd give it a 4 for most of the time, 5 annually each December.

I'm kinda neutral on this album.  The arrangements and singing is top notch, but the material is... well, just okay (yah, I know, BAH HUMBUG).  Sadly, I can only get myself to listen to this album in December.

Oh, BTW I gave it a 2.  Only Smiley Smile deserves a 1 in my book.

Wrong answer.

Is a 1 too high?  Afterall, it's got GV and H&V.

Not a big fan, though I like We Three Kings of Orient Are, but I have always thought that song had an awesome melody. Ill give it a two.

This seems like a good time to review this album!

Hmm, this album was hard to come to a firm number on.  I think I'll give it a 3.  I really, really like Christmas songs, I'm not gonna lie - so I'm not like one of those people that will give a Christmas album a low rating just because it's a Christmas album.

I *like* most of the songs here, but some of the performances are really dull.  Little Saint Nick was great as a single, but for some reason they put an odd version on here without the sleigh bells and glock... The rest of the first side is quite good, except for Merry Christmas Baby which I'm not a big fan of.

As for the second side, I really like their song choice, but the vocals are just too rigidly done, as if they're singing a song they've never heard before while reading the notes on a sheet of paper.  This works well for songs like We Three Kings and Auld Lang Syne where there are multipart harmonies; not so much for songs like Frosty and Blue Christmas which are more monophonic.  Also, Brian's voice really starts to grate on me on the second side, for some reason.  I don't know why, exactly, I usually like his voice - but couldn't he have given some leads to Carl, Mike or Al on the 2nd side?  And Denny's flub on Auld Lang Syne really doesn't do much to help the rushed feel of the album.

It just seems like not much care went in - I'm not saying they didn't spend a lot of time on it, I'm sure they did; but it does FEEL rushed to me.  I almost wish I could go back in time and say "do a good job on this album, because people will still be listening to it 40+ years from now!"  BUT with all its flaws, the product is somehow better than the sum of its parts.

I really like MCB. It has a great little melody. I think the Boys Next Door rip it off for one of their singles. But you're right about the crappy version of LSN. We were listening to the album earlier and I'd forgotten how lame that particular mix was. Still, a great record. Way better than the 4 seasons x-mas album!

I feel like I'm bringing up ancient threads each time it tells me that the thread hasn't been posted to for at least 120 days. LOL

I try to like this album a lot, but as some others have said, it seems a bit rushed and as if they didn't put a ton of work into it. The highlights are high, but there is a lot of average work. I gave it a 3...if the single version of LSN was on here, it'd be closer to a 4.

Apparently, Dick Reynolds of the Four Freshmen arrange most of the traditional instrumental arrangements.

3/5 Little Saint Nick (love the single version much better)
4/5 Man with all the Toys
4/5 Santa's Beard
3/5 Merry Christmas Baby
3/5 Christmas Day
3/5 Frosty the Snowman
5/5 We Three Kings (instr. arrangement and vocals are great)
4/5 Blue Christmas (Brian on perfect pitch)
3/5 White Christmas
3/5 I'll Be Home for Christmas
3/5 Auld Lang Syne (vocals are very good, but Denny's flub and the editing isn't that good)

Ah... as late November/early December rolls around, it's time to pull out the Christmas music.  Obviously this is an album I play a lot of at this time of year :-) I mostly stand by what I said last year, but I like Merry Christmas Baby more than I used to now.  The middle-8 is rather dull, but the rest is decent.

Couple of comments/questions I didn't post at this time last year:

- First off, why the hell couldn't Brian write ONE more original song for the first side?  Then that way, it would be all one side with the new songs, and another side with the classic favourites.
- I've read that Christmas Day (a favourite of mine) was about 10 seconds shorter than the stereo version I'm used to.  Can anyone tell me the difference?  I haven't been able to get my hands on the mono version.
- Speaking of Christmas Day, has anyone heard the boot where Brian calls it a "f**king piece of sh*t"?  If so, could anyone give me any "hints" on how I could track it down?

I havne't heard the expletive version but I do liek this album
Little Saint Nick Single version ig great- really happy and I love the harmonies on The man with all the toys and santa beard and I think it's Blue Christmas or White christmas where the cello's do a Gershwin nod- I've only discovered that this year (maybe it's obvious though). Santa's Got An Airplane is an improvement on the non christmas song because the lyrics suit the sentiment of the music (and I also like it that santa on the ultimate version of the album updates his vehicle from some sort of motorised sled on little saint nick to an aeroplane). Morning Christmas is something else entirely it made me get up and put it on again after it had finished the other day- what a song.

On the topic of Christmas BBs album, I was listening to the BBs Christmas Harmonies collection on lala.com, and I don't what the compilers where thinking when they put this together. The first 6-7 tracks are from the original BBs Christmas album, presented out of order, but it has the same vibe. Then, out of left field, comes "Child of Winter"! I like that song, but the crazy synths and bizarre voice-over from Brian must have casual listeners who wanted that traditional BBs Christmas vibe scrambling for their CD cases to see if it's the same group. Then, later, some genius, probably Mike Love, decided that "Melekalikimaka" should be on the CD, picking it over songs like "Christmas Morning" (the beautiful Dennis track) and "Winter Symphony" (a pretty good song)! After that is "(I Saw Santa) Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", a very average song that I would again have preferred to be replaced by the previous two songs I mentioned. Then, it's back the original BBs Christmas album vibe. Why, oh Lord, why?

I've been listening to this a lot the last few weeks, and I still enjoy it as much as I did in previous years.  The first side gets a bit repetitive, but overall the songs are fun and have a good sound.  "Little Saint Nick" is obviously a classic (although I prefer the single version), and I enjoy "Santa's Beard" and "Merry Christmas Baby" too.  "The Man With All The Toys" is good, but I think Brian's version from his Christmas album is better (it actually sounds finished).  "Christmas Day" is the only track on side one that I'm not crazy about.  Al's voice is dull, and the song really doesn't go anywhere.

Side two is an odd paradox, in that it has the usual great Beach Boys vocals, but with very old-school, sometimes cheesy instrumental arrangements.  Some of them fit well ("Blue Christmas," "We Three Kings," "I'll Be Home For Christmas"), some not so well ("Frosty the Snowman", "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"), but the vocals are always first rate.  The highlight for me is Brian's rendition of "Blue Christmas."  I absolutely detest Elvis' version, and it wasn't until I heard Brian's that I realized that I actually liked the song itself.  The vocals on "I'll Be Home For Christmas" are quite stunning, and very Freshman-like (not an accident, obviously).  "Auld Lang Sine" is a strong closer, with Brian's great vocal arrangement and Denny's message a-la Spector's Christmas album.

Despite a few weak tracks, there are a lot of classics on this one, which is probably why I can pull it out year after year (and sometimes even during the summer months) and still enjoy it immensely.

The Christmas Album of '64 contained a great mixture of Beach Boys songs and traditional songs. Brian sang awesome leads on Blue and White Christmas. It plays in our house every holiday and stands the test of time every year. 

An album that hangs together better than some of the group's other early efforts and one that has stood the test of time well.

I like all of the originals (although I agree that the single version of Little Saint Nick is superior) and Santa's Beard is one of the cutest songs that the band ever attempted.

The covers are all well sung and We Three Kings is outstanding. Some of the Dick Reynolds arrangements are very un-Beach Boys though and aren't to my taste.

On the whole, 3 out of 5.

5.

I'm getting ready for Christmas, and the SMiLE Sessions, Popped this on the Turntable, WTK is freaking incredible, just that is good enough for a 5

Its rare enough for an artist to score one Christmas song that becomes a classic. The fact that the BB recorded an entire album of them is astounding. it's even rarer a feat to actually WRITE a Christmas classic but here you have Brian, Mike and whoever else able to write half an albums worth!

5/5 with no reservation.

Alright, I am gointg to ask this question here to see if anyone knows the answer. What is the consenus regarding the the mono tracks on the 1991 CD release of this album; are they remixed mono or fold downs of the stereo mix? Supposedly, this "1991 Remix" is what is being used on the 2011 release. Also, has the mono LP version of Little Saint Nick ever been released on CD? Steve Hoffman says yes, but I am very skeptical of this claim.  

Need to buy this for the holiday season.

I rather like Merry Christmas baby for some reason.  Nice melody to it. 

LOVE the first four tracks (and personally i prefer Little Saint Nick minus the sleighbells) and We Three Kings - not so keen on the rest. Would love to hear the album out-takes - apparently Brian describes the track Chrismas Day in less than flattering terms...

Holy god. I had heard the more well known songs from this album, but I just listened to We Three Kings for the first time and wow..... Brian's harmony is just mind blowing on this. Best rendition of that song ever!

Just dusted it off for this year's christmas season (plus Ultimate Christmas). I keep forgetting about what a stunning christmas album this is... that's why I hastily arranged a mid-december listening party at my place - featuring The Beach Boys' Christmas Album and a few gallons of German Glühwein.  :3d

I posted a commentary on the Beach Boys Christmas album - FYI - Comments (and better insights) welcomed,

Phil
http://prayforsurfblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-beach-boys-all-in-family-album.html

surprised there aren't more comments on the 70s tracks... is there another thread for those? In any event, I had great memories of the 64 album listening to it when I was a kid, but in relistening to it as an adult, I was underwhelmed. But it's still great, and my 3 and 6 year olds love it (of course, they love anything Beach Boys, God bless 'em).

The 70s tracks I find really interesting. Child of Winter is AWESOME, along with Christmas Time is Here Again, Winter Symphony, and Morning Christmas (one of the few Dennis tracks that I really like). The other 4 70s tracks are pretty bad, but I'm glad they were released.

Although I love the vocals and think this may be some of the best singing the group ever did, I was never too high on the Christmas album. I'm not really a Christmas music fan, so it just didn't really do it for me. I'm changing my tune this year, though. I did all my Christmas shopping on Black Friday and came home feeling good about being done but stressed about money. I put on The Beach Boys' Christmas Album while I was working around the house and it made me feel like 1000x better. It's so joyful. I ended up listening to it a couple of time in a row because I was really into it. I already gave the album a 3 in this poll, probably 4 or 5 years ago, but it's really great for what it is and if I could I would probably bump it up to a 4 now.

Jeffrey Foskett's Christmas At The Beach has been the first Christmas album I've palyed the past few years. For me, a perfect combination of Beach Boys-type tunes and don't forget Jesus songs.

Phil
http://prayforsurfblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-beach-boys-all-in-family-album.html (http://prayforsurfblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-beach-boys-all-in-family-album.html)

It's not supposed to be a bouncing joyful tune. It's exudes a feeling of sacred frailty, which is exactly what Dennis was going for and he accomplished that perfectly.

Exactly! If you listen to the ending it slides right into Cantique de Noel; a most sacred Christmas carol. Morning Christmas is a very beautiful and moving Christmas song.

You're right. They're wrong. I find that often when people give reasons for not liking any particular song of Dennis' they always seem to have entirely, completely and utterly missed the point of what the song was trying to achieve in the first place, as indeed the critisisms of Morning Christmas do above. No, i'm not saying people aren't allowed to not like Dennis' songs - if you don't like 'em fair enough - but dislike them for sensible reasons at least.

RE: Agree with you re COW & Winter Symphony, CTIHA is also quite good. But the last, Morning Christmas, is too slow, downbeat & uninspiring, it doesn't sound like Happy Christmas-type tune. And usually that's what I like about Christmas songs, i.e. joyfulness, warmth & feel of holiday & magic. Tastes differ though.   
 - - - - - - -

The original Christmas brought much joy but also had more moments of awe and wonder, pain (riding 9 months pregnant on a donkey) and suffering (giving birth in a cold cave) ... not long after followed by a King's decree to slaughter Bethlehem infants in an attempt to eliminate what he thought would be his competition. I love the joy-to-the-world songs (and appreciate Brian's juxtaposition of "let every heart prepare him room" on his cover of the Beach Boys' "Man With All The Toys") but welcome the reflection of those slow, downbeat songs that remind me of why Christmas means so much to so many.

Phil

A very different perspective on the Christmas Album ~ http://prayforsurfblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-Beach-Boys-All-In-Family-Album.html

Not a bad album, although forgetful.
Santa's Beard was a surprising highlight, and once I listened to the whole song, I concluded that it was a highly underrated gem.
3 out of 5.

I haven't really given the 70's christmas tracks much of a listen yet, other than Child of Winter which is actually quite decent. I ought to give the other Christmas tracks a listen someday

Thanks for the heads up ~

Beach Boys' Christmas Album ~ All-In-The-Family is now @
http://prayforsurfblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/beach-boys-christmas-album-all-in-family.html

Phil

The 1964 Xmas Lp is a classic and has stood the test of time well for me.. BB harmonies are a GREAT fit for traditional Xmas music.. This LP has probably sold ZILLIONS since 1964.. BW lead vocals are outstanding.. Now the 1977 XMAS lp.. ? Well I can see why it was rejected.. It is Half assed all the way.. Never should have been  released.. As a boot for collectors its OK but to the masses at XMAS time ..NO WAY.. And using the music from Kona Coast +  Loop De Loop is just plain LAZY + in bad taste.. And im aware of the history of these recordings.. There are some fine songs on here and some  OK songs and some total CRAP.. !  I really like Morning Xmas + Winter Smphony   .. WIRWFC is WAY better..1964 lp 5/5   1977 lp 2/5

 Child of Winter/Morning Christmas would have made a very nice Yuletide single sometime in the later 70's. The rest? Disposable.

Had a listen and I really liked it. Bland in a lot of places and very schmaltzy overall, but there's a good deal of Christmassy charm. Love Man With All The Toys :P
Still need to listen to the Ultimate Christmas tracks...

"Santa's Beard" makes me laugh every time I hear it :lol. especially when I watch this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGQIUnFKvLk

Believe it or not, this is the first Beach Boys album I ever owned. 

I didn't really get into the Beach Boys until around 2006, and didn't become a dedicated fan until I saw them in 2012.

But, in 1990, I got the Boys' Xmas Album on cassette.  I upgraded to CD in 2000.  To me, it's not really Christmastime until I hear Little Saint Nick.

I love all of the originals, especially Al's first lead on Christmas Day.  The standards and all good, with Brian singing the saddest version of Blue Christmas ever. 

Why  are  the  8   reindeer  reduced to "half a dozen?"

Accounting error. 

I always wondered about that, too. 

Two were sick with the flu (Comet & Cupid, I believe) during the 1963 Christmas season. ;)