Various Artists — Santa Is Rockin’ And Rollin’

From the fab-folks at Germany’s Bear Family Records, here's Santa Is Rockin’ And Rollin’. It’s a twenty-five-track CD compilation focusing on festive rock ‘n’ roll/ related genres from between the 1950s and 1960s- and as we’ve come to expect from the label, this is another wonderful, varied & well sequenced affair.

The CD comes presented in a clear jewel case- this features a twenty-page inlay booklet, layered out in festive red and green colourings. It takes in a short write-up for each of the twenty-five tracks, artists' stills, 45 labels, and of course, more than a few retro Christmas illustrations/ pictures.

In the first half of the disc, we move bounding ‘n’ boogieing piano, sassy percussion, and cool cat male vocals of “Run Rudolph Run” by The Outlaws. Onto the grooving bass, decidedly wonky guitar strum, and slightly ropy Elvis-like vocals of Jerry Robinson’s “White Christmas”. Though to the Hawaiian twanging guitar, naff slay bell hits,  and the rapidly jaunting pace of Santo & Johnny’s “Twistin’ Bells”.

In the second half, we go from gunning guitar, hissing percussion, talking/ singing tough guy croon of  Donny Burns' “Cool Yule”. Onto the revering car sounds, jiving groove, layered back vocals, and yelling male leads of “Santa’s Got A Coupe De Ville” by The Four Imperials. Though to  Charlie Stewart’s crude chugging country meets rock ‘n’ roll twang of “Santa Claus Won’t Come This Year” with lyrics regarding old Saint Nick shaving off his beard by mistake, having an empty sack, or falling on his jingle bells.

In finishing, Santa Is Rockin’ And Rollin’ is up to the normal,  stellar standards of all of Bear Family Records' compilations. With a great selection of tunes, a well-put-together booklet, and a generally great quality compilation.