Ring the bells and hang the mistletoe, Collective. It’s that time again. There are a lot of great Christmas albums out there, with many a classic (and roasted) chestnut. But we’re keeping Nat King Cole and the Bing Crosby and the Harry Connick on the shelf this season. Instead, we’re spinning the Godfather himself. Mr. Dynamite. That’s right. James Brown. Between 1966 and 1970, arguably his creative peak, James Brown recorded three Christmas albums. Funky Christmas (1995) is a compilation of the best tracks from these three releases. It’s a diverse collection that ranges from sweet to sweaty to socially relevant. This is not your momma’s Christmas album. Mr. Brown leaves nothing on the table, leaves no note unsung. Rolling Stone ranks it third on their list of the best Christmas albums ever. Refill your eggnog. You’re about to hear why.

Lineup

Charles Walker
Bernard Purdie
Grant Green Jr.
Ruby Velle
Nigel Hall
Rob Lane
Billy Gant
Marshall Ruffin
Abby Wren

Side A
1.Intro/Brother Rapp/Ain’t It Funky
2.Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto
3.Christmas Is Love
4.I Got the Feelin’
5.Lets Unite the World at Christmas
6.Sweet Little Baby Boy
7.Back Door Santa
8.The Christmas Song
9.Hot Pants Road
10.Doin It To Death
11.Up For the Downstroke
12.House Party
13.Until You Come Back To Me
14.You’re All I Need To Get By

Side B
15.That’s What Christmas Means to Me
16.Let
17.Merry Christmas Baby
18.Yield Not To Temptation
19.Give It Up, Turn It LooseRock Me Again & Again
20.Fopp
21.Superbad
22.Down and Out in NYC
23.Cold Sweat
24.Let’s Dance
25.Walk On By
26.Man
27.Fool For You