It was a cash-in then, it’s a cash-in now. Off the back of the tsunami of critical acclaim that was lavished on Wilson’s recent ‘Smile’ album comes something of lesser stature: the Beach Boys’ singing well-known Christmas standards, backed by lifeless orchestration that Brian Wilson had precious little to do with. Released in 1964 – although admittedly bulked out and justified this time around with a couple of alternate mixes and rarities (the sound of Dennis Wilson getting poked up the arse with a red hot poker from abusive father, Murray, Brian freaking out on discovering snow in his sand pit – the usual thing) it’s as difficult to fathom now as it undoubtedly was then. Who bought it? God knows. The vast majority of it is a bag of shite. ‘Frosty The Snowman’ is bad, ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ is embarrassing and ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is simply ill-advised. Better by far are the classic harmonies that grace ‘We Three Kings’ and ‘White Christmas’ and the gimmicky yelps and surf-guitars of the brilliantly cute-yet-frightening ‘The Man With All The Toys’ (provisionally titled, ‘Satanic Yuletide Rituals Court Skiing Disaster’ during Brian’s sessions for ‘Smile’)
Throw another log on the fire. And while you’re at it, toss this on it too.