Christmas In July 2008-Day 17

Once again, I've missed a day. But at least it's not two days this time. No particular reason, other than I didn't really feel like posting anything last night. I don't know if I'll catch up tonight or not, I may have to wait until Sunday. Tomorrow is my class reunion. My 20 year class reunion, so that's going to keep me from doing very much tomorrow. But we've got tonight, so let's get right into the music.

I'm starting off with four different versions of the Mel Torme-Robert Wells classic, The Christmas Song (Chesnuts Roasting On An Open Fire). This was a hugely popular song, and it's been covered by everyone and their brother. And as you'll see, it's frequently shown up on non-Christmas albums, too. Version number one is by Jeffrey Staton from Nat King Cole-A Portrait (Galaxy GAL122). This is a similar LP to the Bing Crosby tribute I shared a track from earlier this month. I thought they were both by the same artist, but I was mistaken. Version two is from The Hollyridge Strings and their album The Nat King Cole Song Book (Capitol ST 2310). This is also on their Christmas album, but I don't know if this pre- or post-dates that one. Probably the exact same recording, though. Number three is from guitarist Tony Mottola and his LP Close To You-A Guitar For Lovers (Project 3 PR 5050SD, 1970). No idea how this slipped in there, but I found it for you. Add this one to that ever-growing stack of Enoch Light-related Christmas tracks. Version four is by the great Sammy Davis, Jr. and it's one of the few Christmas songs he recorded in his career. I found this in two places in the past year, actually. The one I'm sharing is a stereo version from The Nat King Cole Song Book (Reprise RS-6164, 1965), but I first discovered it on a mono copy of Sammy Davis Jr. Sings Mel Torme's California Suite (Reprise R-6126, 1964). They are the same recording, and it looks like this one came first, but I wanted to share the stereo version I had with you.

The next two tracks are both I'll Be Home For Christmas. Version one is an organ rendition by Artie Dunn from an album called Artie Dunn At The Organ Plays Buck Ram (Strand SL 1087). And version two is a barbershop quartet rendition by The Four Rascals from their eponymous album (Chord OBW 6425).

Wrapping this up tonight is a seventh track, also a little bit of barbershop, The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot. It's by The Sun Tones from A Touch Of Gold (Sunrise LP 2309). The first time I heard this song (although not this version), was in the movie Pink Floyd-The Wall. Odd...

And there you have it, another seven tracks for your Christmas in July enjoyment. Here's the download link, please be my guest. And in case you somehow missed them, here are the links to my 2006 and 2007 Christmas in July shares. Enjoy!