Those Other Mormons

There was some discussion recently over at The 'Fa about what artist had released the most Christmas albums during their existence. All the usual suspects were mentioned like Johnny Mathis, Bing Crosby, Mannheim Steamroller, The Oak Ridge Boys, all the usual suspects. But it turned out to not even be close. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has put out Christmas albums numbering in the dozens, maybe even a hundred. It's hard to tell exactly because so many of them are reissues of old albums with a new track here and there, but it's an overwhelming number. Anyhow, what you may not realize is that they are not the only Mormon choir out there, as evidenced by this example issued by Capitol in 1966. I guess they couldn't convince The Beatles to release a Christmas album so they had to hunt around for something new to compete with Columbia. Near as I can tell from Discogs, this outfit didn't release much music and this is their only major label release. Perhaps an edict came down from Salt Lake City that said "Thou Shalt Not Compete"? This is The Southern California Mormon Choir-The Songs Of Christmas (Capitol ST 2590, Stereo, 1966). Enjoy!

1. Joy To The World
2. The First Noel
3. He Is Born
4. O Holy Night
5. O Christmas Tree
6. What Child Is This?
7. Silent Night
8. Deck The Hall
9. Far, Far Away On Judea's Plains
10. Away In A Manger
11. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
12. Angels We Have Heard On High
13. The Coventry Carol

MEGA