The Archies - The Archies Christmas Album (1968) [Hi-Res]

When you check the credits of The Archies Christmas Album featuring Betty & Veronica and see two guys credited with programming, you know this is no attempt to re-create the classic bubblegum sound of the original Archies. Instead, what you get is a super clean and processed sound with lots of synths and heavily distorted guitar bashing out some classic Christmas songs and a couple specially written tracks. The mention of Betty and Veronica in the album's title is also key because, even though the original voice of Archie Ron Dante is on board, almost all the lead vocals are provided by female singers (Danielle van Zyl and Kelly-Lynn). Maybe it's because Dante's vocals aren't all that impressive anymore, though his leads on "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Run Rudolph Run" aren't all that bad. More likely the "brain trust" behind the album is trying to cash in on the Hannah Montana/girl pop craze that was still going strong in 2008. They really can't be blamed for trying to chase that crowd; it's just too bad the vocalists they chose are amateurish and awkward at worst, barely passable at best. It's also a problem that the musical backing is so thin and bland. Those are accusations that could never be leveled at the original incarnation of the Archies. Those old records still sound punchy and alive with plenty of rock in the bubblegum; they are also fondly remembered. None of that holds true for this uninspired, ill-conceived album. When you realize that the brain trust and producer of the album is Ron Dante himself, it only makes matters worse. If this disc were a hamburger, even Jughead would turn up his nose in disgust.

Tracklist:
1.01 - The Archies - Here Comes Santa Claus (3:00)
1.02 - The Archies - Up on the Housetop (3:08)
1.03 - The Archies - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (3:29)
1.04 - The Archies - Holly Jolly Christmas (3:00)
1.05 - The Archies - Jingle Bell Rock (3:31)
1.06 - The Archies - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (3:03)
1.07 - The Archies - Run Rudolph Run (3:40)
1.08 - The Archies - Santa Claus is Coming to Town (2:46)
1.09 - The Archies - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (2:43)
1.10 - The Archies - Sleigh Ride (3:18)
1.11 - The Archies - Archie's Christmas Party (2:29)
1.12 - The Archies - Christmas in Riverdale (3:16)
1.13 - The Archies - Christmas Megamix (4:14)