The New Christy Minstrels - Merry Christmas! (1963)

The New Christy Minstrels' Merry Christmas! is a joyous seasonal album. The key to the record's success is that it doesn't rely on standards; the backbone of the record is comprised of original compositions or new tunes from outside writers. Such an approach means that there are no familiar tunes for the average contemporary listener, but that's exactly why it is entertaining. It's true that few of the songs even approach the quality of standards, but it is fun to hear fresh holiday tunes (even if they're decades old), and the entire project is a great folk-pop article from the early '60s.

© Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Tracklist:
1-1. The New Christy Minstrels - Beautiful City (02:41)
1-2. The New Christy Minstrels - Tell It on the Mountain (02:03)
1-3. The New Christy Minstrels - One Star (02:27)
1-4. The New Christy Minstrels - Christmas Wishes (01:52)
1-5. The New Christy Minstrels - The Shepherd Boy (02:16)
1-6. The New Christy Minstrels - Sing Hosanna, Hallelujah (03:01)
1-7. The New Christy Minstrels - Sing Along with Santa (02:09)
1-8. The New Christy Minstrels - It'll Be a Merry Christmas (02:01)
1-9. The New Christy Minstrels - Tell Me (03:42)
1-10. The New Christy Minstrels - A Christmas World (01:33)
1-11. The New Christy Minstrels - Parson Brown (Our Christmas Dinner) (02:39)
1-12. The New Christy Minstrels - Christmas Trees (01:23)