Album of the Day

SOUL CHRISTMAS was originally issued on Atco Records in November of 1968, reaching #13 on the Billboard Christmas chart (re-released in 1969 and 1970, it did even better, hitting the Top 10). The set's success should come as little surprise; Atlantic/Atco was THE label for Southern soul in the 1960s, and some of its biggest stars appear on the collection. The legendary Otis Redding provides simmering takes on two standards (“White Christmas” and “Merry Christmas Baby”), while Booker T. & The MG's and sax star King Curtis work their instrumental magic on such favorites as “Jingle Bells” and “The Christmas Song” (the latter featuring Duane Allman on guitar). There are also a few fine originals on the compilation, including Solomon Burke's “Presents For Christmas” and Clarence Carter's salacious “Back Door Santa.” The superb SOUL CHRISTMAS belongs on every R&B fan's holiday wish list!