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A bit of a drone but those vocals are heavenly. The standards they cover prove that their vocal prowess could extend beyond the teenage dreams of surf, girls, and hot rods of their earliest singles, but the musical arrangements are lacking in the joy and spirit of their best singles and albums. The best part is the string of five originals that launch the album with humor, verve, and adding glorious sunniness to a nominally chilly affair. But listen to those beautiful harmonies on “White Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “We Three Kings of Orient Are” and you can hear the gestation of Pet Sounds, Smiley Smile, and Sunflower’s beautiful, layered vocals and complex arrangements. The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album may not be a standout classic in their discography, but it is a charming enough 30+ minutes of yuletide standards, old and new.
Download: “Little Saint Nick”
