Various - A Very Cool Christmas 3

A Very Cool Christmas 3 (2021)

The third instalment in the A Very Cool Christmas series brings together an eclectic mix of rockin’, groovin’ and soulful festive recordings across a heavyweight double LP. Released by Music On Vinyl in 2021, this 34-track collection moves well beyond traditional Christmas compilations, combining alternative rock, blues, classic soul, jazz, funk and hip-hop.

The first LP leans towards the rockier side of Christmas, with Pearl Jam’s version of Stevie Wonder’s “Someday At Christmas”, The Black Crowes’ funky “Back Door Santa”, The Waitresses’ much-loved “Christmas Wrapping” and The Offspring’s take on “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”. There are also contributions from Paul Simon, The Dandy Warhols, Johnny Winter, The Teskey Brothers and Gavin James.

The second LP is particularly appealing for soul and funk collectors, featuring Amy Winehouse’s “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”, Stevie Wonder’s “What Christmas Means To Me”, Ella Fitzgerald, Lowell Fulson, The Ronettes, Albert King, Aretha Franklin, Dinah Washington, Dusty Springfield and The Staple Singers. Hip-hop gets a festive outing too, with Kurtis Blow’s “Christmas Rappin’” and Run-D.M.C.’s classic “Christmas In Hollis”.

Pressed on 180-gram coloured vinyl, with a crystal-clear first LP and translucent blue second LP, this is a wonderfully varied Christmas collection that brings together vintage soul favourites, alternative rock and festive hip-hop. A great seasonal selection for anyone who likes their Christmas music with a little more groove and attitude.

Rockin’

- Pearl Jam – Someday At Christmas
- The Black Crowes – Back Door Santa
- The Waitresses – Christmas Wrapping
- The White Buffalo – Christmas Eve
- Harvey Danger – Sometimes You Have To Work On Christmas (Sometimes)
- Johnny Winter – Please Come Home For Christmas
- The Dandy Warhols – Little Drummer Boy
- The Teskey Brothers – Dreaming Of A Christmas With You
- Nicole Atkins – Every Single Christmas
- The Louvin Brothers – Santa Claus Parade
- Willie Nelson – Frosty The Snowman
- Toni Stante – Donde Esta Santa Claus? (Where Is Santa Claus?)
- Paul Simon – Getting Ready For Christmas Day
- The Offspring – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
- Gavin James – Fairytale Of New York

Groovin’

- Amy Winehouse – I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
- Stevie Wonder – What Christmas Means To Me
- The Ventures – Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
- Ella Fitzgerald – The Secret Of Christmas
- Lowell Fulson – I Wanna Spend Christmas With You
- The Ronettes – Sleigh Ride
- Albert King – Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'
- Aretha Franklin – Joy To The World
- Michael Jackson – Little Christmas Tree
- Akim & The Teddy Vann Production Company – Santa Claus Is A Black Man
- Debbie Dabney – I Want To Spend Christmas With Elvis
- Ray Anthony feat. The Bookends – Christmas Kisses
- Dinah Washington – Ole Santa
- Dusty Springfield – O Holy Child
- The Emotions – What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas?
- Whitney Nichole – Pass Me A Drink (It's Christmas)
- The Staple Singers – Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas
- Kurtis Blow – Christmas Rappin'
- Run-D.M.C. – Christmas In Hollis