(Universal) rocks from the get-go, with “Hell or Hallelujah,” and never lets up. Choice cuts include “Freak,” and Gene Simmons’ “Back to the Stone Age.” Of course, the absolute best song is sung by drummer Eric Singer, “All for the Love of Rock and Roll.” Gene’s “The Devil is Me” is kind of lame, mostly because his monotone speaking voice is no longer effec- tive as the “demon” following years of expo- sure as a goof ball on Family Jewels. Even still, the album rocks hard, and “Eat Your Heart Out” is also a standout track. You wanted the best...One of the most popular entertainers of the day, Taylor Swift, has a new album out called Red. (Big Machine) The young lady has always enjoyed lots of crossover appeal between the so-called “country music” crowd of today and the young pop music fans, but with her latest, she makes the final leap into the pop pool with a set of brilliant, well written and well performed tunes. Country music? No. But then again, what is country music these days? What Swift does is deliver catchy, just plain fun, hook- laden songs. Some of them main- tain her teenage style lyrics (“We Are Never Getting Back Together”) while others deliver a real mature feel (“Begin Again”). Her duet with Gary Lightbody, “The Last Time,” will no doubt go to number one, as will three quarters of these tracks, but that’s okay. Just because she is over the top popular doesn’t mean she isn’t an amazing talent. I play this one quite often. Good stuff, kiddo... Speaking of pop music, there’s a new two CD collection from the Swedish Pop quartet Abba, The Essential Collection (Polydor) featuring 39 classic songs from their substantial body of work, including hits, album tracks and fan favorites. Songs include “Dancing Queen,” “Mama Mia,” “Waterloo,” “SOS,” “Fernando,” and “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” to name just a few. Anyone who recalls the AM radio days of the 1970’s will recog- nize most of these tracks. Okay. Show of hands. How many of you fellas in my age
group remember drooling over the blonde chick? Fun, nostalgic, dance music... Christmas anyone? If you’re in the market for something completely different, check out It’s a Spongebob Christmas (Nickelodeon). The familiar voice of the hit cartoon series, voiced by Tom Kenny, brings along the entire cast of the new Holiday spe- cial. Highlights of the record include “Don’t Be a Jerk (It’s Christmas);” “Pretty Ribbons & Bows;” and “Wet, Wet Christmas.” It’s a fun album for the whole family, the kids, the
stoners....The original soundtrack of the CBS Television special A Charlie Brown Christmas, by The Vince Guaraldi Trio (Fantasy), has been reissued with three bonus tracks. Besides the beautiful piano pieces we all have committed to memory, the re-issue features “Greensleeves,” “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” and “Thanksgiving Theme.” It’s a joyous holiday celebration for
sure...The two stars of the ultra-hit 1970’s movie version of Grease, Olivia Newton John and John Travolta, have reunited for This Christmas (Universal), and brought along an array of superstars to join them. The album features Christmas favorites with guest artists such as Barbara Streisand, Tony Bennett, Kenny G, Cliff Richard, Chick Corea and James Taylor. Highlights include Olivia and John doing “Baby It’s Cold Outside;” "I'll Be Home For Christmas", a jazzy orchestral track featuring Barbara Streisand; "Winter Wonderland," a cabaret style song featuring Tony Bennett and the Count Basie Orchestra; and "Deck The Halls", featuring James Taylor. Travolta and Newton-John will donate the artist proceeds from the album to their respective charities, the Jett Travolta Foundation and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia.
-Michael Buffalo Smith
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