Title: HO HO HO!! Gather round: it's a hillbilly holiday gem!
Product review: A fine, fun holiday record, western swing with a honkytonk beat, with Thompson's jovial touch added to standards such as "White Christmas," "Silver Bells," "Rudolph," and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," as well as loopy Thompson originals like "I'd Like To Have An Elephant For Christmas" and "It's Christmas Every Day In Alaska." Thompson and longtime producer Ken Nelson bend the songs to their will, moulding each one to match Thompson's distinctive, instantly recognizable, bouncy hillbilly swing style. Best of all, is the gusto with which Thompson tackles each tune -- his delivery is vibrant and heartfelt; it may be just another goofy, cornball Christmas record, but it's lively and enjoyable, a cut or two above similar efforts by other artists. Plus, guitar whiz Joe Maphis provides a sparkling counterpoint to the band's infectious beat. Hey, even a curmudeonly country Scrooge like myself can get into this one!
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