My favourite version of 'Merry Christmas Baby' is probably Elvis' from 1971. Recorded completely off-the-cuff and with such a slow boil of a groove, it's probably one of his most spontaneous, unguarded performances. Redding's version is up there too, of course!
Started off my morning with this--and now I actually feel like pushing through the final cleaning and cooking for those young adult kids coming home tonight!
I'm happy to hear it! I've just read your latest newsletter-- I had to laugh at your comparing hungry teenagers to locusts swarming one's kitchen. I mean, the accuracy... lol.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Kevin and thank you for all you do for the community of Substack music writers.
Merry Christmas to you & yours as well! I'm always happy to help where I can!
My favourite version of 'Merry Christmas Baby' is probably Elvis' from 1971. Recorded completely off-the-cuff and with such a slow boil of a groove, it's probably one of his most spontaneous, unguarded performances. Redding's version is up there too, of course!
agreed, this is a great version too!
I'm going to have to go find it and give it a spin today!
YES! To Otis, today and every single day.
And happy holiday, Kevin! Great choice.
Happy holidays to you too! I've been on a huge Otis kick lately.
I’m always on an Otis kick! Have you read Dreams To Remember?
I haven't! Should I let it cut to the front of my reading list?
I would! It’s fucking fascinating.
That's all I needed to hear. Adding it now!
Let me know what you think!
Started off my morning with this--and now I actually feel like pushing through the final cleaning and cooking for those young adult kids coming home tonight!
I'm happy to hear it! I've just read your latest newsletter-- I had to laugh at your comparing hungry teenagers to locusts swarming one's kitchen. I mean, the accuracy... lol.
such a great song, excellent choice! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Merry Christmas to you & yours as well!
Charles Brown was a friend of mine for the last decade of his life, and I love the duet he did with Bonnie Raitt. But the Elvis and the Otis versions are classics too. Give my essay on Charles a read at some point: https://open.substack.com/pub/glenncook/p/charles-browns-legacy?utm_source=direct&r=727x&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Also, meant to tell you how much I enjoy your work and the variety of your posts! Happy holidays!
Thank you! That really means a lot to me, and I appreciate it.
I'm on it!
Redding's version is my favorite as well. The organ and bells really convey a wintery feel.
100% agreed.
Awww thanks for reminding me of this song -- I love the Bruce Springsteen version! Hope you had a great Christmas, Kevin!
It was good! Cold, but good. I hope yours was a well!