'A Capitol Christmas V2' CD/LP/Digital: UMe Capital Idea of Marking 75th Anniversary With Timeless Stars Singing Eternal Classics

Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) earn the gratitude of elves everywhere by further helping those with lovers of timeless music in their lives find gifts for that special someone; the (reviewed) "Elton John Diamonds" seemingly includes EVERY hit of Rocket Man (along with awesome collectibles) literally boxed up ready to give. Fellow UMe release "A Capitol Christmas Volume 2" has a "who's who" of '50s and '60s musicians put their own spin on Christmas classics.

"Christmas" pays apt tribute to the 75th anniversary of Capitol Records by having the aforementioned greatest put their marks on the songs that add so much to the holidays; the comprehensive liner notes on each of these (mostly) rarities provide interesting background information on both the performers and the songs. Including a mellow version of "White Christmas" and a more upbeat take on "Old Toy Trains" by Glen Campbell is particularly special considering his August 2017 death.

UMe gets thing off to a great start with Wayne Newton changing "Jingle Bell Rock" into a vintage Las Vegas style number and later similarly remaking "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer." This is akin to The Beach Boys doing "Frosty the Snowman" ala surfing tunes on "Christmas."

A wonderful trap exists regarding Ray Anthony and his Orchestra doing "A Marshmallow World." You WILL get caught up in the gleeful silliness of it and minimally finding yourself singing "do do do do do do" (It is meaningless and all that's true) along with the group.

Learning about the controversy at the time regarding the lyrics to "I  Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" (sung by 13 year-old Molly Bee) validates 2017 thoughts regarding wondering how they got away with that song in 1952. Highly immature thoughts regarding variations (which fit the rhyme scheme) of the song risk ending up on the naughty list and not finding a Sony stereo 4K player under the tree in a week.

Lena Horne steals the show with her rendition of "What Are You Doing Christmas Eve." Fans will be not be surprised that she nails the tone of this song about a woman with very wishful thinking about a special date with her soulmate.

The cute and most retro song is "Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)" by Gordon MacRae; this lullaby about being grateful for what you have is guaranteed to lull you into a calm state.

UMe aptly wraps up the set with Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians doing an instrumental version of "Auld Lang Syne." In addition to ending things on a gentle and relaxing note, it provides relatives a clue that it is time to yank the kids away from their iPhones and get out.

Anyone with questions or comments about "Christmas" is strongly encouraged either to email me or to connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.