Dylan's Christmas Album: Not That Bad

From the reviews I’ve seen, I really expected this thing to be terrible. I mean absolutely awful. But I have to say after two go-rounds, it really isn’t all that bad, at least to one who’s a fan of both mainstream Christmas tunes (check) and modern Dylan (check).

For the most part, the album sees its high points when the band spreads out a bit, and its lows when Bobby tries to stick to the blueprints and falls victim to the limitations of his own death rattle. Here’s a half-assed track-by-track review:

1. Here Comes Santa Claus – Good
2. Do You Hear What I Hear – Average
3. Winter Wonderland – Average
4. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing – Really Bad
5. I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Barely Above Average (but might fit nicely amid a playlist consisting mostly of tracks from Tom Waits’ 1976 album, Small Change)
6. Little Drummer Boy – Below Average
7. The Christmas Blues – Good
8. O’ Come All Ye Faithful – Average
9. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Below Average
10. Must Be Santa – Awesome
11. Silver Bells – Decent
12. The First Noel – Pretty Bad
13. Christmas Island – Average (unless compared to Leon Redbone’s superlative rendition)
14. The Christmas Song – Below Average
15. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem – Average (saved by its brevity and simplicity)

Honestly, I really like the tune “Must Be Santa,” and I’ll even venture that it could become a holiday radio standard alongside the likes of Paul McCartney’s “Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time,” a controversial favorite of mine.

It’s also worth noting that the proceeds from all sales of this record go to charity.

And so, finally, for your listening pleasure:

Download/Stream:
Bob Dylan – “Must Be Santa”