The first time I reviewed Christmas Time by Chris Stamey And Friends here on BHT was in 2009. It’s one of my all-time holiday compilations, so I’ve reposted it almost every December since then. Here’s an edited version from 2022.
Back in 1993, news of a holiday album featuring The dB’s and Big Star had visions of catchy songs dancing in the heads of power pop fans. Christmas Time by Chris Stamey And Friends not only delivered the gifts, it had the feel of an old-fashioned TV variety show. Host Chris Stamey, a founding member of The dB’s, kicked things off with the band on the impossibly catchy title track. Stamey also teamed up with vocalist-guitarist Wes Lachot for the wistful “Christmas Is The Only Time (I Think Of You)” and joined vocalist-keyboards player Cathy Harrington on the spirited romance of “You’re What I Want (For Christmas).” Harrington also entertained with her own festive contribution, “Sha La La.”
Big Star checked in with the original rocking hymn “Jesus Christ,” and founder Alex Chilton offered a cozy acoustic version of “The Christmas Song.” Vocalist-guitarist Peter Holsapple of The dB’s (and later a touring member of R.E.M.) served up a simple but beautiful “O Holy Night” while acoustic guitarist Brent Lambert’s “Silent Nocturne” was an engaging instrumental take on “Silent Night.” Brent Lambert and Kirsten Lambert performed a low-key but engaging “Silver Bells,” and singer Syd Straw added a holiday pun to her rendition of a Blondie tune with “(I’m Always Touched By Your) Presents, Dear.”
The dB’s and their guests sounded like they were having a blast during the recording of this CD, especially on the high-speed “Holiday Spirit” and a totally loopy take on José Feliciano's “Feliz Navidad” by The dB’s.
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