The Bottom Line
Pros
- 10 tracks from the original to the traditional, each one unique in some way
Cons
- None
Description
- 10 Christmas-themed tracks from the traditional to songs tinted with Tex-Mex flavor
- Two original Los Lonely Boys compositions
- Released October 2008 by Epic Records
Guide Review - Music Review: Los Lonely Boys - 'Christmas Spirit'
But there's nothing patchwork or rushed about the result. Instead we get an album that feels like we're spending the holidays at home with the Garzas and get to benefit from their consummate musicianship.
There are two tracks that were written by LLB for the album: "I've Longed For Christmas" and "She'll Be My Everything." Both tracks are pleasant enough, falling in line with the expected Los Lonely Boys repertoire, though I doubt they'll become classics.
But the band shines with the other 8 traditional and popular songs.
First up is a cover of Chuck Berry's hit "Run Run Rudolph" and they sure have Berry's style down with 'Johnny B. Goode' style guitar riffs and 'Great Balls of Fire' style keyboard. "Carol of the Bells" is all instrumental, starting out slow & traditional and gearing up to wild guitars with a real Tex-Mex cowboy feel.
"Away in the Manger" has minimal instrumentals allowing the Garza bros. voices & sweet harmonies to come through while "Feliz Navidad" rocks.
The 'piece de resistance' is "Jingle Bells." If you think there's not too much anyone can do with the first Christmas tune all kids learn to sing, you haven't heard this version which sounds like a joyfully channeled Jimmy Durante.
Since we can't join the Garzas for their family Christmas (and you'll wish we could) the next best thing is to play this album at your own home and make your Christmas as festive as this album.