V/A – Merry Mixmas: Christmas Classics Remixed / 2005 EMI / 15 Tracks / http://www.emi.com / Reviewed 22 October 2005

The opening track to “Merry Mixmas” really doesn’t sound too far off from the original Bing Crosby track; while the track does have a “fresh” (not dated by poor recording) sound, there is really little to mark this as a creation of the new millennium. Nat King Cole’s remix (by MJ Cole) adds a little too electronic of sequencing to the original. The bass sounds synthesized instead of actually played, and really diminishes the importance of the original track. The first actual re-mix of a track (at least the first track one can honestly hear the work of a third party) has to be the trippy re-done version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” (originally done by Dean Martin).

The chunky, electrified sound of the drum lines, coupled with the hollow sound of various other Martin quotes, really makes this track something more contemporary, in the vein of Junkie XL’s remix of “A Little More Conversation”. In much the same style is Ella Fitzgerald’s “Sleigh Ride”, which is redone by The Latin Project into a more sultry, nineties-looking r&b track. Obviously, the disc has tracks re-done by a complete host of re-mixers (which are all pretty under the radar in terms of popularity), but don’t let that be a reason to pass up on this collection. The “Mambo Mix” of “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” adds some pep to the tired old standard, while this is continued with the up-beat “Everybody’s Waiting For The Man With The Bag”. After the first half of the CD, the standards tend to decrease in popularity; I would say that individuals under twenty-five might not know tracks like ‘The Christmas Waltz” and “I’ve Got Love To Keep Me Warm”. The decision for Capitol/EMI to elicit remixes of these tracks ensures that these tracks will be noticed by both young (those who aren’t familiar with the tracks) and old (who will be amazed by the newness of these old Christmas gems).

“Merry Mixmas” moves beyond just being a seasonal album and moves into the realm of normal music; the fusion of new and old ensures that critics and casual fans alike will dig this album. Hell, “I’ve Got Love To Keep Me Warm” could be tweaked just a slight bit more to be the next big dancer hit; the vocals present on the track are the equivalent to newer Whitney Houston or ever someone like Brandy.

Top Tracks I’ve Got Love To Keep Me Warm, Baby It’s Cold Outside

Rating: 6.0/10

[JMcQ]