Christmas Party With Eddie G.
Eddie G. ("no relation to Kenny," as his liner notes emphasize) is a Hollywood comedy writer who gained some notoriety for his annual made-for-friends Christmas tapes. In 1990, Columbia released one of his tapes on CD, and it remains among the finest Christmas compilations on the market. Highlights include such delights as Detroit Junior's rockin' "Christmas Day," the Skeletons' innovative blend of "Do You Hear What I Hear" with the Kinks' "You Really Got Me" (taking up where the Ventures left off on their Christmas LP), and terrific contributions from Foghat (yes, Foghat!), Louis Prima, and George Jones & Tammy Wynette, who are oh-so-fine on "Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus."  Devotees still long for volume two.--Bill Holdship