FAB CHRISTMAS

Back in an era when The Beatles recorded and released a new single every three months, a new album every six months, and made countless appearances on radio, stage, and television, the group also took time out each year to record holiday greetings to be sent on flexi-discs to fan club members. The band created seven recordings between 1963 and 1970. The approach was a bit freeform and steeped in humor (Rather Goon-like, I think), as John, Paul, George, and Ringo improvised funny songs and messages, and joked from the studio. One of the highlights for me: the lads convince Ringo to sing Good King Wenceslas like a nightclub singer, after which George quips, "Thank you, Ringo. We'll phone you." Although the recordings have appeared over the years on bootlegs (and one on the official Anthology), a complete collection has never been released- until this week! A new 7-record box set hits the stores on Thursday, and fans will have a chance to peer into the studio with The Beatles and catch the vibe of those creative (and culture-shifting!) times. Christmas time is here again! From the press release: "The Beatles’ Festive Fan Club Holiday Recordings are coming on seven colored vinyl singles with original artwork – out December 15th. The Beatles’ annual holiday tradition of recording jolly Christmas messages for fan club members was an important part of the band’s relationship with their most ardent supporters, affectionately referred to by them as “Beatle People.” Never released beyond the fan club until now, The Beatles’ seven holiday messages have been newly pressed on a rainbow of seven-inch colored vinyl singles for The Christmas Records box set, to be released worldwide on December 15." More info at Amazon and The Beatles. Enjoy!

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