Album of the Day

With 1997's COME ON CHRISTMAS, Dwight Yoakam brings his trademark mix of honky tonk and rootsy rock to 10 holiday songs, and the result is an album that belongs under any country listener's Christmas tree. Bookended by a pair of superb originals (the title track and “Santa Can't Stay”), the selections include both uptempo boppers (the Elvis cover “Santa Claus Is Back in Town” was a minor country hit) and familiar carols (“Away In A Manger”), and Yoakam delivers them with spirit and conviction. Longtime producer Pete Anderson leads a solid band behind the singer, with additional harmonizing from Ricky Skaggs and “Silver Bells” duet partner Beth Anderson.  As we await the big day, COME ON CHRISTMAS will provide a Stetson hatful of holiday cheer.