Bah humbugites will not like this CD compilation as some of our favourite remixers spruce up some worn out Christmas tunes.

Top ranking must go to Madlib’s younger bro’ Oh No as not even Jimmy Smith would have thought ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ could be so hip hop. And then there’s Christian Prommer who had his Drum Lesson Vol. 1 album out this year and turned up at the Big Chill Festival and on various compilations including Supperclub: Jealousy. Taking on Shirley Horn and ‘Winder Wonderland’ is another hard job but the timing couldn’t be better with the World Darts championships on the box.

And talking of Big Chill, The Orb came back and they bravely take on Louis Armstrong’s ‘What A Wonderful World’; admittedly, a ‘Fluffy Little Clouds’ on such a classic like this (written by Bob Thiele and first released 40 years ago) but I think it works.

Another choice on Supperclub: Jealousy turns up to end this CD with Fink’s remix of Nina Simone’s ‘Chilly Winds’.

Which reminds me, it’s hard to believe that the first Verve // Remixed came out in 2002 with the notable Mark De Clive-Lowe Remix of Shirley Horn’s ‘Return To Paradise’ and Nina Simone’s ‘See-Line Woman’ remixed by those Masters At Work. And for those that aren’t that keen on modern interpretations could always tuck into the Verve // Unmixed edition.

Whilst the high standards of Vol. 1 might have slipped a couple of times in subsequent editions (currently on Vol. 4), the covers have always been excellent and this mod-version of a snow mobile with DJ decks on rear and modelled by a Sophia Loren type in the snow!

A CD ideal for the stocking and once you’ve pulled the crackers, even Yesking’s remix will get you on your feet for a bit of 60s ska influenced merriment. Merry Christmas everybody.

Reviewed: Various - Verve // Remixed Christmas (Verve) Cat. No. 060255177848627 Release date: Christmas 2008
Tracklisting:
1. Count Basie - Good Morning Blues (Real Tuesday Weld Clerkenwell Remix) (3:53)
2. Louis Armstrong - Zat You, Santa Clause? (The Heavy Remix) (2:55)
3. Ella Fitzgerald - What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve (Magini Vs. Pallin Mix) (3:22)
4. Billie Holiday - I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (Yesking Remix) (5:29)
5. Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World (The Orb Remix) (5:31)
6. Shirley Horn - Winter Wonderland (Christian Prommer Remix) (4:34)
7. Jimmy Smith - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Oh No Remix) (3:34)
8. Nina Simone - I Am Blessed (Wax Tailor Remix) (3:02)
9. Dinah Washington - Silent Night (Brazilian Girls Remix) (3:09)
10. Mel Tormé - The Christmas Song (Sonny J Remix) (6:03)
11. Nina Simone - Chilly Winds (Fink Remix) (5:32)

Links:
www.ververemixed.com
CNJ 24th July 2008 - The chill that just gets bigger www.cnj.co.uk
www.lovegoddess.info/Sophia.htm