The Mexicali brass was one of the many (and also nameless) studio groups that recorded for cheap budget labels in the mid 60’s that were made to cash in on the Tijuana Brass’s success.
The musical content of the LP yields no sufficient answer to my questions. Nowhere does the album even mention the model’s name. But, I can say that The Mexicali Brass bring a new level of excitement to our traditionally bland and vapid understanding of Christmas music. Believe it or not, this album is pretty spectacular. It definitely beats Kenny Rogers Christmas under the table (but, then again, so does a bottle of whiskey).
Certain songs like Jingle Bells and Come All Ye Faithful are instantly recognizable, highlighted with only a slight twinge of Mexican swing. However, Deck the Halls, and Joy to the World, are notably harder to pick up on. The chords are stretched, the beat is sped up and the brass dances around the melody almost to the point of obscurity, then promptly catches back up with it. All of the songs have a very 60s swing appeal with Mexican brass overtones; it makes the music forgive me sound sexy.
Yeah, sexy Christmas music. This sexual appeal into traditional Christmas carols no doubt upset our grandparents, but this type of perversion is everything I want to celebrate by reviewing obscure Christmas albums. I can’t help but be reminded of Stephen Colbert’s Mexican counterpart, Esteban Colberto, who has made a few appearances on The Colbert Report. He would, I assume, absolutely love this. It’s funky, swingy and sexy, and it makes me want to grow a mustache.
I don’t know how to salsa by any means, but I think it’s safe to say that there’s a pretty good chance I’ll be attempting just that toward the end of my eggnog laced Christmas party this year. The songs are readily available online, so if you’re in the mood to listen to some Christmas music this season that isn’t sung by the Rat Pack or Trans-Siberian Orchestra (I just dry heaved a little), then I urge you to find a copy of Christmas with the Mexicali Brass. (by Tyler Branson)
Personnel:
unknown
Alternate front + back cover
Tracklist:
01. Jingle Bells 3.40
02. L O’ Little Town Of Bethlehem 2.12
03. The First Noel 2.46
04. Hark The Herald Angels Sing 2.13
05. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 207
06. White Christmas 3.03
07. O’ Come All Ye Faithful 3.25
08. Deck The Halls 3.09
09. Joy To The World 2.44
10. Silent Night 2.57
ManyFantasticColors 