73 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!
Original release date: October 6th 1998
Buy Christmas Caravan here (Amazon)
I first discovered the jazz-swing fusion delights of Squirrel Nut Zippers via their insatiably scorching hit Hell (taken from their breakout album Hot) - I was hooked. What really appealed to me was how the band took the music my dad loved and made it into something exhilarating and contemporary; yet still music two generations in my family would enjoy. Hot kept my temperature rising for 2 years before they delivered a double whammy in 1998 - their Perennial Favourites opus, followed by a holiday album Christmas Caravan. I was delighted by both, but most surprised to winter vacation in their Christmas Caravan - it didn't seem the most obvious project for them (but then that is what made it so exciting). I remember having to buy it on import here in the UK to make sure I got an early listen to their take on the most wonderful time of the year...
The album opened with the lovely lolloping Winter Weather, a song that instantly spread a little festive cheer by taking you back to the jazzy clubs of the 50s - making you feel like you are right there in the smoky dust as the band perform on stage, singing of the delights of the season as the perfect time to cuddle up (nice reference to I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm). The more wry insights they are known for come on the sleazy sounds of Indian Giver (not a phrase that's acceptable anymore) - all about the folks who present the presents but then participate in partaking of them as if they are their own gifts. There is a great moment half way through the song where trumpet solo merges into an accelerated tempo - its a musical narrative to let you know the frustration and hilarity of the situation all at once.
A Johnny Ace Christmas helps slow down the insanity of the season with a bluesy romp that helps the worries of the year fade away and nothing else seems to matter but that vibrant instrumental and that gloriously nuanced vocal. Next up is My Evergreen, an old style crooner ballad that feels like it wouldn't have been out of place in White Christmas or Holiday Inn. The band always did have a way of making their songs timeless and timely all at the same time. It is why when Sleigh Ride (the album's only cover version) comes along, it slots seamlessly alongside their own compositions. It sets a peppy pace and feels like a whole lotta fun - as if you are riding in that titular mode of transport, chill in your cheeks and wind in your hair. No words are needed because a) you all know the song and b) the instrumental does all the talking...
A nice slice of American on I'm Coming Home For Christmas - because the real American folk story is this type of musing set to a melancholy guitar and surrounded by layered vocals. It is beautifully done - a real transfixing moment in an album full of musical alchemy. What's that up on the roof is the question you ask when having a Carolina Christmas. It is a dizzy interlude - just two minutes of radio heaven, with a finger click groove and a healthy dollop of humour that will make you glad from head to mistletoe. With some lovely violin from Andrew Bird and mandolin by Hawkeye Jordan, The Gift of the Magi lays down some truths about the commercial realities of the holidays - when the expectations of those you love far surpass the abilities of what is your wallet. Why this one isn't covered on every country artist's Christmas album is far beyond me.
Never forget that Squirrel Nut Zippers far surpassed other swing-jazz combos because they fully understood that this type of music should always have an element of good time in it but always balanced with a frisson of hedonism. The instrumental opening to Hot Christmas is an apt reminder of this, the score to stumbling on a bawdy party where inhibitions are left at the door. Don't worry though, everyone is society decent enough to be Hanging Up My Stockings - the album's final moment brings the Christmas Caravan full circle. A lyrical narrative paints an expressive landscape that conjures up in your mind's eye while you sleepily fall asleep to this jazzy lullaby, ready for the big man to slide down your chimney and work his wonders. Now go check out that 2019 record store day vinyl reissue!
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