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Christmas Island is an album by the musician Leon Redbone.[3][4] It was released in 1988, with a rerelease the following year.[5][6]

Christmas Island
Studio album by Leon Redbone
Released	1988
Label	August Records[1] Private Music[2]
Producer	Beryl Handler, Leon Redbone
Leon Redbone chronology
No Regrets (1988) Christmas Island (1988) Sugar (1990)

The title track has been mentioned in many works of fiction.[7][8][9]

Production

The album was recorded in three days.[10] Redbone picked songs that he thought would appeal to listeners who didn't usually enjoy Christmas music.[11] He duetted with Dr. John on "Frosty the Snowman".[5] "Winter Wonderland" contains a dobro solo.[12] "Christmas Ball Blues" is a version of the song made popular by Bessie Smith.[13]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[14]
Robert Christgau	B+[15]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[16]
MusicHound Folk: The Essential Album Guide	[17]
Orlando Sentinel	[6]

Robert Christgau wrote: "Beyond sacred schlock-by-association and rock and roll gifts, Christmas is a pop holiday that plays best in the background, which suits Redbone's forgettable old-timey lassitude."[15] The Philadelphia Inquirer concluded that, "with a deep, wavery delivery, the growl-voiced blues-folkie comes across as a kind of Crosby on Quaaludes."[18] The St. Petersburg Times stated that Redbone's "trademark laconic style puts an entirely new spin on these tunes."[19]

The Washington Post determined that "after a while the effortless renditions start sounding too similar."[20] The Los Angeles Times deemed the album "sultry, desert-island swing."[12] The Orlando Sentinel noted the "bittersweet" atmosphere, writing that the songs are "exceptional, true-to-the-original versions."[6] The Toronto Sun opined that Redbone's "cornball style is tailor-made for traditional hokum."[21]

AllMusic praised Redbone's "joyous performance."[14]

Track listing

References

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