Full disclosure: prior to pressing play on Barnesy’s Christmas album, the very idea of him scream-singing carols – in his signature style – gave me the heebie-jeebies.
But how very wrong I was! (Sorry, Jimmy.) I mean, have you heard the title track/Christmas song? Who knew Jimmy Barnes could croon like Elvis!? Don’t believe me? Just listen! You’d never guess it were Barnes without foreknowledge – no shit!
Also, if you’re tipping Jimmy belts out the loudest-ever rendition of Silent Night, think again. This yuletide classic is delivered in melodious fashion with pleasing vibrato and features delicate glockenspiel accents.
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Check out the so-Aussie blue Holden Monaro on the album cover as well: its number plate was switched out for the serial number of The King’s original Blue Christmas single release – how’s that for attention to detail?
The story goes that when he was gifted a collection of carols one Christmas morn, which his children had secretly recorded, Barnesy was reduced to a blubbering mess. So he decided to record his first Christmas album as a gift back to his kids, grandkids and fans.
Elsewhere: Barnsey sounds the most like his usual raucous self during upbeat rockers Run Run Rudolf and Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, Little Drummer Boy is resplendent with military drum rolls and closer Auld Lang Syne pays tribute to his Scottish heritage (bagpipes and all).
Label: Bloodlines
Release date: 25 November
