BF 21 / LP
A decade before they were one of the biggest soul acts in the world, the Staple Singers were a popular gospel group, who had spent the ’50s building a steady fanbase across the country. In 1962, when the family band released their first Christmas album, they were on the verge of breaking through to wider audiences. Within a few years, they would not only be performing alongside rock and folk music’s biggest names but would also be an important voice in the Civil Rights movement.
Featuring the family band’s classic line-up (Roebuck “Pops” Staples with his children Mavis, Cleotha and Pervis), The Twenty-Fifth Day of December showcases the group’s powerful harmonies, set against stripped-down arrangements. Backed by Pops’ reverb-heavy guitar, the Staples are joined by Maceo Woods on organ and Al Duncan on drums, as they perform a collection of traditional spirituals and yuletide favorites, including “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”
Praised by AllMusic as “a striking and powerful listen,” and hailed an “essential” listen by PopMatters, The Twenty-Fifth Day of December is a must-have holiday record for any fans of soul, folk or gospel music. This special pressing features all-analog mastering from the original stereo tapes by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl, and will be available on 180-gram vinyl for an optimal listening experience.
Tracklist:
Side A
- The Last Month of the Year
- The Virgin Mary Had One Son
- Go Tell It on the Mountain
- Joy to the World
- Holy Unto the Lord
- The Savior Is Born
Side B
- Sweet Little Jesus Boy
- No Room at the Inn
- There Was a Star
- O Little Town of Bethlehem
- Wasn’t That a Mighty Day
- Silent Night
