The Last Month Of The Year Review

07/13/2005 7:34 AM, AMG


For a number of years, artists made Christmas albums without worrying too much about offending anyone who believed differently. Perhaps the Kingston Trio were ahead of their time when they opted to name their holiday album The Last Month of the Year. Of course, after one gets the title right, he or she can settle down to singing a bunch of Christmas songs. The Kingston Trio come out as winners, nonetheless, because of their eclectic and unusual song choices. One learns, for instance, that "Bye Bye Thou Little Tiny Child" came from a 1534 mystery play, and that carolers, stocked with bowls of spiced ale, sang "Sommerset Gloucestershire Wassail" in the 18th century. The catchy "Goodnight My Baby" celebrates the joys of fatherhood, while "Mild Mary" throws in a bit of Oriental mysticism. Familiar fare, including "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Go Where I Send Thee," help to balance out the proceedings. Dave Guard, Nick Reynolds, and Bob Shane present their holiday music in the simple, straightforward fashion of the folk revival, mixing their trademark harmonies with acoustic instruments. Pleasing music from a seemingly simpler time, The Last Month of the Year will please Kingston Trio Fans and anyone interested in less familiar holiday fare. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide