Icon: A Very Special Christmas

The proceeds from the sale of A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS will go to benefit Special Olympics International.
Producers include: Jimmy Iovine, Roy Bittan, Rick Rubin, Bob Rock, Jon Landau.
Engineers include: Scott Litt, Thom Panunzio, Shelly Yakus.
Includes liner notes by Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Recording information: A&M Studios, Hollywood, CA (1968); Radio Recorders (1968); Record Plant Studios (1968); Starstruck Studios (1968); The Lake House (1968).
Recorded to benefit the Special Olympics, this has some of the biggest names in contemporary music, most covering seasonal favorites with mixed success. Outstanding tracks include the Pretenders "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," with Chrissie Hynde giving a touching performance. Run-D.M.C.'s topical "Christmas in Hollis" relies heavily on sampling "Back Door Santa," and may head you toward the dance floor. Alison Moyet's stately version of "The Coventry Carol" is beautifully haunting. Only the Material Girl, Madonna, embarrasses herself with an overly campy "Santa Baby." ~ Dennis MacDonald