While we're in the 1960s, we can't ignore the biggest dance craze of that decade - and one of the biggest ever - The Twist!
It seemed like every song was getting a Twist arrangement back then, so why not "Jingle Bells" as well?
We start off with Santo & Johnny with this recording on Canadian-American Records from 1960:
This was actually a pretty good seller for the duo, who were still riding high from their smash hit "Sleep Walk" of the year before.
"Sleep Walk" is one of my favorite records ever, so Santo & Johnny (brothers with the last name Farina) can do no wrong with me!
Here's a fun clip of the boys playing "Sleep Walk" on the Perry Como TV show in 1959:
That is a blast!
The name recognition factor drops off a cliff as we check out some other "Jingle Bells" Twist variations, starting with Johnny Mendell on Jamie Records 1n 1961:
That's a fun record! I get a "Jingle Bells" meets "Sweet Little Sixteen" (Chucky Berry's 1958 hit) vibe and I feel it anticipates "Surfin' USA," which the Beach Boys recorded in 1963. Did Brian Wilson possible hear this record?
Anyway, the Jamie label was best-known as the home of Twangy Guitar superstar Duane Eddy, who recorded extensively for the label, but no Christmas songs.
Even less-known than Johnny Mandell are the Versatiles, who offer this surf-ish version from 1961:
Sorry for the bad sound, but it's a fun record, clocking in at over three minutes, quite long for that sort of thing!
Then there's the Brazian instrumental group the Jet Black's with this cut from (maybe) 1964:
Apparently the Jet Black's got their name from the song "Jet Black" by the Shadows (originally recorded when they were still known as the Drifters). That's dedication!
Let's give that one a listen:
So, some interesting twists on the theme!
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