But Elvis, who in the 50's was as faithful to the tracks of the steep curve of success as Santa Claus was to the sky tent on sleigh runners, made the trick possible with his "Christmas Album" by singing a mixture of popular Christmas songs and seasonal standards for the record.

The King delivers a rocky version of "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" just as convincing as the nature-idyllic year-end song "Peace In The Valley". Of course, the most-recorded Christmas hit "White Christmas", sold 35 million times in the Bing Crosby version alone, should not be missing here. And perhaps the sensitively interpreted "Silent Night" also contributed a little to the immortality of the former truck driver from Tennessee.

In earthly currency, the original changes hands for around 500 US dollars if the enclosed gift sticker is still available. And because it's Christmas, there's the coveted sticker at the re-release.

AllMusic rating: