Alternative Christmas Records: Trojan Christmas Box Set - Various Artists Review

Alright, this is one of the most expansive of Christmas records that I will be reviewing this month. This is 50 tracks of alternative Christmas music from the Trojan record label. Trojan and Studio One are the most famous and iconic of labels from Jamaica. They specialize in reggae, ska, and dub music. These tracks aren’t new, they are from back in the day, and they all represent that Jamaican flavor that you would expect from reggae records. As far as I’m concerned, the Trojan Christmas Box Set is perhaps the best stocking stuffer you’re going to get today.

I first caught wind of this in Idaho. I was miserable one Christmas, and they had this for 5 bucks used, so you know me, I had to purchase it. It cheered me up that Christmas as 50 tracks of compelling Jamaican flavor came coming through my stereo. There are some traditional elements here, but for the most part, each single artist does their own rendition of the classics, and sometimes, they completely butcher what you would expect. That’s not done on purpose, it’s just how the bands and artists decided to cover the songs. There are a few originals found in here with a twist, like “Santa Claus is Ska-ing To Town”, “Santa Claus Never Comes To The Ghetto”, “Ding Dong Bell”, and so many more.


If you’re not familiar with any of the artists from the Trojan Christmas Box Set, don’t worry. These guys are household names when it comes to ska, reggae, and dub. No, not DUB STEP! Some of the artists found on the records include John Holt, Yellowman, Granville Williams Orchestra, Peter Broggs, The Ethiopians, Pablo Black, The Tamlins, Desmond Dekker, The Aces, Hopeton and Primo, and so many more. There are 50 tracks on this box set, and if you love Christmas and reggae together, this is going to be one of your favorite records to play all year long. I love it. It’s not for everyone mind you, but it’s awesome none the less.

If you’re going to pick up a seriously alternative Christmas record, then pick up the Trojan Christmas Box Set, it’s 50 tracks of reggae, ska, and dub Christmas songs from Trojan to you.


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