Monday, December 1, 2008

The Border Brass - Tijuana Christmas

Found this record in an Arizona thrift store. I could hardly contain myself. I mean, look at that cover. What goodness could be contained in it's vinyl grooves. Even after buying the record I have to wait until I traveled back to Cali to put it on my record player. In the words of Tom Petty, "the waiting is the hardest part". But it was worth it, because the record was exactly what I hoped it would be. Herb Alpert style faux Tijuana border music with plenty or horns. And for what it's worth, the record is comparable to any of the A&M artists like Herb Alpert, Sergio Mendez, Brasil '66. This is truly a great find, that you won't find on CD anywhere to my knowledge.

Enjoy!

01 We Wish You A Merry Christmas.mp3
02 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.mp3
03 What Child Is This.mp3
04 Deck The Halls.mp3
05 Jingle Bells.mp3
06 Tijuana Christmas.mp3
07 Jolly Old St Nicholas.mp3
08 Christmas Bells.mp3
09 The First Noel.mp3
10 Silent Night.mp3

Border Brass.zip

10 comments:

Unknown said...

This album defines Christmas for me. My folks have it on vinyl, and it's played every Christmas at my parent's house. It's meant as a Herb Alpert parody, apparently, but I could care less.

"Tijuana Christmas" (track 6) is easily my favorite track on the album. Something about the horse sound...

Thanks for posting it. I've downloaded it from a different place every December for the past 4 years... lots each year around this time.

Spencer said...

Thanks for your comments. I'm just glad to spread the holiday cheer.

Unknown said...

I love this album...listened to it as a kid, know every track by heart, and this year, my turntable is kaput...was kind of depressed thinking I'd have to do without. Thanks for having it here!

cpkarmy74 said...

I grew up listening to this album almost every Christmas. My older brother would always play it. Over the years it has become my favorite Christmas album. I finally found it a couple years ago in my mother's record collection. Just last year, as my Christmas present while I was in Iraq, I had her take it to a business that could transfer records to CD's and I now have it on my iPod.

Unknown said...

I also grew up listening to this album every Christmas! As an adult, I've always wanted to find a copy, and here it is!! Now throw in a little Elvis' Christmas Album, some Carpenter's Christmas, and some choral music (by I don't remember who, but was on a really cool red translucent record!), and you have my Christmas soundtrack as a kid, circa 1970's. =)

Unknown said...

My parents have an original vinyl, but no record player anymore. Can't seem to find this on cd, can you help?

Spencer said...

Send me an e-mail and I'll hook you up.

sfilichia@sbcglobal.net

Ruby Doomsday said...

Hahaha... I just finished reviewing this album on my blog, and I liked it too! I am enjoying reading through your blog... it's very cool.

Spencer said...

Thanks for the compliment. Checked out your blog. Very cool doing the video review.

Johanna Steff said...

I found a web site with a free download of each song from this album! I'm so excited because this was my favorite Christmas record when I was little. I used to drive my older sister crazy by playing it all the time. I'm excited to show it to her this Christmas now, it brings back a lot of good memories. :) The webside is: http://www.jeffco.ca/christmas/music/tijuana_christmas/tijuana_christmas.php Enjoy! I know I will!