Red Simpson Truckers' Christmas CD

Red Simpson's 1973 LP Truckers' Christmas was, according to country expert Rich Kienzle's brief liner note to the 2004 CD reissue on Sundazed, "the first -- and only -- holiday trucker album." That counts for something, if only sheer novelty value. Yet, like many a Christmas album, it wasn't very memorable. Simpson at least did put some effort into the enterprise, writing or co-writing nine of the ten tracks. Still, the songs are (again, like many a holiday recording) contrived to fit the seasonal concept, and relayed in a tepid, middle-of-the-road honky tonk style. The maudlin sentiments are, unsurprisingly, sometimes played up with spoken introductions and narrative segments, and sometimes geared toward the kids, as when Red promises that "Dad Will Be Home for Christmas." Another tune for the little ones, "Little Toy Trucks," does at least benefit from some pretty hot country picking in the extended instrumental break, which sadly alternates guitar solos with some treacly keyboards. ~ Richie Unterberger