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The Little River Band, an Aussie pop-rock band with country leanings, has enjoyed an international presence for more than 30 years, including running "Top Ten" singles in the U.S. for six consecutive years in the late 70s and early 80s. Although the band's current configuration bears little resemblance to the original group, the core of well-constructed, upbeat, catchy music remains constant. We Call It Christmas represents an adult contemporary perspective that is warm, welcoming, and easy-on-the-ears.

The seasonal music is largely modern, and several tracks were new to me. The overall tone is reverent, yet celebratory. The vocalists here (lead vocals are handled by Greg Hind & Wayne Nelson) are uniformly smooth and strong, and the band is consistently solid. The harmonies sparkle (the rounds on The Season of Love are particularly fun). For those seeking an easy-going pop-rock holiday release that refuses to endlessly rehash age-old familiar carols, We Call It Christmas has much to offer. That being said, I must confess that Silent Night (an essentially instrumental version arranged by Stephen Housden & Wayne Nelson) is one of my favorite cuts. The hardest rocking number is probably Neil Diamond's fine You Make It Feel Like Christmas. The Western-tinged 'Til the Season Comes "Round Again nicely closes the album with charm and a melancholy edge.

For folks of a "certain age," the Little River Band is the sort of group that you remember fondly, while scratching your head and wondering what exactly the band is doing today. As it turns out, the talented members have been cooking up a brand new holiday treat, and We Call It Christmas is the entertaining confection!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Reindeer:
Rich Herring: Guitars, Vocals
Stephen Housden: Guitars
Greg Hind: Guitars, Lead Vocals
Chris Marion: Keyboards, Vocals
Wayne Nelson: Bass, Lead Vocals
Kip Raines: Drums, Percussion
Mel Watts: Drums, Percussion

Angels:
Susan Ashton: Vocals
Lisa Gregg: Vocals
Suzanne Karr: Vocals
Andrea Zonn: Violin, Viola, Vocals

Elves:
Jan Janvier: FOH Engineer (teller of all tales)
Dan Lastovka: Monitor Engineer (fixer of all toys)
Pat Ryan: Guitar Tech (finder of all goodies)
Pat Whitwam: Lighting Director (peace on earth)

Arranged and Produced by Little River Band



From the Website:

Little River Band was the first Australian band to successfully conquer foreign markets from an Australian base.

Within eight months of their birth, LRB had already scored three Australian Top 20 singles and two Top Ten albums. In 1976, after their self-titled debut album was released in the USA, the long grind of 13 US tours in eight years had begun.

By 1982 they became the only act - from anywhere - to have a top ten US single for six consecutive years.

Headlining their own major shows in America, and touring internationally with the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Supertramp, America, and the Eagles was a huge learning curve that honed LRB into one of the finest live bands in the world.

Record success ran alongside - total record sales around the world have eclipsed the 25 million mark. 16 hit singles by 1985, as well as gold, platinum, and multi-platinum album sales awards. All-told LRB have notched up eight top 10 singles in the US, where just two of their songs, Reminiscing and Lady, have more than 8 million radio plays between them.

Through the years LRB has thrived as a highly respected and constantly in-demand outfit, going about their craft with a dedication to excellence and professionalism that few, if any, can match.

Little River Band

We Call It Christmas

Artist link

Track List