Natty Christmas, Jacob Miller and Ray I (VP)

Another recent CD release for a reggae Christmas album from the 70s that I originally owned on vinyl and bought in a Toronto bodega. Only five cuts, but three are epic length workouts. Jacob and Ray give us old school reggae versions of familiar carols like "Wish You a Merry Christmas," which somehow becomes "Irie Christmas," "On the Twelve Day of Ismas," "All I Want For Ismas," which is as much an ode to herb as to the holiday, plus "Deck the Halls" and "Silver Bells/Natty No Santa Claus." A bit monochromatic sounding to some ears no doubt, but this 1978 album still makes a nice holiday change of pace.