Christmas Is 4 Ever

by Steve LeggettIt should probably come as no surprise that Bootsy Collins completely blows up the concept of what a Christmas album should be on Christmas Is 4 Ever as he deconstructs, reassembles and totally funks up several holiday standards in what might be the best Christmas dance party album ever made. "Jingle Bells," "Winter Wonderland" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" end up filtered through Collins' P-Funk zone into tracks called "Jingle Belz," "WinterFunkyLand" and "Boot-Off," respectively, while Chucky the Funky Reindeer shows up in the careening "Sleigh Ride" (which features some whack fiddle from Charlie Daniels), and the whole affair bounces, bubbles and pulses like a holiday lava lamp set at hyper speed, full of call-outs and vocal asides. It's one impressive energetic bundle of holiday cheer. Snoop Dogg guests on "Happy Holidaze." Bobby Womack handles the lead vocal on the title track. Meanwhile Bootsy stomps through this cartoon neon landscape like some ultra jolly hip-hop Santa, spreading glad tidings and good will to all and making sure everyone keeps their feet moving. This is some Christmas groove. Grandma might even like it.