The inaugural 2003 edition of
Sweet Tracks, a series sold exclusively through Best Buy stores
Every year, dozens of promotional
albums or "promos" are issued by records labels, radio stations, and retail stores. Some
are intended for airplay only, while others are sold for a limited time. During
the 1960's, series of these records - especially those sold by Firestone and
Goodyear tire dealers - were among the most popular Christmas albums on the market.
Usually, promotional albums are compiled from widely-distributed major label
catalogs. But, occasionally - and with increasing frequency these days - promotional
albums contain exclusive or hard-to-find tracks to drive record collectors wild.
This page lists the mere handful of Christmas promos that I have picked up for
various reasons, some enumerated below. Even what qualifies an album as promotional
can be fuzzy, but the common thread here is that these records were not widely
available for sale - if at all. So, if you want to track them down, you'll most
likely have to do it the same way I did - by scouring used record stores or by
haunting eBay and other websites. As always,
your feedback is encouraged. Please send additions, corrections, criticisms,
and suggestions via email
.
Title |
Date |
image |
Buy |
Review |
| A&M Records 1997 In-Store Christmas Sampler |
1997 |
|
|
|
A&M Records Christmas Sampler
- above two catalog surveys from Universal-distributed label; all tracks commercially available elsewhere |
1993 |
|
|
|
Capitol Records Chestnuts
- 18 tracks from Capitol Records and associated labels; includes rare tracks from Luscious Jackson, Dexter Freebish |
1999 |
|
|
|
Christmas All Over The Place
- 13 tracks taken from the eclectic Rykodisc catalog; similar to commercially-released Xmas
Marks The Spot (1997) |
1994 |
|
|
|
Christmas Chaos Compilation
- 6-track Warner Music Group alternative EP, no front cover; includes non-LP tracks from Guster and Sixpence None The Richer |
2003 |
|
|
|
Christmas Stocking Stuffers
- catalog sampler from Sony labels Columbia and Epic; all tracks commercially available elsewhere |
1998 |
|
|
|
Christmas Twist
- sold only in Pier One Imports stores; several rare songs including Dada's "My Baby Fell For Old St. Nick" |
2000 |
|
buy |
|
Coca-Cola: Delivering Real Holiday Refreshment
- sampler from Coke, EMI, and now-defunct retailer CDNow.com |
1998 |
|
|
|
Columbia Christmas Classics
- catalog sampler from Sony's flagship label; includes Zebrahead's rare "Deck The Halls (I Hate Christmas)"
|
1999 |
|
|
|
December Songs
- new songs (Smithereens) and catalog classics (Elvis) from RCA |
1994 |
|
|
|
Deck The Halls
- 5-track EP from Houston-based indie label Compadre Records; includes a previously unreleased track by Billy Joe Shaver |
2003 |
|
|
|
Elton John's Christmas party
- smart collection of rockers from Reg Dwight and Starbucks/Hear Music |
2005 |
|
buy |
|
Flip For Toys
five varied modern tracks plus interactive content; distributed exclusively through Target stores |
2001 |
|
|
|
Fruitcake
- five-track alternative rock EP from Tim/Kerr and Capitol Records; given away through the Coalition Of Independent Music Stores |
1997 |
|
|
|
Happy Holidays
- From Your Friends at Redeye Distribution and Yep Roc Records! |
2006 |
|
|
|
Holiday Cheers From Quincy Jones Music Publishing
- eight exclusive tracks, gospel, hip hop, and rhythm & blues |
1997 |
|
|
|
Hope: Island Radio Holiday Sampler
- twelve tracks from the Island Records catalog 1973-1995 |
1995 |
|
|
|
In The Spirit
- 9-track compilation from Elektra Records, sticker on jewel case for front cover; includes rare tracks by the Old 97's, Luna, and Freedy Johnston |
1998 |
|
|
|
Island holiday sampler
- 11 tracks in a red-and-white, round, cardboard slipcase |
1994 |
|
|
|
Jingle This
- Atlantic/Lava alternative sampler, no front cover; two different editions issued - each with slightly different track listings and CD label artwork (one red, one green) |
2004 |
|
|
|
Kevin & Bean: Feel The Warmth Of Kevin and Bean's Wonderful
World of Christmas
- irreverent KROQ morning team commences
long-running series of albums featuring comedy routines and alternative rock (see below) |
1990 |
|
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: Bogus Christmas |
1991 |
|
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: We've Got Your Yule Logs Hangin' |
1992 |
image |
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: Santa Claus Schmanta Claus |
1993 |
image |
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: No Toys For O.J. |
1994 |
image |
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: How the Juice Stole Christmas |
1995 |
image |
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: Christmastime In The LBC |
1996 |
image |
buy |
|
Kevin & Bean: A Family Christmas... In Your Ass
- first-ever CD compiles highlights from above seven LP & cassette tape releases |
1997 |
|
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: Santa's Swingin' Sack |
1998 |
|
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: Last Christmas |
1999 |
|
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: The Real Slim Santa |
2000 |
|
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: Swallow My Egg Nog |
2001 |
|
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: Fo' Shizzle St. Nizzle |
2002 |
|
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: Year They Recalled Santa |
2003 |
|
buy |
|
| Kevin & Bean: Christmastime In The 909 |
2004 |
|
buy |
|
Kevin & Bean: Super Christmas
- yes, they skipped 2005... |
2006 |
|
buy |
|
KLBJ Local Licks: Yule Rock!
- local talent compiled by mainstream rock station in Austin, Texas; all exclusive tracks |
1999 |
|
|
|
KROX 101X-mas
- local talent compiled by alternative rock station in Austin, Texas; largely exclusive tracks, including one by the Butthole Surfers |
1995 |
|
|
|
Mad Tidings
- jazz, gospel, and rhythm & blues from Polygram family of labels |
1993 |
|
|
|
Mark & Brian: Little Drummer Boys
- music and comedy from KLOS radio team's popular show |
2000 |
|
buy |
|
A Merry Little Christmas
- 7-song adult-alternative sampler from Elektra/East-West Records; includes rare tracks from Freedy Johnston and Ween |
1994 |
|
|
|
Mojo Blue Christmas
- 15 rare and/or classic tracks from English music magazine; includes several songs recorded specifically for project |
2005 |
|
|
|
Music To Stuff Any Stocking: 1996 Rhino Christmas Sampler
- 25 tracks taken from the label's varied, voluminous catalog |
1996 |
|
buy |
|
Nine Capitol Christmas Singles On One CD
- title pretty much says it all... |
2000 |
|
|
|
91X-mas Loudspeaker
- produced by George Gimarc for San Diego radio station XTRA-FM |
1993 |
|
buy |
|
| 99X Deck The Hall Ball |
1998 |
|
|
|
99X Deck The Hall Ball
- different cover and track listing than above |
1999 |
|
buy |
|
| 99Xmas Sound Track: Seasons Greetings From 99X |
2000 |
|
buy |
|
| 99Xmas Sound Track Vol. 2: Happy Holidays from 99X |
2001 |
|
|
|
| 99Xmas Sound Track Vol. 3: Happy Holidays from 99X |
2002 |
|
buy |
|
99Xmas Sound Track Vol. 4: Wishing You A Peaceful Holiday Season
- above six compiled by Atlanta rock station WNNX |
2005 |
|
|
|
Peeing In The Snow: New Carols For Modern Times
- compiled by Austin-based recording studio Tequila Mockingbird |
2001 |
|
|
|
The Right Stuff Christmas Sampler/Holiday Guide
- 10-track catalog survey from EMI-distributed reissue label |
1996 |
|
|
|
| Sampler Claus: A Columbia Stocking Stuffer |
1992 |
|
|
|
| The Return Of Sampler Claus |
1993 |
|
|
|
| Sampler Claus Volume III |
1998 |
|
|
|
Sampler Claus 2006
- above four issued by Sony-distributed Columbia Records; series includes a few rare or previously unreleased tracks
|
2006 |
|
|
|
Seasons Greetings From Warner/Chappell Music
- great CD sent to business associates by music publishing giant |
1998 |
|
|
|
Sleigh Me: A Collection of Retro Holiday Classics
- neo-swing presented by Atomic Magazine |
2000 |
|
buy |
|
So This Is Christmas
- 8-track alternative rock CD from Atlantic Records; cover art by Daniel Johnston |
1996 |
|
|
|
Something Festive
- A&M Records sampler sold through B.F. Goodrich tire dealerships |
1968 |
|
|
|
| Sounds Of The Season: The Country Collection (2003) |
2003 |
|
buy |
|
| Sounds Of The Season: The Country Collection (2004) |
2004 |
|
buy |
|
| Sounds Of The Season: The Country Collection (2005) |
2005 |
|
buy |
|
| Sounds Of The Season: The NBC Holiday Collection (2003) |
2003 |
|
buy |
|
| Sounds Of The Season: The NBC Holiday Collection (2004) |
2004 |
|
buy |
|
| Sounds Of The Season: The NBC Holiday Collection (2005) |
2005 |
|
buy |
|
| Sounds Of The Season: The R&B Collection (2003) |
2003 |
|
buy |
|
| Sounds Of The Season: The R&B Collection (2004) |
2004 |
|
buy |
|
Sounds Of The Season: The R&B Collection (2005)
- above nine initially sold exclusively at Target stores; most have several exclusive tracks; after 2005 the company switched to albums dedicated to individual artists |
2005 |
|
buy |
|
Sub Pop Holiday Sound Spectacular
- five track sampler hosted by Combustible Edison's The Millionaire; includes songs from Sub Pop's "Happy Holidays" series of promo CD greeting cards featuring Combustible Edison (1994), Thornetta Davis (1995), and Mike Ireland (1997) |
1997 |
|
|
|
| Sweet Tracks 2003 |
2003 |
|
buy |
|
| Sweet Tracks 2004 |
2004 |
|
buy |
|
Sweet Tracks 2005
- above three sold only in Best Buy electronics stores; all tracks exclusive, rare, or previously unreleased; packaged in specially-designed tin cannisters; series moved to digital-only in 2006, then discontinued |
2005 |
|
buy |
|
A Taste Of Triple A, Vol. 13
- holiday-themed radio promo from "adult album alternative" series |
2005 |
|
|
|
Universal Records Christmas Sampler
- four previously unreleased alternative rock songs |
1997 |
|
|
|
Virgin Christmas CD
- UK 2-disc set promoting holiday catalog of Virgin Records |
2000 |
|
|
|
Westwood One: A Holiday Happening
- part of syndicated radio network's 'Rarities On Compact Disc' series; 24 tracks, some still quite rare, others now common
|
1992 |
|
|
|
White Christmas Album
- Doctor Dream CD sampler packaged like the Beatles' White Album; 10 exclusive tracks featuring Tiny Lights, Walking Wounded |
1991 |
|
|
|
Winter Warnerland
- exclusive tracks and holiday greetings from Warner Brothers; released as 2-LP set and single CD |
1988 |
|
|
|
Wishing You A Way-Cool Yule
- produced by EMI Special Markets for Standard Federal Bank (MI) |
1999 |
|
|
|
You Sleigh Me
- early 9-song promotional version of 12-song 1995
Atlantic album; track selection varies considerably from officially released version; cover art by Daniel Johnston not used on commercial release |
1994 |
|
|
|
Yule Fuel: 1992 Rhino Christmas Sampler
- 28 tracks taken from the label's varied, voluminous catalog |
1992 |
|
buy |
|
Yulesville
- Warner Brothers radio promo with holiday greetings from artists; exclusive songs from Aztec Camera, Los Lobos, and Book Of Love; 12-inch red vinyl LP, never issued on CD |
1987 |
|
|
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