| A Christmas Record | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Compilation album by Various artists | |
| Released | November 1981 |
| Recorded | 1981 |
| Studio | Detroit, Brooklyn, Manhattan |
| Genre | Christmas |
| Length | 39:22 (1981 issue) 36:58 (1982 issue) 50:38 (2004 CD issue) |
| Label | ZE, Island |
A Christmas Record is an LP originally released in 1981 by ZE Records. It was recorded by various musicians from that label's roster, including Was (Not Was), August Darnell, Material, Suicide, Cristina, and The Waitresses, all performing original seasonal songs. The album was reissued in 1982, as a "Special Edition", with a revised track listing. In 2004, a further revised version was issued on CD, as ZE Xmas Record Reloaded 2004. The 2004 version was remastered and re-released again in 2016 under its original title and artwork, with one of the 1982 "Special Edition" songs restored.
The record has been described as "the first-ever alternative Christmas album".[1] ZE Records founder Michel Esteban has described it as an "improbable and delicious offering."[2] It is widely, but unofficially, known as the "ZE Christmas Album". It featured the first release of The Waitresses' "Christmas Wrapping", a song later frequently included on numerous seasonal compilations, particularly in the UK, where it reached the singles chart in December 1982.
- ^ "Hip Christmas: ZE Christmas Record". Retrieved 21 March 2011.
- ^ "Michel Esteban, Liner notes for 2004 reissue". Archived from the original on 2011-09-29. Retrieved 21 March 2011.