This 18th edition of "Chip's Tips" announces the upcoming 2018 Christmas CD releases from Real Gone Music.

Unfortunately, this year's announcement begins with the disappointing news that my Top 3 projects were not granted legal clearances by the record companies this year: Jim Reeves (Sony), Leroy Anderson (UMG) and Jack Halloran (UMG). My consolation prize was the McGuire Sisters, which saved the year as this season's *star* Christmas CD release.

Sony and UMG (Universal Music Group) both proved difficult to deal with this year. This was especially disappointing for Sony, after years of good, consistent cooperation. And as for UMG; well, it's akin to what the great Yogi Berra used to say: "it's like déjà vu all over again," as it seems that UMG was back to their old ways again this year. But hopefully, all this was just an anomaly and the lack of cooperation we experienced was ephemeral, so that we can get back to normal business with both companies again next year; then, perhaps, the Jim Reeves, Leroy Anderson and Jack Halloran albums can all have their day.

But for this year, I'm just thrilled that the McGuire Sisters -- Christine, Phyllis and Dottie -- finally get their due, and it comes on the 60th anniversary of their Christmas album's release. Sadly, though, Dottie died in 2012; but happily, Christine and Phyllis survive to see this first-time ever release on CD of their classic Christmas LP from 1958. For younger folks today who, unlike us old timers, are not familiar with the McGuire Sisters, they'll know them instantly when they hear their #1 smash mega-hit signature song "Sugartime," which has become an American Standard and sported the sisters' incredible, super-smooth vocal harmony. By the way, I did an In The Spotlight tribute to the girls eight years ago in 2010, check it out after reading this post by clicking here.

The girls' Christmas album, Greetings From The McGuire Sisters, is not only in the 1st Tier of my Top 500, but in my all-time Top 40, coming in at #38.

So here now is the complete list of the Real Gone Music Christmas releases for 2018; and under the first two listings is where the album ranks in my all-time Top 500:

The McGuire Sisters: Greetings From The McGuire Sisters (Expanded Edition)

*(Top 500; 1st Tier; #83)*

John Klein: A Christmas Sound Spectacular and All Around The Christmas Tree (2fer CD)

*(Top 500; "Bubbling Under" Section; #311 and #312, respectively)*

In addition, the following multi-disc compilation will be released:

Andre Kostelanetz: The Complete Columbia Christmas Collection (2-CD Set)

Also on this year's lineup:

Bonanza TV Cast: Christmas At The Ponderosa and Have A Happy Holiday (Lorne Greene solo)

Rod McKuen: New Carols For Christmas: The Rod McKuen Christmas Album

^And for anyone interested: vinyl LP reissues for New Kids On The Block (1989) and Hanson (1997)

The anticipated street date for the new releases is November 2, 2018.

Any questions or comments about these new releases, please post on the message board by clicking here.

And don't forget to keep the spirit of Christmas all year through.