I’m surprised there hasn’t been more publicity about the fact, but the carol, “Silent Night” was first performed in a church in Austria 200 years ago tonight. I collect Christmas music. At last count, I had 28 English-language versions of “Silent Night,” plus another handful in German. This unorthodox version by the Temptations is by far my favorite. If you like another one better, I’m okay with that. However, if you don’t think Melvin Franklin was one of the greatest bassmen ever, you’re wrong.
