Here are reviews of holiday albums that have been released this year.
BARENAKED LADIES; "Barenaked for the Holidays" (Desperation Records)
The Barenaked Ladies have managed to make mainstream albums chock-full of humor. And "Barenaked for the Holidays" keeps that tradition alive. Batman makes an appearance in "Jingle Bells," subtle sound effects give "Green Christmas" its edge and the laughs continue with "Elf's Lament." Yet, Christmas isn't the only holiday mentioned on this album. Hanukkah comes in three with "Hanukkah Blessings," "Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah" and "I Have a Dreidel." One of the coolest remakes on this album is Band Aid's 1985 hit "Do They Know It's Christmas?" — Scott Iwasaki
JOHN BAYLESS, PIANO; "Christmas Rhapsody" (Koch International Classics)
At first glance, you might think this album is nothing more than an insipid, Yanni-esque rip-off of Christmas music. But you'd be dead wrong. This CD contains some of the most stunningly creative piano arrangements of popular and traditional Christmas music you'll find anywhere. John Bayless is a wonderfully imaginative pianist and a refreshingly original arranger. His versatility as both is amply illustrated in the 13 tracks on this CD. Bayless cleverly mixes styles that range from boogie woogie to Gershwin to classical. His version of Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song" is captivatingly simple. His medley of "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night" is touchingly poignant. This is an album worth having. — Edward Reichel
JANIE BECKER; "The Holly and The Ivy" (JB Productions)
Janie Becker captures both the simplicity and elegance of traditional carols in this collection of piano solos. The most intriguing part is the way she combines more than 30 carols into a series of medleys. For example, her "Wonder of Christmas" combines "Do You Hear What I Hear?" "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "Little Drummer Boy;" while the "Star Carol Medley" pairs Alfred Burt's "Star Carol" and "Some Children See Him" with the haunting "Wexford Carol." In all, there are songs from 10 different countries, dating back as far as 1000 B.C., so it provides a comprehensive look at the season. The carols are well-matched and nicely executed. — Carma Wadley
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY; "Everything You Want For Christmas" (Vanguard)
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is gonna swing your holidays this year with "Everything You Want for Christmas." This rocking album includes a nice finger-snapping version of "Mr. Heatmiser," from the Rankin/Bass production of "The Year Without a Santa Claus." The album's also highlighted with "Blue Christmas," "Christmastime in Tinsel Town," a couple of nice Latin takes on "Jingle Bells." One is "Jingle Bells (Cha Cha)," the other a hidden track. Oh, yeah, there's also a horns-only rendition of "We Three Kings." The party never stops with BBVD. — S.I.
PAUL CARDALL; "Christmas Hymns" (Stone Angel Music)
Ten years ago, Sandy resident Paul Cardall recorded music to accompany Richard Paul Evans' book "The Christmas Box." This time around, the pianist recorded "Christmas Hymns" to appease himself and his fans. And it works beautifully. The piano and small ensemble arrangements of each song complement each other and revive the New Age sound. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "Still, Still, Still," "Do You Hear What I Hear?" "Carol of the Bells" and "Silent Night" are just a few of the 10 tracks on this album. Listen to this album late at night with nothing but candles or the Christmas-tree lights illuminating the living room. — S.I.
PETER CETERA; "You Just Gotta Love Christmas" (Golden Thread Records/Viastar)
Peter Cetera's easy-listening tenor takes on some traditional and original holiday songs. This self-produced album has the singer finding joy in "Let It Snow," "The Christmas Song," "Jingle Bells," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." He sings duets with Alison Krauss and his daughter Claire on "Deck the Halls" and "Blue Christmas," respectively. Original Cetera holiday tunes include the album's title track, "Something That Santa Claus Left Behind" and "Alone for the Holidays." The production is tight and the songs, even the originals, are sung with feeling. — S.I.
RAY CONNIFF SINGERS; "Here We Come A-Caroling" (Legacy)
Nostalgic for the '60s? What could be better than the perky sound of the Ray Conniff Singers? This collection, part of Legacy's "Essential Holiday Classics" series, includes traditional carols such as "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," "Joy to the World," "What Child Is This?" and "O Tannenbaum," all done with the signature harmony and beat that made the singers a fixture a few decades back. It sounds dated now, but if you grew up with it, the memories may supersede the music. — C.W.
DR. ELMO; "Christmas in the USA" (BMG)
It has been 25 years since Grandma first got run over by a reindeer, and Dr. Elmo is celebrating that with a special 25th Anniversary Live Version on this CD. There's also a sequel: It seems that "Grandma's Spending Christmas with the Superstars," hanging out with the likes of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. That brand of offbeat humor carries through to the rest of the CD, which features folksy (albeit sometimes risqu) humor involving everything from dating Santa Claus to greedy kids and Santa's need to diet. The banjo-instrumental of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is lively, but seems an odd inclusion, given the tenor of the rest of the album. But odd is what Dr. Elmo's always been about. — C.W.
ENOCH TRAIN and THE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S CHOIR; "O Come Little Children" (Joyspring Records)
Folk ensemble Enoch Train, with its multitude of instruments and styles that cross all borders, teams up with the International Children's Choir, with its pure and sweet voices and equally multi-cultural outlook, for a fresh and inviting tour of the world. Things start with an "unapologetic sing-along" of traditional favorites such as "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Far Far Away on Judea's Plains," then travels to the mid-East ("O Come, O Come Emmanuel"), Spain ("Campana Sobre Campana"), Africa ("Betelehemu"), Russia ("Trepak") and more. The rich textures and wealth of spirit invite repeated listening. — C.W.
MICHAEL FRANKS; "Watching the Snow" (Rhino)
Mellow, laid-back, bluesy. Whatever you want to call the mood Michael Franks creates, he does it well, evoking lazy winter days in front of a fireplace, maybe in the mountains, or maybe in Kyoto. There's a bit of edginess to songs such as "I Bought You a Plastic Star (for Your Aluminum Tree)"; but an unalloyed appreciation for snow in the title cut "When the Snowman Sings." Guest artist Veronica Nunn joins Franks on a slightly warmer-flavored "Island Christmas," which is tempered by the Currier-and-Ives-ish "Said The Snowflake." And a lot of lovin' in songs such as "The Kiss" and "My Present." — C.W.
EMMYLOU HARRIS; "Light of the Stable" (Warner Bros./Rhino)
This album is another collection of older, previously recorded songs, with a few new ones added, most with superstar back-up — from Willie Nelson and Ricky Skaggs to Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton and Neil Young. The title track is one of the loveliest, but many others are also fun, from the traditional to the unfamiliar. A nice "alternative" holiday album. — Chris Hicks
LARRY THE CABLE GUY; "A Very Larry Christmas" (Warner Bros.)
Larry the Cable Guy, who can be seen on the "Blue Collar Comedy Hour," loves Christmas. Well, sort of. His comedy album "A Very Larry Christmas" pokes fun at the way the workin' folk celebrate the holidays. "Santy for a Day," "Easy to Assemble," "Christmas Weight Gain," "Redneck Santa Claus" and a short-and-to-the-point redneck version of "On the First Day of Christmas" are sharp and gut-bustingly funny. This is not the album for everyone, but anyone who enjoys the likes of Jeff Foxworthy will love this album. — S.I.
LORIE LINE; "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (Lorie Line Music)
Pianist Line's music often ranges from interesting to mediocre — sometimes on a single album. This holiday offering is no different, but it does have some good choices, from "Santa Baby" to "Jingle Bell Rock" to "White Christmas" (with vocalist Robert Robinson) to the "Charlie Brown Christmas" tune "Christmas Time Is Here." — C.H.
THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER; "The Christmas Album" (Columbia)
This 1992 album, produced by Johnny Mandel, has the unique stylings of the foursome in peak form, doing traditional holiday tunes, as well as some surprises. One of the latter is Tony Bennett joining them for a unique version of "The Christmas Song," and another is a rendition of the Beatles' "Goodnight." As Mandel says in the liner notes, this is definitely a "different" holiday album. And that's a good thing. — C.H.
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER; "Christmas Celebration" (American Gramaphone)
Chip Davis and friends are back with the newest Mannheim Steamroller Christmas album — "Christmas Celebration." This 18-track disc is actually a "greatest hits" compilation that takes Davis' well-known and best loved tracks from the last four Mannheim Christmas albums. "Deck the Halls," "Away in a Manger," "Wassail, Wassail" and "O Tannenbaum," featuring Johnny Mathis are some of the standouts. "Fum Fum Fum," "Carol of the Bells" and a majestic new work, "Celebration," capture the glory and reverence of the holiday spirit. Oh, yes, we can't forget Utahn LynnDee Mueller lending her vocal talents to the track "Traditions of Christmas." — S.I.
MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR; "Sing, Choirs of Angels" (MTC)
Under the direction of Craig Jessop, and with arrangements by Mack Wilberg, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir continues to raise the bar for traditional choral music. This latest offering brings a richness and elegance to each song that captivates and enthralls. It includes a collection of carols from around the world ("I Saw Three Ships," "The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy," "Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine," "Fum, Fum, Fum") as well as favorite carols by John
Rutter ("Angels' Carol," "Candlelight Carol," "What Sweeter Music"). With accompaniment by the Orchestra at Temple Square, the collection sparkles from start to finish with the spirit and joy of the holiday season. — C.W.
HEIDI GRANT MURPHY, SOPRANO, KEVIN MURPHY, PIANO, RICHARD AULDON CLARK, VIOLIN AND VIOLA; "The Gifts of Christmas" (Koch International Classics)
The majority of the arrangements on this album are quasi-new age minimalist, and as such the music tends to sound too homogeneous. But the effect is mellow and sweet and appealing. And to her credit, Heidi Grant Murphy pulls it off convincingly. She has a beautiful soprano voice, and she certainly doesn't oversing any of these pieces. The 17 tracks range from "The First Noel" and "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" to songs by Max Reger and Hugo Wolf. There are also a couple of delightful songs by John Rutter ("Mary's Lullaby" and Shepherd's Pipe Carol"). This album is definitely worth adding to your holiday collection. — E.R.
THE BRETT RAYMOND IMITATION JAZZ TRIO; "Mini Christmas Album" (Brett Raymond Music)
Mr. Cool meets Mr. Claus on this mini album introducing the Brett Raymond Imitation Jazz Trio. With husky-voice Raymond doing the vocals and keyboards, and with Todd Sorensen on the drums and Eric Wallengren on the bass guitar, the trio delivers an energetic and lively look at the holidays that is overlaced with a smoooooth, laid-back mentality. Two new songs, written by Raymond, offer messages for our times: "Feels Like Christmas Time" and "Christmas in L.A." The other three cuts are remastered titles off Raymond's "Primarily For Christmas" CD: "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," "Up On the Housetop," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." The mini-CD is a "sort of souvenir" of the Odyssey Dance Theatre's "Joy to the World" concert that Raymond is a part of each year. You can only hope there'll be a full-lenth CD by the trio sometime in the future. — C.W.
RUGRATS; "Holiday Classics" (Nick Records)
They have their own TV show, a movie and now a Christmas album. To call the songs classics might be stretching it a bit — the tunes are mostly familiar, but the words are all new. In keeping with the characters, they sing of "Tommy's Silent Night," and all the toys they want, and how Santa got stuck in the chimney. There are also a couple of Chanukah songs. Fans (especially the kids) will get a kick out of it, but a little of the squeaky brattiness can go a long way. — C.W.
JON SCHMIDT; "Winter Serenade" (JS Productions)
Pianist Jon Schmidt captures nicely the mood of soft winter snow as well as joyous holiday celebrations with both traditional and original offerings. He starts off with a lyrical rendition of "In the Bleak Midwinter," adds a wonderfully dignified "Wexford Carol" and includes a sweet, lullabye-like "Still, Still Still." "Pachebel Meets U2" in a uniquely spirited version of the famous canon. Schmidt also has some fun with "Ding Dong Merrily on High" on his "North Pole Express!" He throws in a bit of Bach, pays tribute to winter sports and finishes off with the Beatles, as his daughter Annie offers a tender version of "I Will." Rich orchestration enhances Schmidt's keyboard wizardry for a package that is especially satisfying. — C.W.
SANDRA SIMON, SOPRANO, JEANNETTE SORRELL, CONDUCTOR, APOLLO'S FIRE; "Noels & Carols from the Olde World" (Koch International Classics)
This is a charming and captivating album that contains a number of familiar carols. However, mixing "Il est n le divin enfant" and "I Saw Three Ships" with sonatas by Heinrich Biber and Giovanni Cima, along with pieces by Marc-Antoine Charpentier and Henry Purcell, qualifies this CD as eclectic. It isn't for everyone, but the album does put a wonderful historical perspective on Christmas. And the performances are delightful. Apollo's Fire, using period instruments, plays with a refreshing vibrancy, and Sandra Simon's light lyrical soprano is perfectly suited for this music. — E.R.
JESSICA SIMPSON; "Rejoyce: the Christmas Album" (Columbia)
Jessica Simpson fans will adore her on this Christmas album. And while albums like this are filled with over-produced takes on traditional and popular holiday songs, this album actually has a couple of nice suprises. Her take on Amy Grant's "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)" and "O Holy Night" are the standouts. Fans of "Newlyweds" and Simpson and her hubby Nick Lachey will like their duet on "Baby, It's Cold Outside." And whoever still likes Simpson's sister Ashlee after the lip-synching mishap on "Saturday Night Live" will probably like the siblings' duet on "Little Drummer Boy." But that's actually the weakest song on this album. — S.I.
FRANK SINATRA; "Christmas Songs By Sinatra" (Columbia/Legacy)
FRANK SINATRA; "The Christmas Collection" (Reprise)
These two albums have Frank Sinatra on mostly familiar holiday tunes. The first is early stuff, recorded from 1944-50, including two tracks from a TV show. The second album has recordings from 1957-91, including one track from a TV show, several duets with Bing Crosby and a few with Sinatra's entire family. Mostly these are previously issued songs, though both also offer previously unreleased tracks. Hey, it's Frank. And it's all good, baby. — C.H.
TINGSTAD & RUMBEL; "Peace on Earth: the Best of Tingstad & Rumbel Christmas" (Narada)
As its title suggests, this nice little album is a compilation of guitarist Eric Tingstad and woodwinder Nancy Rumbel's best holiday songs. The soothing acoustic refrains of "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "We Three Kings," "Away in a Manger" and "Catalan" bring simple joy to the songs, without commercial fanfare. The caring arrangement of "Silent Night" and the "First Noel" (printed as "The First Nowell") make it easy to understand why the duo won last year's Grammy for New Age album. — S.I.
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA; "The Christmas Trilogy" (Lava)
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the brainchild of songwriter/instrumentalist/producer Paul O'Neill and co-producer Robert Kinkel, has become a Christmas tradition. The group, which features members of metal band Savatage, Alice Cooper's band and even Testament, have released three albums, "Christmas Eve and Other Stories," "The Christmas Attic" and the new one "The Lost Christmas Eve." Each album is a mini rock-opera about angels and the spirit of Christmas. Rocking versions of "O Holy Night," "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" are highlighted by an orchestra. This box set features all the albums and a concert/concept DVD. "Christmas Canon," a take on Pachelbel's "Canon in D," and "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)," which is a rocked out version of "Carol of the Bells," are more of the highlights of this three-CD and DVD collection. It also comes with a booklet containing the complete liner notes and lyric sheet for each of the albums. — S.I
TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA; "Merry Fishes to All" (TFIA)
Arkansas' own duo of guitarist Ezra Idlet and bassist Keith Grimwood swims against the stream with a collection of silly songs and jingles celebrating everything from "Chocolate Christmas" to "I Got a Cheese Log" and twin snowflakes "Bob and Bob." They "cast a broad musical net" with sounds flavored by "New Orleans pralines and Gouda cheese." It's all very lighthearted, offbeat and fun for both kids and adults. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Acoustic Christmas" (Favored Nations)
Simple non-electric guitars and drums along with some plugged-in and unplugged basses from the likes of Andy Timmons ("Greensleeves"), Adrian Legg ("Jingle Bells"), Pierre Bensusan ("Fodre L'Astronome") and Mimi Fox ("Winter Wonderland") are the highlights of this stripped-down holiday album. Peppino D'Agostino's "We Pray Sanctus" and Greg Koch's "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" will make Christmas Eve romantic again. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Cool December" (Shout Factory)
This CD is part of the Grammy Award-winning "Urban Lounge" series. Nostalgia runs rampant with Bing Crosby's "Looks Like a Cold, Cold Winter," Pearl Bailey and Hot Lips Page singing a candidly funny "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and Dean Martin's "Winter Romance." It's the perfect mix for a sip of wassail next to a fire. John Pizzarelli's "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" and The Manhattan Transfer's "Snowfall" will keep you warm on the cold winter night. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "An FM 100 Soft Hits . . . Less Talk Christmas, Vol. IV" (Bonneville Intermountain Radio Group)
For 30 years, FM 100 radio has been known for filling the airwaves with Christmas music — and for promoting both local and national musicians. The CDs continue that tradition with compilations that offer a soft and joyful holiday sound. This year's offering includes artists ranging from Mannhein Steamroller and Jim Brickman to locals David Tolk, Kurt Bestor, Angela Winston and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The songs have been previously recorded, but the combination is pleasing. Plus all proceeds benefit the Road Home homeless shelter. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "I'll Be Home for Christmas: A Windham Hill Christmas" (Windham Hill)
Hearing pianist George Winston's harmonica solo arrangement of "Sussex Carol" and pianist Philip Aaberg's charming "The Compleat Nutcracker Sweet" are only a couple of gems on this treasure. Violist Tracy Silverman does "O Holy Night," oboist Paul McCandless gives his reverent take on "A Child Is Born" and classical guitarist Steve Erquiaga finds solice in "The Little Drummer Boy." And then there's Giovanna Imbesi's sweet rendition of the album's title cut. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Maybe This Christmas Tree" (Nettwerk)
If you want your Christmas albums to fill you with warmth and good cheer, this compilation isn't for you. On the whole, this disc — featuring such artists as Polyphonic Spree, Pedro the Lion, Tom McRae, Pilate, Lisa Loeb and Jars of Clay — has some pretty low-key (or is that downbeat?) renditions of yuletide favorites, as well as one fairly mean-spirited holiday offering — "Fairytale of New York" by Pilate. This album is strictly for cynics — or those needing help to come off a fudge-induced sugar high. — Todd Curtis
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Night of all Nights" (Sounds of Zion)
Featuring artists of the Inspirational Music Showcase, this aptly titled CD is a collection of Christ-centered songs that capture both the wonder and the promise of the Nativity. From Barry Hansen's respectful "O Holy Night," through Michael Dowdle's soft instrumental "First Noel," to Jessie Clark Funk's passionate "Joy to the World," and on to the final "Silent Night," delivered with feeling by Joy Gardner, Dave Tinney and Tanya Barkdull, the feeling is one of reverence and joy. In addition to traditional carols, original songs such as "Gentle Jesus," "No Greater Story" and "Hosanna, to God," add to the beautiful message of hope. A narration of Luke 2:19, accompanied by soft music, is a nice added touch. It's a beautiful contribution to the sounds of the season. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Polar Express Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" (Warner Sunset/Reprise)
While the box office showed less than expected returns for "The Polar Express," the soundtrack may recoup some cash flow. Star Tom Hanks livens things up with his nasal delivery on the title track and throughout the soundtrack. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler sasses around with "Rockin' on Top of the World" and Josh Groban hits the heartstrings with "Believe." Nostalgia flows freely with the reprise of "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" by Ol' Blue Eyes Frank Sinatra and the classic "White Christmas" by his friend Bing Crosby. Other favorites include Kate Smith's "Silver Bells," Crosby and the Andrews Sisters' "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)" and Perry Como and the Fontane Sisters' redition of "It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas." — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Reggae Pulse: Christmas Songs" (Trojan/Sancturary)
The Rastafarians know how to celebrate. This jammin' collection gives an island groove to classic Christmas songs. John Holt's "White Christmas," Freddie McGregor's "O Come All Ye Faithful" and Yelloman's "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" bring sunny takes to these holiday staples. And the head-bobbing arrangement of Culture's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" will have the party up and going. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "The Soulful Sounds of Christmas" (Rhino)
This collection of soft and mellow songs from the likes of En Vogue, Boyz II Men, Whitney Houston and BeBe and CeCe Winans mostly makes you want to hunker down in front of a fireplace and enjoy the peace of the season. Traditional titles ("O Holy Night," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "O Little Town of Bethlemen") are mixed with seasonal songs ("This Christmas," "Snowy Night"), but each artist makes the song his or her own. All previously released, they combine well here. The gospelesque "Lamb of God" adds a jubilant finishing flourish. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Under the Misletoe" (Shout Factory)
Another "Ultra Lounge" series Christmas collection featuring Lou Rawls' "Merry Christmas Baby," Dina Washington's "Ole Santa," Nancy Wilson's "That's What I Want for Christmas" and Aretha Franklin's "Kissin' By the Mistletoe" are spotlighted with Sarah Vaughan's "Goodnight My Love," Bobby Darin's "Christmas Auld Lang Syne" and Rosemary Clooney's "White Christmas." The songs are easy on the ears and warm on the heart. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "The Very Best of Celtic Christmas" (Windham Hill)
The successful Windham Hill "Celtic Christmas" series has provided mellow acoustic holiday music that brings to mind snow-covered moors and hearth-blackening fires in cold, stone castles. This "Best of" collection compiles 19 tracks from the various "Celtic Christmas" albums. Altan's "Soillse Na Nollag (the Lights of Christmas)," Nightnoise's "Lully Lullay," Lisa Lynne's "Circle of Joy" and Snuffy Walden's "Sails of Galway" are just a few of the dreamy songs ideal for a good winter night's listen. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Wasatch Christmas 2004" (Greenland Records)
This latest offering in the Wasatch Christmas series provides an engaging look at the local pop/rock/folk/a capella scene. With mostly previously recorded selections, it's an eclectic mix, ranging from the doo-wop "Christmas Time Is Coming" by the Cadillacs A'Capella, to Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband's unusual rendering of "Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains" to pianist Jon Schmidt's elegant "Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming." Songs complement each other while offering individual flavor as Nancy Hanson, Peter Breinholt, Eclipse, Voice Male and Octapella all chip in. James Conlee, producer and motivating force behind the project, adds a couple of new releases that provide a crowning touch. And the James Christensen painting on the cover captures the whimsy and offbeat character nicely. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "A Winter's Night: The Best of Nettwerk Christmas" (Nettwerk America)
This holiday compilation brings together some of the coolest tracks by Nettwerk America's Canadian roster. Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan's standard "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and Dido's "Christmas Day" along with the Mediaeval Babe's "Gaudette" and Neil Finn's "Sweet Secret Peace" are on one CD this time around. Avril Lavigne and Chantal Kreviazuk's "O Holy Night" and Lisa Hannigan's "Silent Night" ad balance to Ron Sexsmith's "Maybe This Christmas." — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Yulesville" (Shout Factory)
The final installment of the "Ultra Lounge" Christmas series, "Yulesville" plays like the an old holiday radio program of the 1940s and '50s. Pear Bailey's "Jingle Bells Cha Cha Cha," Lionel Hampton's "White Christmas," Louis Prima and Kelly Smith's "Shake Hands with Santa Claus," "and Julie London's "I'd Like You for Christmas" are singled-out with Duke Ellington's "Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy)" and Leon Redbone's "That Old Christmas Moon." Sit back with the memories. — S.I.
THE VIENNA CHOIR BOYS; "Merry Christmas: Carols from North America and Europe" (Koch International Classics)
What can you say about the Vienna Choir Boys that hasn't already been said about them countless times before? The world's premier boys choir, they are a fabulous group that sings with crystal clear articulation, flawless technique and perfect intonation. This is a charming collection of carols from North America and Europe, sung as only the Vienna Choir Boys can. You can never get tired of this album. They thrill you every time you listen to such familiar songs as "Adeste fidelis," "Il est ne le divin enfant," "The First Nowell," "Deck the Hall," "O Tannenbaum" and "Stille Nacht." The choir brings a freshness to these traditional pieces that leaves you breathless. This is a must-have album. —E.R.
ANDY WILLIAMS; "The Christmas Album" (Columbia)
ANDY WILLIAMS; "Merry Christmas" (Columbia)
Columbia Records reached into its vaults and rereleased Andy Williams' classic holiday albums. "The Christmas Album" and "Merry Christmas" came out in 1963 and 1965, respectively. They were both No. 1 albums and it's easy to see, or in this case, hear, why. Full-out, variety-show versions of "White Christmas," "Happy Holidays," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "O Holy Night" and "The First Noel" are some of the choice tracks. And "Winter Wonderland," "Silver Bells," "Do You Hear What I Hear," "Some Children See Him," "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" are included on "Merry Christmas." At any rate, either one of these albums will surely bring tidings of great joy to any Christmas party. — S.I.
JOHN WATERS; "A John Waters Christmas" (New Line Records)
If you think Christmas is too much sentiment and hypocrisy, then John Waters has an album for you. It's a compilation of 12 hard-to-find songs that are funny, raunchy and so full of kitsch that listeners will have a hard time keeping a straight face when this is in the player. Of course, there are some songs like Rudolph and Gang's "Here Comes Fatty Claus," which features a profanity-laced chorus. And there are those manipulative Christmas tales about an orphan who is finally adopted (Roger Christian's "Little Mary Christmas") and a child's prayer to Jesus (Little Cindy's "Happy Birthday Jesus"). But then again, you can't go wrong with the Chipmunks singing "Sleigh Ride" or Tiny Tim doing his take of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Closing the album is the Blaxploitation-like Kwanza soul song "Santa Claus Is a Black Man," by Akim & the Teddy Vann Production Company. — S.I.
JESSE COLIN YOUNG; "Songs for Christmas" (Artemis Records)
Jesse Colin Young's folk/rock approach to music features an "interweaving of Hawaiian slack key guitar and subtle jazz stylizations" for a sound that seems both laid-back and intense. The songs are mostly traditional carols and Santa-songs, including "Away In A Manger," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," "O Come All Ye Faithful, "What Child Is This?" and "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer." Young's husky voice adds contrast to the island flavor, making it an intriguing package. — C.W.