Popular Songs of Christmas & New Year's
The remarkable acoustic guitarist really stretches out on this generous 19-song compendium of holiday tunes guaranteed to jog the memory and make you ponder why these songs aren't heard more often. Fahey (joined here and there by second guitarist Terry Robb) plucks his way lovingly through carols such as "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "Jolly Old Saint Nick," his unique style ever-so-subtly evoking the ambiance of bygone days. Fahey also brings a smile via non- traditional songs like "Skater's Waltz" and "The Holly and the Ivy," making this the kind of disc you can slip on any time of year for a quick, wintry pick-me-up.--David Sprague