Platinum Christmas
Rarely is a compilation record as satisfying asPlatinum  Christmasis, but it's not due so much to theN'Sync's' rather whiny take on "I Don't Want to Spend One More Christmas Without You," the showy vocal gymnastics ofChristina Aguileraon "Silent Night," or evenCarlos Santana's enigmatic noodling on "Posada (Pilgrimage to Bethlehem)" as it is to  some of the "lesser" lights on the disc who turn in the most memorable  performances. For instance, Christian rockersJars of Claywhip up a stunningly rhythmic version of "Little Drummer Boy" that borders on reggae, spiked with an ingenious bass line and a sinewy, liquid guitar that elevate the song above mere holiday cover material. Also, formerFaithlessvocalistDido's strong and bracing acceptance of lost love on the gothic, delightfully chilling "Christmas  Day" andJoe's urbane and single-minded "This Christmas" distinguish this collection from the usual holiday combo plate. But that's not to say thatBritney Spears's breathy "My Only Wish (This Year)" isn't irresistible (conjuring up visions ofPhil Spectordancing in our heads), or thatTLC's wickedly self-indulgent "Sleigh Ride" doesn't shine like drugstore tinsel. And it's the effortless and graceful musings ofDave Matthewson the spiritually uplifting "Christmas Song" andToni Braxton's sparse and elegant rendering ofNat King Cole's "The Christmas Song" that really help to make the season bright.--Jaan Uhelszki