Christmas Songs
From the album's opening notes--the thumping bass of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" with theBarenaked LadiesandSarah McLachlan--you know immediately that you're in store for a unique disc of holiday music. Featuring an eclectic bunch of Nettwerk Records' roster and friends, the simply titledChristmas Songsfeatures not so simple performances by the likes of McLachlan ("Song for a Winter's Night"),Dido("Christmas Day"),Matthew Ryan("Little Drummer Boy"), andKendall Payne("O Come, O Come Emmanuel"). The diverse offerings here can be overwhelming; Meryn Cadell's "The Cat Carol" is a traditional folk tune, whileDelerium's "Terra Firma" is an ethereal taste of seasonal electronica. That said, there's probably something for everyone here.--Jason Verlinde