Chieftans Christmas: The Bells of Dublin
Ireland's world-class ambassadors the Chieftains seem determined to play with anyone who is anyone, regardless of genre. OnThe Bells of Dublin, they do an exceptional job of teaming up with the likes of rockersJackson BrowneandElvis Costello, as well as songbirdsMarianne Faithfull,Rickie Lee Jones,Kate and Anna McGarrigle, andNanci Griffith. There are many resplendent performances here, the least of which is Costello and company's raucous "St. Stephen's Day Murders." Like a banquet of traditional Irish fare with some updating to accommodate individual guests,Bellsis the kind of holiday record you don't want to end.--Martin Keller