To the casual observer, the holidays are the happiest, jolliest time of the year: the blinking lights, the merry carols, the parties, the good cheer on every street corner and in every shop. However, the statistics tell us that, for many, the holidays are the time of year when depression reaches its annual peak. It is for these people, then, that American slow-core three-piece Low have released ...

Manufacturer: Tugboat

Manufacturer: Armoury

Manufacturer: Universal Classics

Manufacturer: Surfdog

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sets the tone for what Christmas albums should sound like, and Joy to the World upholds their exacting standard of excellence. Rereleased from two concerts recorded in 1970 and 1977 and repacked with three bonus tracks, this collection is as perfect as it gets, thanks to pristine production, gorgeous vocal arrangements, and stately accompaniment by the ...

Manufacturer: Naxos

Manufacturer: Quantum Leap
Starring: Bing Crosby, Kathryn Grant, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, David Bowie

Manufacturer: Lyons Group
Starring: Dave Goelz, Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, Marilyn Sokol, Jim Henson
Directed By: Jim Henson

Manufacturer: wicked cool

Every holiday season produces at least one hip alternative-rock Christmas CD. For 2002, it's Maybe This Christmas. Most of the 13 tracks here lean more toward the mellower portion of the alternative spectrum. The title track--a tender and poignant plea for peace and understanding by the wonderful Ron Sexsmith--basically sets the pace for things. Coldplay's Chris Martin proves he's no ...

Manufacturer: Nettwerk

With just about every musical genre under the sun having a Christmas compilation, it's about time that indie had a crack at it. So in 2000, alongside the inevitable (and numerous) Best Christmas Album In The World Ever!-style releases, Jeepster (that bastion of indie credibility) planted its flag with It's A Cool Cool Christmas. And what a line-up it's got: Jeepster's own Belle & ...

Manufacturer: Jeepster Recordings