"Holiday" Music

Only four shopping days left until Christmas, and you are probably being inundated with Christmas music from every angle. Hopefully it isn't all Bing Crosby, Celine Dion and that "Christmas Shoes" song which induces nausea in anyone with any taste in music.
So if you are lacking in the good Christmas music department, here are a few Christmas CDs to get you started:

Squirrel Nut Zippers: Christmas Caravan
You probably remember this band from a few years back. They were pretty hot during the short lived swing revival of the late 90's. Their Christmas CD is simply a fun upbeat album, perfect for anyone looking for something different than the usual seasonal music. My favorite track on here is probably Indian Giver. Sadly, the best Christmas song the Squirrel Nuts ever made is not on here-"Santa Claus is Smoking Reefer".


Next up is "Happy Holidays" by Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison. Kelly has one of the greatest voices I have ever heard, and it is a shame that she isn't more famous. Her husband Bruce Robison is a brilliant songwriter, and has scored a few hits by some country big shots, like Tim McGraw.
This disc is full of great classic songs like "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and "Santa Baby". Kelly's voice is the perfect mix of sultry and smooth to pull off the jazzy arrangements. While these two may be country singers, it really isn't a country album. It was originally issued a few years back as an EP with 4 less songs. This version is even better.