VINCE GUARALDI; "A Charlie Brown Christmas Original Sound Track" (Fantasy).

Last year, the "Charlie Brown Christmas" television special celebrated its 40th anniversary. At that time, a new recording of the music featured contemporary interpretations. This year, a remixed, remastered version of the original soundtrack includes vocals sung by the Peanuts characters, as well Guaraldi's jazzy instrumental music. A fun addition are some alternate takes, and liner notes tell how it was a fluke that Guaraldi was selected to do the music. Thumbnail sketches of key players in the TV production are also included. — C.W.

DARYL HALL AND JOHN OATES; "Home for Christmas" (U-Watch)

Love them or not, Daryl Hall and John Oates are considered one of the best-selling musical duos in music history. The duo's soothing collaborations here on "The First Noel," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" and "Jingle Bell Rock" complement the rhythm and blues flavor of the title track and "Children Go Where I Send Thee." — S.I.

GLADYS KNIGHT AND THE SAINTS UNIFIED VOICES; "A Christmas Celebration" (Many Roads Records).

After winning a Grammy for best gospel-choir album last year, Gladys Knight and her Las Vegas-based Saints Unified Voices choir are back with this collection. From the meaningful introduction written and voiced by Knight, through a retelling of the Christmas story through song, to a selection of seasonal favorites, this CD offers a feel-good addition to the holiday. Knight has done all the vocal arrangements, and she sings the lead on a few selections, including "White Christmas" and with the SUV Quartet on "Jesus, Oh, What a Wonderful Child." But other choir members also step to the fore. Kenya Jackson's lead on "Breath of Heaven" is especially nice, as are Heather Goedel's "I Wonder as I Wander," Rashida Jordan's "O, Come, All Ye Faithful" and Damon Andelin's "The Lord's Prayer." — C.W.

ERICH KUNZEL AND THE CINCINNATI POPS ORCHESTRA; "Christmastime Is Here" (Telarc).