Humdingers and humbugs: New holiday CDs range from merry to Christmas kitsch

GENE AUTRY, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Other Christmas Classics" (Columbia/Legacy) — They didn't call him the singing cowboy for nothing, but Autry is almost as well known for his Christmas crooning. Originally recorded in the 1940s and '50s, Autry's classic songs have been remastered and reissued in a collection that will bring nostalgia for the older set and interest for a new generation of youngsters. Included are "Here Comes Santa Claus," "The Night Before Christmas," "Where Did My Snowman Go?" "Round and Round the Christmas Tree," "Up on the Housetop" and more — 18 light and lilty Santa songs in all. — Carma Wadley

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, "Go Tell It on the Mountain," (Real World Records) — Bringing in a guest artist for all but two of the numbers, the Blind Boys and friends bring toe-tapping energy and Southern gospel flavor to traditional carols and spirituals. Included are the title cut (with Tom Waits), "Little Drummer Boy" (Michael Franti), "Joy to the World" (Aaron Neville), "Born in Bethlehem" (Mavis Staples) and "The Christmas Song" (Shelby Lynne). The Blind Boys go it alone on "Last Month of the Year" and "Silent Night" but with equal vibrancy and style. If you like it loud and rousing, here's where you'll find it. — C.W.

JIM BRICKMAN; "Peace" (Windham Hill) — Brickheads rejoice! Pianist Brickman has released his follow-up to his first holiday album, "The Gift." "Peace" finds Brickman once again in the Christmas spirit as he touches off, among others, "O Holy Night," "Away in a Manger" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." Childhood friend and vocalist Anne Cochran and violinist Tracy Silverman join Brickman on "Do You Hear What I Hear" and the Blind Boys of Alabama make an appearance on "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Closing the album is the title cut, which features country balladeer Collin Raye. — Scott Iwasaki

BROADWAY INSPIRATIONAL VOICES, "Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas" (Sis-K-Boom Records) — Broadway Inspirational Voices is a gospel choir made up of 50 Broadway performers in New York City — which is probably why the CD has a theatrical flair. You don't envision this choir sitting sedately in choir seats. The music is loud and exuberant and full of both energy and world-music influences. Songs include many traditional carols, such as "Joy to the World," "Go, Tell It on the Mountain," "What Child Is This," and a few contemporary songs, such as "A Christmas Wish" and "Have You Heard About the Baby." — C.W.