This CD is part of the Grammy Award-winning "Urban Lounge" series. Nostalgia runs rampant with Bing Crosby's "Looks Like a Cold, Cold Winter," Pearl Bailey and Hot Lips Page singing a candidly funny "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and Dean Martin's "Winter Romance." It's the perfect mix for a sip of wassail next to a fire. John Pizzarelli's "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" and The Manhattan Transfer's "Snowfall" will keep you warm on the cold winter night. — S.I.

VARIOUS ARTISTS; "An FM 100 Soft Hits . . . Less Talk Christmas, Vol. IV" (Bonneville Intermountain Radio Group)

For 30 years, FM 100 radio has been known for filling the airwaves with Christmas music — and for promoting both local and national musicians. The CDs continue that tradition with compilations that offer a soft and joyful holiday sound. This year's offering includes artists ranging from Mannhein Steamroller and Jim Brickman to locals David Tolk, Kurt Bestor, Angela Winston and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The songs have been previously recorded, but the combination is pleasing. Plus all proceeds benefit the Road Home homeless shelter. — C.W.

VARIOUS ARTISTS; "I'll Be Home for Christmas: A Windham Hill Christmas" (Windham Hill)

Hearing pianist George Winston's harmonica solo arrangement of "Sussex Carol" and pianist Philip Aaberg's charming "The Compleat Nutcracker Sweet" are only a couple of gems on this treasure. Violist Tracy Silverman does "O Holy Night," oboist Paul McCandless gives his reverent take on "A Child Is Born" and classical guitarist Steve Erquiaga finds solice in "The Little Drummer Boy." And then there's Giovanna Imbesi's sweet rendition of the album's title cut. — S.I.

VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Maybe This Christmas Tree" (Nettwerk)

If you want your Christmas albums to fill you with warmth and good cheer, this compilation isn't for you. On the whole, this disc — featuring such artists as Polyphonic Spree, Pedro the Lion, Tom McRae, Pilate, Lisa Loeb and Jars of Clay — has some pretty low-key (or is that downbeat?) renditions of yuletide favorites, as well as one fairly mean-spirited holiday offering — "Fairytale of New York" by Pilate. This album is strictly for cynics — or those needing help to come off a fudge-induced sugar high. — Todd Curtis

VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Night of all Nights" (Sounds of Zion)