Christmas CDs

Here are reviews of holiday albums that have been released this year.

BARENAKED LADIES; "Barenaked for the Holidays" (Desperation Records)

The Barenaked Ladies have managed to make mainstream albums chock-full of humor. And "Barenaked for the Holidays" keeps that tradition alive. Batman makes an appearance in "Jingle Bells," subtle sound effects give "Green Christmas" its edge and the laughs continue with "Elf's Lament." Yet, Christmas isn't the only holiday mentioned on this album. Hanukkah comes in three with "Hanukkah Blessings," "Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah" and "I Have a Dreidel." One of the coolest remakes on this album is Band Aid's 1985 hit "Do They Know It's Christmas?" — Scott Iwasaki

JOHN BAYLESS, PIANO; "Christmas Rhapsody" (Koch International Classics)

At first glance, you might think this album is nothing more than an insipid, Yanni-esque rip-off of Christmas music. But you'd be dead wrong. This CD contains some of the most stunningly creative piano arrangements of popular and traditional Christmas music you'll find anywhere. John Bayless is a wonderfully imaginative pianist and a refreshingly original arranger. His versatility as both is amply illustrated in the 13 tracks on this CD. Bayless cleverly mixes styles that range from boogie woogie to Gershwin to classical. His version of Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song" is captivatingly simple. His medley of "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night" is touchingly poignant. This is an album worth having. — Edward Reichel

JANIE BECKER; "The Holly and The Ivy" (JB Productions)

Janie Becker captures both the simplicity and elegance of traditional carols in this collection of piano solos. The most intriguing part is the way she combines more than 30 carols into a series of medleys. For example, her "Wonder of Christmas" combines "Do You Hear What I Hear?" "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "Little Drummer Boy;" while the "Star Carol Medley" pairs Alfred Burt's "Star Carol" and "Some Children See Him" with the haunting "Wexford Carol." In all, there are songs from 10 different countries, dating back as far as 1000 B.C., so it provides a comprehensive look at the season. The carols are well-matched and nicely executed. — Carma Wadley

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY; "Everything You Want For Christmas" (Vanguard)