You Sleigh Me!

You Sleigh Me! by Various Artists

Christmas "originals" can cause just as many shudders as Christmas classics, no matter how sincere the sentiment. But You Sleigh Me gives more chills than willies with its mix of holiday favorites and new "classics" by artists from the Atlantic Records roster. Donna Lewis's "Christmas Lights" shimmers like a star field on a clear December night; Juliana Hatfield's acoustic "Make It Home" is suitably beautiful and poignant--but talk about your "Blue Christmas"--while Billy Pilgrim's "The First Noel" benefits from his strong, warm vocals. Leave it to Jill Sobule to lighten things up with her straight-on read of the dysfunctional family gathering, "Merry Christmas from the Family." But the real holiday memories here come from Victoria Williams's tender "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and Tori Amos's "Little Drummer Boy." Amos's performance radiates all the breathy passion needed on those cold, dark winter nights. --Steve Gdula