Elton John's Christmas Party

Elton sure knows how to throw a good holiday party! Or at least someone at the record label does. This diverse CD with personal liner notes by the superstar songwriter throws the ancient surf rock licks of the Ventures together with the contemporary genius of Rufus Wainwright, the eccentric rock of the Flaming Lips and El Vez, plus some Christmas classics from the pop, soul, and hip-hop worlds. With 21 titles, including two Elton John tunes that bookend the package, it's one of the best value holiday discs and most enjoyable compilations you can find. From the Beach Boys "The Man with All the Toys" and Springsteen's live version of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" to the Ronettes' "Frosty the Snowman" and Otis Redding's "Merry Christmas Baby," your party won't stop, even for the bluesy workout of "Please Come Home for Christmas" by the Eagles and the Band's haunting original "Christmas Must Be Tonight." Can you find these cuts on other Christmas records? Sure. But can you find them alongside the Pet Shop Boys' "It Doesn't Often Snow at Christmas," one of the record's real finds, or cuts by John Mayer, OutKast's "Player's Ball," the uniquely indescribable Kate Bush and others? No, you can't and that's the beauty of Elton's memorable choices. Proceeds benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Highly recommended. --Martin Keller