Platinum Christmas [Import]

Rarely is a compilation record as satisfying as Platinum Christmas is, but it's not due so much to the N'Sync's' rather whiny take on "I Don't Want to Spend One More Christmas Without You," the showy vocal gymnastics of Christina Aguilera on "Silent Night," or even Carlos Santana's enigmatic noodling on "Posada (Pilgrimage to Bethlehem)" as it is to some of the "lesser" lights on the disc who turn in the most memorable performances. For instance, Christian rockers Jars of Clay whip up a stunningly rhythmic version of "Little Drummer Boy" that borders on reggae, spiked with an ingenious bass line and a sinewy, liquid guitar that elevate the song above mere holiday cover material. Also, former Faithless vocalist Dido's strong and bracing acceptance of lost love on the gothic, delightfully chilling "Christmas Day" and Joe's urbane and single-minded "This Christmas" distinguish this collection from the usual holiday combo plate. But that's not to say that Britney Spears's breathy "My Only Wish (This Year)" isn't irresistible (conjuring up visions of Phil Spector dancing in our heads), or that TLC's wickedly self-indulgent "Sleigh Ride" doesn't shine like drugstore tinsel. And it's the effortless and graceful musings of Dave Matthews on the spiritually uplifting "Christmas Song" and Toni Braxton's sparse and elegant rendering of Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song" that really help to make the season bright. --Jaan Uhelszki