The Brian Setzer Orchestra – Rockin' Rudolph

This is more like it. As a multitude of half-cocked attempts at festive frivolity pay more attention to the cash till than genuine good cheer, the rockabilly stalwart and his swing band return with their first Christmas album in a decade, and it's a cracker. Setzer's big band stylings are perfect for this mix of festive standards and rarely seen oddballs.

Thankfully, the former take precedence, so rest easy as Setzer's guitar and backing horns set about the likes of Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Here Comes Santa Claus and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Even non-essentials like, um, Yabba-Dabba Yuletide are dispatched with enough spirit and soul to forgive their inclusion. The ex-Stray Cat is too wily and too long in the tooth to knock out shoddy product: Rockin' Rudolph features classy arrangements, is beautifully packaged and stands as a timely reminder that this stuff done well can warm even the Grinchiest heart. [Gary Kaill]