Various - The Best KIDS Christmas Album In The World… Ever Ever Ever!!!

Unlike the seasonal purchase of a crimbo single, the fully-fledged yuletide record is not a disposable acquisition. It instantly stigmatises - you become that person who loves the smell of pine in the lounge and has overblown Santa Claus effigies on your rooftop. But with The Best KIDS Christmas Album... your ice-cool indie status will remain intact. This selection of festive covers and originals by eleven unsigned acts is lovingly gift wrapped by the delightful KIDS label. Findlay Brown's rendition of Wham's 'Last Christmas' is beautiful, surpassing the original's heart-rending emotion, whist Mighty Sixty Nine transform 'White Christmas' into a gloriously preened Morrissey-esque fireside lament. Oppenheimer's 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)' is the stunning highlight; dreamily encapsulating Spektor's snow-drift splendour in a manner Mariah Carey could only dream of. If you're lucky enough to receive The Best KIDS Christmas Album..., remember: This record's for life, not just Christmas. [Billy Hamilton]