Christmas CDs: Elton John, Odetta ... Regis Philbin?

What? Not one compilation with Bing Crosby's original "White Christmas"? That hasn't happened in decades. But it's a good thing, as Martha Stewart would say between batches of Christmas cookies, because it leaves room for more original, contemporary holiday recordings.

There are many worthy new releases this year from a variety of artists. Here are some of our favorites, and most interesting.

"Elton John's Christmas Party," Various (Hear Music): Elton John is not only a rock star, he's a rock fan. He shows his love and knowledge of rock history with this great collection of 21 hand-picked songs from a wide span of artists, including the Ronettes, the Ventures, Rufus Wainwright and John Mayer. There's a new song, "Calling It Christmas," a traditional ballad written by John and Bernie Taupin, featuring Elton and young-but-mature-sounding Joss Stone. Other highlights: Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," the Beach Boys' "The Man With All the Toys" and the Eagles "Please Come Home For Christmas." Available only at Starbucks stores or online at www.starbucks.com/hearmusic

"What I Really Want for Christmas," Brian Wilson (Arista): Capping a great year for the rejuvenated Wilson, during which he released the long-delayed "Smile" album and launched an acclaimed international tour, comes this impressive collection of two fine new songs: the title cut, co-written with Bernie Taupin, and "Christmasey," written with Jimmy Webb. Eight traditional carols are marked by lively vocals and rich harmonies. The remakes of the Beach Boys' songs "The Man With All The Toys" and "Little Saint Nick" are not quite as good as the originals, however.

"The Christmas Collection," Il Divo (Columbia): The international pop-opera quartet of hunky male-model types, put together by "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, contributes this year's high-concept Christmas album, with big singing and big arrangements of "White Christmas," "Ave Maria," "O Holy Night," "Silent Night" and others. A comparatively soft "Over the Rainbow" is a welcome contrast.

"Christmas Fantasy," Anita Baker (EMI): We don't hear often enough from Baker, the classy jazz singer who last year released her first CD in 10 years, "My Everything." So it was surprising to have her release a Christmas album so soon afterward, especially one with three new songs, written by Baker and producer Barry Eastmond. Her takes on classics such as "Frosty the Snowman," reimagined as "Frosty's Rag," are personal, lively and different from any other versions. The new songs are outstanding. "Christmas Fantasy" is sweet and sensuous, the jazzy "Moonlight Sleighride" is more urban than rural and "Family of Man" is eloquent and moving. One of the best Christmas albums of the year.

"The Season," Jane Monheit (Epic): Unlike Baker, Monheit sings her carols mostly in the traditional way, which is fine, because her voice is so sweet and warm. Her "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is beautiful. The most interesting cuts are the songs seldom heard, like the delightful "The Man with the Bag" and dramatic "My Grown Up Christmas List."

"Christmas Remixed 2," Various (Six Degrees Records): Like last year's first volume, this CD takes a dozen classic recordings and hands them over to contemporary producers, who remix them into kicky, contemporary dance numbers. Artists like Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Rosemary Clooney, Patti Page and Mahalia Jackson would hardly recognize their original recordings transformed into highly imaginative remixes.

"A Faithful Christmas," Faith Evans (Capitol): If you're going to have yourself a merry hip-hop Christmas, this is the album to do it with. Evans' voice sounds better than ever on familiar songs such as "White Christmas," "Merry Christmas Baby" and "The Christmas Song," and especially on obscure gems like "The Day Love Began" and "This Christmas." Her two new songs, "Christmas Wish" and "Happy Holiday," fit in perfectly.

"Christmas Prayer," Aaron Neville (EMI): This giant of New Orleans music, whose vibrato-laced singing style is unique, brings passion and energy to songs such as a finger-popping "Go Tell It On the Mountain," a reggae-flavored "Christmas Everyday," a rockabilly "White Christmas" and a jazzy "Merry Christmas Baby." His fine voice lights up "White Christmas," "Mary's Boy Child" and "Ave Maria."

"Gonna Let It Shine: A Concert for the Holidays," Odetta (M.C. Records): A recording of the blues/folk legend's 2004 holiday public-radio program, featuring the Holmes Brothers. The 16-song set of Christmas spirituals emphasizes slavery-era songs such as "Rise Up Shepherd" and "What Month Was Jesus Born In?" and such nonholiday but thematically perfect songs as "Down by the Riverside," "This Little Light of Mine" and "Freedom Trilogy."

"The McGarrigle Christmas Hour," Kate & Anna McGarrigle (Nonesuch): A family affair, this features not only the McGarrigle sisters but Kate's children, Martha and Rufus Wainwright, who both have thriving careers of their own; Anna's daughter, Lilly Lanken; and family friend Emmylou Harris. The harmonies are wonderfully rich, the arrangements traditional and the singing superb, especially on Rufus Wainwright's "Spotlight on Christmas," "Some Children See Him" and "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve"; Martha Wainwright and Lanken's sweet, childlike "Rebel Christmas"; and Harris' "O Little Town of Bethlehem."

"The Greatest Holiday Classics," Kenny G (Arista): Seattle's Kenny Gorelick has never been one to miss a trick when it comes to marketing. This is the sax-man's fourth Christmas album. It's made up of cuts from the other three, plus four new holiday standards: "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," "Jingle Bells," "Jingle Bell Rock" and "My Favorite Things." Makes for nice instrumental background (or elevator) music.

"Camp Holiday," Martin Sexton (Kitchen Table Records): A warm and personal album recorded in a remote cabin, with the longtime folkie accompanying himself on guitar, and harmonies by his dad and daughter. No surprises here, just soft, traditional holiday fare such as "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "White Christmas" and "Silent Night."

"The Regis Philbin Christmas Album," Regis Philbin (Hollywood Records): Rege should stick to talking. His singing voice isn't terrible, but it isn't very good either. Donald Trump makes a guest appearance, playing Santa in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and he's as stiff as his quiff. One benefit of being Rege — you can hire the best musicians. The music and arrangements are thoroughly professional.

Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312 or pmacdonald@seattletimes.com