The powers-that-be have outdone themselves this year, bringing us a holly jolly haul of Yuletide rarities in a package guaranteed to find its way into the front ranks of your favorite Christmas compilations. Whether you opt for the 16-song LP version or the 25-track CD, enough surprises distinguish this collection to delight any fan of holiday musical fare with a rocking flair. 

A definite Canadian flavor runs through this one thanks to selections by Patty Surbey & The Canadian V.I.P.’s, Donny Burns, and Marcel Martel, but that’s only the beginning as fascinating obscurities by The Four Imperials, Sandy Center, country singer Charlie Stewart, rockabilly Bill Parker, Minneapolis rockers Tommy Lee & The Orbits, and R&B shouter Big Bud are hot enough to melt a snowbank. 

Not everyone is obscure in the extreme; Detroit soul screamer Nathaniel Mayer is aboard with his Mr. Santa Claus (Bring Me My Baby), and Del Reeves was right in the midst of his great mid-‘60s C&W hitmaking run when he conjured up Twisting Santa Claus. 

But chances are at least a few of these charming ditties will be new to your ears, making this the perfect soundtrack for exchanging presents under the tree on Xmas morning!