Wrapping: Rough and ready in appearance with white snowflakes, green tree, red background; skimpy sleevenotes.

Style: Country/Americana/folky Christmas songs, old and new.

Content: Sixteen tracks, including such musical fixtures and fittings as John Prine, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash and The Band, alongside the likes of Valerie June, Ronnie Fauss and The Common Linnets (runners-up in this year's Eurovision).

'Tis the reason to be jolly: Luther Dickinson's southern-boogie take on Hark! The Herald Angels Sing lifts the spirits and raises a smile, as does Dylan's clattering, madcap Must Be Santa, while Emmylou delights on The First Noel, Dwight Yoakam rocks on Run Run Rudolph, and, best of all, the closing track takes the shape of The Band's sublime Christmas Must Be Tonight.

Scrooge moan: How about Steve Earle?

White Christmas? No, it's melted quite away.

Blue Christmas? Cheerful, gloomy, corny – but not blue.

Stocking or shocking? For those who like their music dusty.

- Julian Cole