Christmas music, part III

I actually like "The Little Drummer Boy." Alvin and The Chipmunks' helium-voiced carols remind me of my childhood. And my first exposure to "Christmas Island" comes from The Andrews Sisters, not Jimmy Buffett.

Okay, so Pat and I don't always agree. But we can agree that holidy music makes the season.

The following are a few of my favorite holiday albums:

"The Christmas Song," Nat King Cole
Few singers convey the warmth and elegance of jazz and pop great Nat King Cole. His buttery voice shines on many of these traditional holiday songs, especially on the title track. As Pat explains below, it's more commonly known for its first line, "Chesnuts roasting on an open fire."

"The Bells of Dublin," The Chieftains
When you bore of "Frosty the Snowman," turn to the cheerful Celtic Christmas portrayed by Ireland's beloved Chieftains.
Some of the traditional holiday songs from the Emerald Island sound familiar to American ears. Others don't.
For instance, a few reference St. Stephen's Day, Dec. 26. That's Boxing Day in Britain.

"Christmas Caravan," Squirrel Nut Zippers
One of the many bands inspired by the swing revival of the 1990s, Squirrel Nut Zippers also draw on early jazz, blues and western swing for their old-fashioned sound.
Listeners will chuckle at quirky songs like "Indian Giver," whose narrator laments that Santa keeps stealing his presents. However, it's the lovely, wistful "My Evergreen" that gets me every time.

"Oi to the World," The Vandals
Punks and Christmas may not seem like the most natural pairing, but this goofy musical masterpiece speaks for itself. Enjoy high-energy, hilarious rockouts like "Oi to the World," "A Gun For Christmas," and the classic "My First Xmas, As A Woman." Rated PG 13.

-- Sarah L.

Holiday movies: Hit or flop?

Moviegoers, the holidays are upon us.

Today's box office bonanza marks the beginning of the oh-so-lucrative holiday movie season, full of explosive blockbusters, goofy comedies and heart-warming family films.

Here's a sneak peak of the movies opening today in Central Coast theaters, based on previews and trailers:

"August Rush" (Pictured above)
August Rush loves music. In fact, he's a bit of a musical genius, able to master any instrument the way some kids learn multiplication.
More than writing his own symphony, however, the boy longs to find his parents.
Freddie Highmore is darling as ever as the title character. Plus, Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers fit well as musicians and lovers.
The plot itself? Saccharine. Forget "August Rush;" this movie is a sugar rush.

"Enchanted"
We're torn about this fractured fairy tale.
On one hand, playing a Disney princess trapped in the real world could make adorable Amy Adams a star.
On the other, Disney seems to be laying on the family-friendly elements with a trowel: a perfect prince (James Marsden), chirping birdies and chipmunks, and a lonely real-life hunk (Dr. McDreamy himself, Patrick Dempsey).
With any luck, however, it'll be "happily ever after" for holiday moviegoers.

"Hitman"
When archaeologists sift through the dung heap of history, here's hoping they never find a copy of "Hitman."
"Hitman," starring "Deadwood's" Timothy Olyphant as a bald assassin on a deadly mission, is the latest hit video game to be turned into an inane movie.
There are explosions, scantily clad women and carefully choreographed
gun battles. Too bad this movie is missing the most crucial element: a reasonably credible plot.

"The Mist"
A group of citizens take shelter in a supermarket when a mysterious, deadly mist that invades their small town. As tension mounts, terrifying things emerge from the storm.
Nobody does scary better than Stephen King.
Still, we're a bit surprised to see this movie in the hands of Frank Darabont, director of "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile."
He usually handles King¹s softer side.

"This Christmas"
Other than Santa spoof "Fred Claus," there doesn't seem to be a lot of holiday spirit at the movies this year. "This Christmas," about a family's long-awaited reunion, is one exception.
Despite a predictable plot -- feuding siblings, family secrets, etc. -- "This Christmas" boasts a solid cast, including Regina King, Delroy Lindo and Sharon Leal ("Boston Public," "Dreamgirls").
Still, the biggest reason to see this movie might be yummy R&B up-and-comer Chris Brown.

Check out The Tribune tomorrow for a closer look at this winter's releases.

-- Sarah L.