...Snow Mann

Since the days have been blustery here, I thought I'd talk about two unexpected new Christmas albums.

First, we have Aimee Mann's Drifter In The Snow.


Not surprisingly, even the jolliest of tunes get a Mann-ish, melancholy makeover. Also not surprisingly, it is very good. Even if it caters to the depressed holiday crowd.

Then there's Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong.

Sarah's album is an even more understated affair although not nearly as depressing. Lacking Mann's natural sad lilt, this is the kind of album you put on while drinking to relax rather than drink to forget.

I put an end to adding to my Christmas music collection long ago, but I think I will make exceptions to these.