Homeless For the Holidays ... A Twisted Tale, various artists (rokhedz)

This charity compilation from 2006 originated in Omaha, Neb., with acts from that city's music scene. Proceeds from the sale of this CD help support the Siena Francis House which provides food, shelter, and other necessities to homeless people in the Omaha area. Mostly original songs are offered in this independent rock collection. The album opens strongly with "Alone For Christmas" by Anonymous American, a bluesy ballad that puts homelessness in the listener's mind. "Christmas Scar" by Icares is a melodic 70s-sounding rocker with strong ensemble vocals. Kill Bosby's "Whim" is less about Christmas than runaway teens, but it's a strong ballad in that vein. Supervirgin's "I Hope You Get What You Want For Christmas" is a kind of folky chant with a bit of an outsider vibe, while Scott Severin and Band's "Xmas B&E" is more of a bar-band workout featuring slide guitar that's about breaking and entering -- by Santa, of course. Shinyville offers "Santa's Rap (2002)," a synth-heavy talk-sing that highlights Santa's grumpy side, and Vago's "By the Tree" shows a much mellower Santa "rollin' up a great big doob" while Mrs. Santa works the pole. Covers are offered by The Government, who do a serviceable version of "Merry Christmas From the Family," and Richard Schultz and the Miracle Men do a round-the-campfire version of "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas." These folks apparently plan another disc next year, and aficionados of Midwest bands might want to mark their calendars.