Maybe This Christmas Tree, various artists (Nettwerk)

The third in the "Maybe" series, this 2004 Nettwerk compilation again benefits Toys for Tots. It gets off to a fine start with the Polyphonic Spree, whose 24-person lineup is perfectly suited to a cover of "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." The Raveonettes contribute their own "The Christmas Song," not the Mel Torme chestnut, a garage-punk drone that was briefly offered as a single last year. Death Cab for Cutie take on "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" from the Phil Spector album, sounding a little punch-drunk but otherwise in fine fettle. Belasana contribute their own lost-love lament "Bittersweet Eve," Jars of Clay do a bucolic cover of "Christmas For Cowboys," and Lisa Loeb's "Jingle Bells" makes another appearance here. Pilate covers "Fairytale of New York," somewhat less gritty than the Pogues' version, and Royal Crown Revue recruits Vicky Tafoya for a typical take on the lounge-jazz standard "Baby It's Cold Outside." Copeland does the stately rock ballad version of "Do You Hear What I Hear," throwing in a little beat-box and some vocorder effects. Ivy's "Christmas Time Is Here" plays around too much with the old surface noise gag, though the arrangement is interesting, and "Wonderful Christmastime" by Tom McRae is a little too much drama for this particular song. A nice rock collection, similar to Nettwerk's previous efforts. This one remains available at popular prices; click the cover art.