It starts in about August. My desk begins to fill up with Christmas and sometimes Hanukkah CDs. Three months later, I have a marathon to go through them and feel like the Grinch by the time I'm done. I didn't get the most talked-about Christmas CD, Bob Dylan's "Christmas In the Heart," but I've heard enough to judge that it's not bad if you like Bob.

The trend this year is Christmas discs with a DVD of a burning yule log or a cozy Christmas scene to accompany the music (Kenny Chesney's, Mariah Carey's and Johnny Cash's among them), but there's nothing else quite like "Yule a Go-Go," which features burlesque girls stripping to hot-guitar Christmas songs. THIS spells Christmas for us lonely guys!

Here, though, are the rest of the Christmas releases. Go to www.knoxville.com for more CD reviews that won't fit here.

"Comfort & Joy," John Cowan (www.e1enetertainment.com)

While most Christmas albums by vocalists are for diehard fans only, Cowan, former vocalist with New Grass Revival, delivers one of the few new discs worthy of being owned by everyone. It's a good selection of standards, and "Good News" is a nice addition to the Christmas music canon.

"A Family Christmas," Various Artists (Putumayo)

This 11-track set brings together songs from some of the best Christmas CDs of the past decade or so, including cuts from Leon Redbone, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Deana Carter, Sam Bush, Martin Sexton, Brave Combo and Kate Rusby. The whole disc is terrific.

"If On a Winter's Night," Sting (Deutsche Grammophon)

An usually deep-voiced and gruff-sounding Sting presents a rather ponderous collection of holiday-themed mostly original songs. My favorite? A song about a hurdy gurdy man who probably freezes to death - or is he eaten by dogs? All I know is I'm really depressed now.

"Gold and Green," Sugarland (Mercury)

Country duo Sugarland at least have a happy attitude about the season. Maybe it's a little too peppy, but at least no old men freeze to death.

"Christmas," The Irish Tenors (Razor & Tie)

There's something lovably old-fashioned about these big-throated renditions of Christmas songs by classically trained tenors Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns and Karl Scully. The traditional stuff works best here. It's just too hard to imagine these guys "in the drunk tank" yet staying on key during their rendition of the Pogues' "Fairytale of New York."

"My Christmas," Andrea Bocelli (Decca)

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli is even more operatic. It's generally pretty good, but did Mary J. Blige, Reba McEntire and the Muppets really need to be at this Christmas party?

"Yuletide Beat," Los Straightjackets (www.straightjackets.com)

Los Straightjackets' turf is somewhere between surf guitar giant Dick Dale, instrumental guitar army the Ventures and country great Hank Garland. This set is great! There's a Buckaroos' style version of "Jingle Bells" and a version of "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" ("Groovy Old Saint Nick") that will make you re-think the song completely.

"Merry Kidmas," The Song Trust (www.merrykidmas.com)

I am such a sucker! I'm all teary-eyed listening to this kid singing "Bring Him Home Santa." This set co-created by Rory Feek of country duo Joey & Rory, should be a disaster, but this disc of uncredited kids singing mostly original songs is honestly funny, touching and exactly the kind of schmaltz you really do want at Christmas.

"Ho: A Dan Band Christmas," The Dan Band (Razor & Tie)

Any time a Christmas CD comes with a parental advisory sticker I'm intrigued, but "Ho: A Dan Band Christmas" pays off. The foul-mouthed "I Wanna Rock U Hard This Christmas," full of heavy metal sentiment, had me bust out laughing in front of confused co-workers.

"Winterbloom: Traditions Rearranged," Duvekot, Heaton, Hutchinson, Zuckerman (www.winterbloom.com)

Four singer-songwriters (Antje Duvekot, Anne Heaton, Meg Hutchinson and Natalia Zuckerman) combine for this sweet mostly acoustic collection, which includes the funny and sad break-up song "Thanks for the Roses (Merry Christmas)." This is one of my favorites this year.

"This Christmas," Michael McDonald (Razor & Tie)

I actually thought this release from adult contemporary legend Michael McDonald might be the sort of warm and fuzzy effort that works during the holidays, but McDonald sings every song like he's either attacking listeners with his pipes or begging for his life. Christmas never sounded so desperate!

"Christmas From the Heart," David Archuleta (19/Jive)

Sure, this is a by-the-book Christmas disc, but "American Idol" whiz-kid David Archuleta does a far better job than most. It's mostly traditional and avoids the cute-factor.

"A Cherry Cherry Christmas," Neil Diamond (Columbia)

Only Neil Diamond would have the chutzpah to start off a Christmas album with a song that utilizes the titles to his best known songs in the lyrics and end with Adam Sandler's "The Chanukah Song." It's all so incredibly cheesy that you can't help but like it at least a little.

"Have Yourself a Meaty Little Christmas," Aqua Teen Hunger Force (Adult Swim)

This should be better than an in-joke for those of us who watch "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," but it isn't. Neko Case helps on one track, but not enough, and the promising "I Sure Hope I Don't Have to Beat Your (expletive) This Christmas" isn't nearly as funny as its title.

“Not So Silent Night,” REO Speedwagon (CMG)

This is a big 1980s-style blown-out rock Christmas. It’s a little goofy and kind of likeable, too.

“Have Yourself a Meaty Little Christmas,” Aqua Teen Hunger Force (Adult Swim)

This should be better than an in-joke for those of us who watch “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” but it isn’t. Neko Case helps on one track, but not enough, and the promising “I Sure Hope I Don’t Have to Beat Your (expletive) This Christmas” isn’t nearly as funny as its title.

“Eban Schletter’s Cosmic Christmas,” Eban Schletter (Oglio)

Combine Christmas with the original soundtrack of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and you have “Cosmic Christmas.” There’s some unnerving computer dialogue, a nice appearance by Grant-Lee Phillips and a version of “Silent Night” that becomes a spooky melody. Definitely cosmic — and weird.

“If Every Day Could Be Christmas,” Richie McDonald (Stroudavarious)

“Weird” is also a good word for the release by former Lonestar vocalist Richie McDonald. This disc is so undone by cuteness (“Why Santa’s Fat” and “Peterbilt Sleigh,” ugh!) that it negates the disc’s better moments.

“Channukah Fever,” Mama Doni (www.mamadoni.com)

What? Only one Hanukkah disc this year? This starts fun, but is nearly maddening before it’s over.

“The Ultimate Christmas Collection,” Brian Setzer Orchestra (Surfdog)

Somehow former Stray Cat Brian Setzer became the new king of Christmas music (well, maybe piano man Jim Brickman can contend the crown). Setzer’s take on Christmas consists of revved up Christmas songs done in jump blues, swing and rockabilly. This fine best-of collection includes a DVD of a Setzer Christmas concert.

“A Holiday to Remember,” Audrey Malone and Michael Evans (Grail)

This is a nice set that’s a little jazzy, a little torchy and just out-there enough to be charming.

“A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector,” Various Artists (Legacy)

Granted, it’s hard to feel quite the same about this record since Phil has been convicted of murder, but this IS one of the best pop Christmas albums of all time. The Ronettes, The Crystals, Darlene Love, Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans are terrific on these wall-of-sound renditions of Christmas classics. Phil can only hope that his jail cell has a CD player.

“Every Day Is a Holiday,” Mary McBride (www.marymcbride.com)

Aside from the original song “Christmastime” this 10-track set from soulful singer Mary McBride is only essential if you’re already a fan of McBride’s work.

“Season’s Briefings,” The Lawtunes (www.lawtunes.com)

I had high hopes for this set of law-related Christmas songs. Unfortunately, this is a criminally bland collection that only gets worse when the proceedings get serious.

“Trio West Plays Holiday Songs, Vol. 2,” Trio West (Yummyhouse)

Trio West does not play it by the book. Like the group’s first Christmas set, this set swings.

“Stridin’ Through Christmas,” Chris Dawson (Groove House)

It’s not all exactly stride piano, but this is a nice jazzy collection that’s quiet enough to slip in the background, but inventive enough to keep you interested.

“The Spirit of Christmas,” Ray Charles (Concord)

This re-issue of Ray Charles classic Christmas disc (featuring Freddie Hubbard on trumpet and flugelhorn) is one of the most welcome discs of the season.

“A Christmas Story: Music from the Motion Picture” (TCM)

For those of us who love “A Christmas Story,” this music evokes warm feelings of a favorite holiday film (and may those of you who loathe it stick your tongues on a frozen flagpole), but there’s really little reason to listen to this rather than just putting on the DVD.

“Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas, Music from the Motion Picture,” Various Artists (Denon/Universal)

You would expect that with Dr. John’s presence and a little Vince Guaraldi style jazz in tow that the worst this album could be would be blandly benign. No, “Our Christmas Monkey” is irritating enough to spread like a cancer through your brain and render your holiday terminal.

“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 25th Anniversary Collection,” Mannheim Steamroller (American Grammophone)

If you’re a fan of Mannheim Steamroller’s dreamy, sticky sweet creations you have all this music already. This is the sort of thing that makes me feel like I’m stuck in an elevator at Christmas time.

“Echo Glory of Gabrielli,” Canadian Brass (Opening Day); “Jazzy Brass for the Holidays” (www.eddieallen.net)

Santa has finally delivered something for brass lovers. “Echo” is for the classical crowd. It’s stately and beautiful. “Jazzy Brass” is just what the title says — fun jazz arrangements or traditional Christmas songs for trumpet, trombone and French horn. It’s a treat.

“Suckin’ It for the Holidays,” Kathy Griffin (Music With a Twist)

I never quite figured out how Griffin decided this was a Christmas album. This is another Griffin comedy CD and not a very funny one at that. At least the title’s honest.

Wayne Bledsoe may be reached at 865-342-6444 or bledsoew@knoxville.com. He is also the host of "All Over the Road" midnight Saturdays to 4 a.m. Sundays on WDVX-FM.

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