The Roches - We Three Kings (1990)

Well, why not a Roches Christmas album? It's actually perfect, if you stop and think about it -- there's always been something cute and childlike about their tone, and when they put their formidable vocal chops to work on tunes as potentially complex as "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "The Holly and the Ivy," the results can be as gorgeous as they are unique. Their Brooklynese versions of "Frosty the Snowman" ("Why, I oughta...") and "Winter Wonderland" ("Gone away is da blueboid") are a hoot, and the a cappella "Star of Wonder" is a fascinating obscurity. There are a couple of missteps -- the pseudo-Latin rhythm and soprano sax don't contribute much to "We Three Kings," nor does the synth really enhance "Angels We Have Heard on High." But overall, We Three Kings will make an utterly charming addition to anyone's holiday play list.