Christmas Records, Day 9: A Damaged Christmas Gift for You

Various Artists, A Damaged Christmas Gift for You (Damaged Goods, released 2009)

What's not to like about a festive collection that starts with Holly Golightly's couldn't-be-cuter cover of Christmas Tree on Fire and rocks on through a raucously foul-mouthed number from Wild Billy Childish and the MBE's, a bluegrass-y Ding Dong Merrily on High from the brilliantly monikered Singing Loins, and an oi! punk-styled take on Stop the Calvary? Nothing, absolutely nothing. A Damaged Christmas Gift for You, titled in celebration of (or to poke fun at - your call) the Phil Spector classic, is probably the most fun festive disc to find its way to stores this year. Only, it's not actually available physically - right now this is a download only, although the Powers That Be hope to get it out 'properly' next year. And they should be encouraged to, as The Buff Medways' Merry Christmas Fritz needs to find its way to as many homes as possible. It's just one of a number of brilliantly upbeat and unusual tracks compiled here. Bonkers, boisterous, cantankerous and cacophonous, this set (which, if you hadn't worked out as much, features seasonal cuts from the Damaged Goods stable) is pure audio glee, albeit a kind best complemented by several pints of lager rather than a sensible single mulled wine.

You Tube: Listen to Holly Golightly's Christmas Tree On Fire