Christmas, Tim

I didn't need to hear the Xmas album from Tim Wheeler and Emmy The Great to know that it would be a good one. Both artists can turn a great tune around. They have taste and drama and an appreciation of the fun dimension of kitsch. So the record was duly purchased and played and indeed, 'This Is Christmas' is reassuringly fine.

Given their musical lineage, it's no surprise to hear the influence of classic girl bands, especially those thunderous Phil Spector Xmas recordings. Tim adds a different aspect to 'Zombie Christmas' and 'Christmas Day (I Wish I Was Surfing)'. Emmy deals out the imperial heartache on 'Don't Call Me (Mrs Christmas)' and 'Christmas Moon' which suggests that she doesn't entirely dig the festive stretch.

Still, the pair have applied themselves handsomely, the George Jones and Tammy Wynette of indie, looking swell in their seasonal knitwear and serving the music with much affection. Ring them bells.