Artist: Various
Title: Have A Very Cherry Christmas
By Conor Duffy

Finally, a Christmas CD that doesn't make me want to stab someone in the face. Hurrah! Leave it to the good people of Cherryade Records to deliver this wonderful collection of festive-themed creativity. The beauty of this record is the eclectic mix of artists, from Misty's Big Adventure providing a warm synth-pop hug on ‘Have Yourself A Psychedelic Christmas' to the big guitar sounds of Giant Robot and the City of Tokyo.

There really aren't any bad songs on this record, though some stay longer in the memory than others. Of particular note are Sarah and the Johnsonauts with ‘The Lonely Little Elf', doing away with the ridiculous romanticised imagery of the season to give a more honest depiction of a traditional Christmas, all capped off with a sarcastic yet bouncy “Thank Heaven it's Christmas – yeah!”

Of course, it would be wrong not to mention Das Wanderlust's ‘Sleigh Ride', a very British song that starts like the Ramones with Casio keyboards and includes a folky interlude as well as plenty of “Dinga-linga-linga-ding-dong-ding.” The highlight of the record, however, must be ‘In The Bleak Mid Afternoon' by Container Drivers. Starting with a piano base, upon which other sounds are built, this beautiful yet sorrowful piece gives way to a driving acoustic guitar and heartbreaking vocals.

It's the best of a great set of songs that can easily get you through the weeks of boyband ballads and “funny” novelty songs that clutter the airwaves this time of year. Pick it up and take heart in knowing that you will never have to sit through Wham! and Cliff Richard ever again.

For more information visit http://www.cherryademusic.co.uk