The 1986 Christmas release by the dB’s is an album that not only keeps on ticking but keeps on expanding as well. Originally a vinyl release, it has been reissued in 1993, 2006, and now 2015. The 1986 reissue added tracks by the dB’s and “The Christmas Song” by Alex Chilton. 2006 saw Marshall Crenshaw, Don Dixon, Whiskeytown, and Caitlin Cary climbing on board the Christmas wagon. Now, an array of musicians have added tracks – including Robyn Hitchcock, Lydia Kavanagh, Brett Harris, Skylar Gudasz, and Big Star’s Third – bringing the total to a generous 22.

As can be guessed by now, this is not your normal Christmas album; none of these songs will ever grace a Church Christmas Eve service. The music is a cross between power pop and alternative rock and should be approached as such.

It is also not very cohesive, as tracks have been added without much thought of fitting together. Many are quirky, and some approach Christmas from oblique directions. There are a few clunkers, but many of the tracks are very creative pop and rock.

“Christmas Time” and the satire of “Holiday Spirit” are what one would expect from the 1980s oriented dB’s, complete with melodic and jangly power pop. Big Star’s Third, with vocals by Mike Mills, presents the most traditional track with their live “Jesus Christ.” Also live is a jazzy rendition of “I Saw Three Ships” by Don Dixon.

Exploring the odd side of Christmas, Alex Chilton twists the classic holiday tune “The Christmas Song” all out of shape. “Houses On The Hill” by Whiskeytown is so depressing that it can suck the energy out of any holiday celebration. Add in the gunslinger classic “The Only Law That Santa Claus Understood” by Ted Lyons and you have music for just about any holiday occasion.

Christmas Time Again by the dB’s and their ever expanding circle of friends is the Christmas present that keeps on giving through the entire year.

Rating: B

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