This is not your father's Christmas album. Loreena McKennitt's primary
instrument is the harp, but her primary technique is to take a
traditional folk song and supersize it with strings, modern rhythms, and
lush orchestration. It's a style that works ideally with this material.
Her takes on "The Wexford Carol" and "The Stockford Carol" will make
you rethink holiday songs. Other highlights include "The Seasons" and
"In Praise of Christmas," all songs that are weepy enough to please
Grandma but never so sappy they sound fake. Add two cups of hot cider
and a roaring fire, and this album will turn Scrooge into a fan of the
season. --Charles R. Cross