Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings bring a refreshingly sparse and stripped back approach to the majority of these songs.
Rather than relying on the traditionally overwrought symphony arrangements we've come to expect from these albums, the soul powerhouse lets the grooves do the heavily lifting. The cheery Big Bulbs is lightly backed by some jingling bells, the drum break on Funky Little Drummer Boy is as funky as you'd expect, and God Rest Ye Merry Gents struts with a red and green swagger. It'll be hard to beat this if you're looking for a new release to soundtrack your holiday this year.
