This benefit for Rock for Choice is an enigmatic mix of the latest bands to decorate alternative stations, from Henry Rollins' machine-gun laced rendition of "The Night Before Christmas" to Deep Forest and Wes Madiko's reggaeesque "Nemene." Bush turns in a tepid live performance on "Good King Somethingorother," but Dance Hall Crashers' "The Toys" and Luscious Jackson's "Queen of Bliss" take imaginative turns at Christmas themes -- Santa's clever nature in the former, the Virgin Mary's miracle in the latter. The result is a pleasant collection of holiday tunes ideal for Yuletide cavorting yet tame enough to share with the family.

-- Beth Winegarner

This article was originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle.