The Mountain 2012

Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra along with 6 powerful soloists perform the most beautiful Holiday melodies in this magical two-hour spectacular recorded in and around a winter wonderland setting: Andris fabled castle in Maastricht, the Netherlands. The Modern Maestro presents 26 classics like the heartening "Silent Night," "Ave Maria" and "O Come All Ye Faithful", as well as unforgettable renditions of all-time favorites like "Jingle Bells" and "Go Tell It on the Mountain"

While they were never strictly a ska band, Madness had more than their share of skanky moments, many of which can be found on this 24-track compilation from Salvo. Forever Young: The Ska Collection spans the beloved English outfit's entire career, from the manic thump of early hits like "One Step Beyond" and "Baggy Trousers" to "Dust Devil" from 2009's Liberty of Norton Folgate.

This blues-roots rock supergroup of sorts features musicians bred, if not always born, in the South. The only real royalty would be singer/songwriter/percussionist Cyril Neville, who shares lead vocals with younger but still established blues-rock journeymen guitarists Mike Zito and Devon Allman. Bassist Charlie Wooton from Zydefunk and ex-Derek Trucks drummer Yonrico Scott comprise the solid rhythm section rounding out this quintet. With all this instrumental and vocal firepower, the musical possibilities of mixing Neville's familial, funky New Orleans swamp with Zito's soulful blues and Allman's tougher rock are enticing.