New Christmas tunes available

Ho-ho-huh?

Early October feels alarmingly premature for Christmas carols, but the record industry begs to differ. With a slew of holiday albums already landing online and in stores, we bring you a very special playlist of our fave new yuletide tracks:

“Brad Paisley, “Silver Bells” – From a country star whose signature hit was called “Alcohol,” we were hoping for an ode to eggnog. Nevertheless, Paisley’s twangy, loping “Silver Bells” delivers a charm all its own.

“Bootsy Collins, “Winterfunkyland (a.k.a. Winter Wonderland)” – The P-Funk bassist transforms the classic carol into a dripping, seven-minute funk workout, replete with bubbling bass lines and sweeping strings. Might be time for Santa to trade in that old sleigh for a seat on the Mothership.

“James Taylor, “Auld Lang Syne” – If your New Year’s resolutions include finally taking that oft-delayed trip to Mexico and/or Carolina, you’re best to ring in 2007 with Sweet Baby James.

“Twisted Sister, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” – Dee Snider and his camp-metal cohorts reunite for some holiday headbanging. For those about to jingle-bell rock, we salute you.