The Spirit of Giving, The New Pornographers (Matador)

These critical faves from Vancouver slipped out this holiday EP for 2007 on iTunes, and it's an interesting collection. "Joseph, Who Understood" and the title song are originals, the latter from their CD Challengers. As for the third tune, a medley of "Arms of Mary" and "Looking At a Baby," the former is by Iain Sutherland of 70s British folk-rockers The Sutherland Brothers and Quiver via fellow Canadian band Chilliwack, the latter originated with The Collectors, according to the Matador Records blog. Dense and interesting; with such a sensibility, the Pornos would be capable of a really good full holiday CD at some point, if they're interested.