Natty and Nice, Various Artists (Rhino)

Another Caribbean Christmas compilation, this one's from Rhino, the acknowledged leader in the field of holiday compilations. Selections included in this 1998 album cover 30 years' worth of music, from the ska era of the 60s to the ska era of the '90s. Oh, yeah, with reggae in between, of course. Famous names rub elbows with the less well-known, from Lee Perry and Toots & The Maytals to John Holt, the Trojans, Frankie Paul and Heavy Beat Crew. Gotta love the idea that "Santa Claus Is Skaing To Town" with the Granville Williams Orchestra and Bolivar's "Rudolf The Reggae Reindeer," and Holt reggaes up John and Yoko's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." Can't have too much reggae and ska for Christmas, can we? This is way the hell out of print, as the third-party sale prices at Amazon will underline for you.