Tree-side Hoot, The Christmas Jug Band (Globe)

The second release by this ad hoc holiday group featuring Dan Hicks and other Northern California musicians shows progress from the first album, Mistletoe Jam. "Under the Mistletoe" is a Hicks original, and "Rockin' the Nativity Scene" and "He's on Holiday in His Mind" are originals by band members. Some of the popular songs have had their lyrics rewritten by the performers here, for example, "Santa as Seen on TV" done to "The Sheik of Araby" and "S-A-N-T-A" to the tune of "Gloria." Classic holiday fare like "Let It Snow," "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Run Rudolph Run" round out the collection, and "Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'" makes a return appearance from the first album. From 1991.