Maybe This Christmas, various artists (Nettwerk Records)

Canadian content rules apply once again as Nettwerk brings us its second Christmas album in 2002, set to benefit Toys For Tots. Like the previous one, it skews more toward pop-folk than straight-up rock, and like the first one it reprises the Sarah McLachlan-Barenaked Ladies' "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." An unnecessary shortcut, but since it's here, I'll recommend this one over the first one, as it has a more interesting, even worldwide, selection of artists. Original tunes are offered by Ben Folds with "Bizarre Christmas Incident," in which Santa meets his maker in the chimney; Neil Finn with "Sweet Secret Peace," a nice, if ambiguous anthem; Jimmy Eat World's "12/23/95," a little less rocking than you'd expect; Ron Sexsmith's original "Maybe This Christmas"; Loreena McKennitt's "Snow," in keeping with her New-Agey vibe; and Dan Wilson's "What a Year For a New Year." Covers include Jack Johnson's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" with some extra, original lyrics, Coldplay's solo piano "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," Bright Eyes with "Blue Christmas," Phantom Planet's folky "Winter Wonderland," Vanessa Carlton with "Greensleeves" and Sense Field with "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)." Out of print, and 3rd-party sellers are getting collector prices at Amazon for this.