Lonesome Onry and Mean: A Christmas Album That Doesn't Suck

It's no secret that Lonesome Onry and Mean usually thinks of Christmas music at about the same moment the concept of suicide pops into our head. But a few days ago we were pleasantly surprised to receive a Christmas album that actually doesn't suck.

Along with 2002's excellent 'Tis The Season for Los Straitjackets, Yuletide Beat is the second album of Christmas instrumentals by the fabulous twin-guitar Austin/Nashville band Los Straitjackets. Both albums follow in the tradition of The Ventures' Christmas Album.

You've got to love any band who can start "Deck the Halls" with the lick from Bobby Fuller's "I Fought the Law" and make it work. The 'Jackets also render their singular take on standards like "We Three Kings," "Joy To The World," "Jingle Bells" and "O Come All Ye Faithful." They take a few liberties with "Silent Night Rock" and "Soul'D Lang Syne," but it's crazy twanging Fenders from beginning to end.

Unfortunately, like that favorite toy your kid wants that Target and Wal-Mart are sold out of, Yuletide Beat, which was only available through the Yep Roc online store, has sold out. But you can still purchase Tis The Season for Los Straitjackets here. Every family should own one.