Bing Crosby's a peach, but you're better off setting the mood at your holiday party with chestnut-roasting standards by these top acts.

Retro: The Vince Guaraldi Trio, A Charlie Brown Christmas
Newly remastered from the original 1965 recording. This jazzy, melancholy disc still has the power to trigger mass nostalgia in any crowd.
Favorite tracks: Linus & Lucy; Greensleeves; O Tannenbaum


Rocking: The Smithereens, Christmas with The Smithereens
Best known for British Invasion-styled singles “Blood and Roses” and “Behind The Wall Of Sleep,” the Smithereens show their indie roots on this crunchy, guitar-oriented album. Worth it alone for the chugging cover of the Ramones’ “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight).”
Favorite tracks: Run Rudolph Run; Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)

Sultry: Diana Krall, Christmas Songs
Krall’s interpretations and phrasing of popular holiday jingles recalls both Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra (but hotter). A smoky, swinging affair perfect for holiday cocktails or late nights by the fire.
Favorite tracks: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas; What Are You Doing New Year's Eve

Funky: Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra, A Very Ping Pong Christmas
With the kind of rounded, softened beats you’d hear in the lounge of a boutique hotel, Shawn Lee’s aptly named Orchestra makes the standards sound cool again utilizing an array of vintage instruments. A hip-hop “Jingle Bells” sports porno guitars and, you guessed it—bells.
Favorite tracks: Jingle Bells; Little Drummer Boy; Carol of the Bells

Crooner: Harry Connick, Jr., Harry for the Holidays
Josh Groban and Michael Buble may have holiday records running up the charts at the moment, but neither is as cool as this 2003 bestseller. Featuring swinging big band arrangements of classics like “Frosty the Snowman” that recall Bacchus parades at Mardi Gras every bit as much as sledding.
Favorite tracks: Santa Claus is Coming to Town; I'll Be Home for Christmas; Frosty the Snowman

Single: The Killers, “Don’t Shoot Me Santa”
Download this sinister track, where proceeds go to Bono’s RED charity for AIDS awareness.