Issue date: Nov 28, 1999

Last picks

SPIN PICKS
The editors of SPIN magazine dissect pop culture

Jewel, Joy: A Holiday Collection ($17.98)
Jewel, left, adds yuletide caroler to her résumé. The Alaskan's trademark sexy folk stylings update seasonal favorites such as Silent Night and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Plus: a new Christmas- themed version of her mega-hit Hands.

Various artists, Smooth Grooves Christmas ($11.98)
Rhino Records defines a "smooth groove" as a song written with love and lovers in mind. So when Smooth Grooves goes Christmas, holiday lovin' is assured with mood-making chestnuts from the golden age of '70s soul by artists such as Isaac Hayes, The Mistletoe and Me, and James Brown.

If you prefer to craft your own holiday music compilation, the Web is more than willing to accommodate. Both CDNow and CustomDisc provide the tools to create CD-quality memories -- perfect for a gift with a personal touch.

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