Tony Bennett, 'A Swingin' Christmas'

The buzz: Tony Bennett still rules the roost when it comes to singing jazz and other classic pop standards. The 82-year-old crooner began his professional career after World War II and has enjoyed a second wave of success since being embraced by MTV in the ‘90s.

The verdict: This provides nothing in the way of surprises, but Bennett’s is exactly the voice one expects to hear around this time of year and this big-band set provides instant holiday ambience. He does seem a bit too languid on certain renditions; “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” lopes along at a frustratingly slow pace, a stark contrast to livelier numbers like “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”

Did you know? It’s the wrong kind of “White Christmas,” but Bennett was addicted to cocaine in the late ‘70s, and almost died of an overdose. No wonder MTV loves him!

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