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► CHRISTMAS MUSIC: From Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" to Mannheim Steamroller's "Carol of the Bells," the American canon of Christmas music is a big part of what defines the Yuletide season in this country. But, as comfortable and inviting as that canon is, it often precludes a wider look at the constellation of Christmas music out there. To that end, here's my second annual list of alternative holiday tunage.

"Good King Wenceslas"/ William Shatner: The commander of the Starship Enterprise voices a version of this tale of a monarch's kindness. The song actually is set on Dec. 26, the feast of St. Stephen, but its message certainly fits the spirit of Christmas.

"Good King Wenceslas" actually was the 10th-century Bohemian Duke Vaclav, who in the 11th century became the patron saint of Bohemia. The music is based on a 13th-century tune, to which the words of today's carols were applied in the 19th century.

Shatner's take is available for a free listen at reverbnation.com, and can be downloaded at amazon.com.

"Dancin' with Santa"/The Trashmen: This song by the Minneapolis-based '60s surf-rock band unquestionably best known for the hit "Surfin' Bird" (you know, "Bird, bird, bird, the bird is the word ...") is a peek at a house party featuring the jolly old elf himself. Find it free on YouTube, or download it at amazon.com.

"Blue Christmas"/Miles Davis and Bob Dorough: Davis, the legendary jazz trumpeter, and Dorough, best known for his work on the "Schoolhouse Rock" educational music series, team up for this decidedly downbeat tune, featuring such lyrics as "Blue Christmas - I hope you have a white one but for me it's blue." "Blue Christmas" is Davis' only Christmas recor

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