wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Every year there's at least one new Christmas album that manages to sharply divide listeners and critics alike. This year, Bob Dylan's notorious Christmas in the Heart easily takes top prize. But there are others that either inspire good cheer or make you wish for a silent night. Pop critics ...

Don Byron was named a finalist for this year's Pulitzer Prize in Music for his piece "Seven," a sometimes bluesy, sometimes cheery, always surprising collection of seven short piano pieces. Lisa Moore, the pianist he wrote them for, plays some of them live in our studio.

The New York-based rock group Living Colour rocketed to fame in 1988 after a CBGB audience member named Mick Jagger helped secure them a record deal. They're back with their first album in half a decade.

Soundcheck's John Schaefer wants to know: What’s the must-have or the must-to-avoid of this year’s holiday releases?

Drink Up Buttercup
"Even Think"
Playing at: Glasslands Gallery (289 Kent Ave., Williamsburg)
Get: Tickets ($7 at door) | Directions

Danielson
"Did I Step On Your Trumpet"
Playing at: The Stone (Ave. C and 2nd St., East Village)
Get: Tickets ($10 at door) | Directions

Jazz pianist Marcus Roberts hails from Florida and is an alumnus of the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, alma mater of another distinguished musician, Ray Charles.  New Orleans Meets Harlem, Vol.1 is his first album in over 8 years.

Joao Erbetta
"South American Girl"
Playing at: Barbès (376 9th St., Park Slope)
Get: Tickets ($10 at door) | Directions