Never mind that the traditional carol of the same name can be found on the CD, Joy To The World is an apt title for the multi-cultural and jubilant sonic holiday experience [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Pink Martini[/lastfm] provide on their fifth CD effort.

Opening with a faithful rendition of White Christmas, you soon get the feeling that you’re in for a non-traditional holiday CD when the second track is once again White Christmas…but this time in Japanese and featuring the vocals of [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Saori Yuki[/lastfm], known in her native land as the [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Barbra Streisand[/lastfm] of Japan.

The neo-lounge style preferred by bandleader Thomas Lauderdale avoids camp (with the exception of a restrained version of Santa Baby) and instead settles on a non-denominational exploration of a variety of cultures. Western, Eastern, Middle Eastern…they’ve got them covered.

And while you have many traditional tunes, they’re all done in a decidedly non-traditional fashion. Little Drummer Boy blends a syncopated Arabic feel with a swanky lounge style.

Other tunes on the disc are lesser known, but equally delightful, including a song for the Chinese New Year and the lush La Vergine Degli Angeli from Verdi’s opera La Forza del Destino.

The one original composition, A Snowglobe Christmas, blends loungy piano with steel guitar to create an upper-crust country ballad.

Pink Martini’s Joy To The World isn’t for everyone, but if you’re somewhat adventurous there are definite treats to be had here. Put it on rotation with [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Puppini Sisters[/lastfm]‘ Christmas with the Puppini Sisters and you’ll have a truly unique holiday mix.

Track List:
1. White Christmas
2. White Christmas (part II) featuring Saori Yuki
3. Shchedryk (Ukrainian Bell Carol)
4. Santa Baby
5. Elohai, N’tzor
6. Little Drummer Boy
7. Congratulations – A Happy New Year Song
8. Do You Hear What I Hear?
9. La Vergine Degli Angeli
10. We Three Kings
11. A Snowglobe Christmas
12. Ocho Kandelikas (Eight Little Candles)
13. Silent Night
14. Auld Lang Syne

Unfamiliar with Pink Martini? Take a look at this overview of the lounge-jazz-indie-pop group courtesy of bandleader Thomas Lauderdale.

You can also watch Lauderdale’s tips on Holiday Table Setiing Made Easy.