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Lita Ford - not the real Santa

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Maybe it's the distinct lack of peace on earth that makes ever-more musicians believe they can heal the world's wounds with music? Or perhaps bands just know a decent marketing angle when Christmas consumerism smashes them in the face?

Fact is, there seems to be more Christmas 'singles' available in 2008 than ever before. Some are from big names, Elton John and The Killers taking the superstar(s) prize with Glasvegas a cooler second.

Other offerings are heartfelt, some are quite rotten, and a few are simply weird.

It's currently three weeks to go to Christmas, and not one mince pie has yet passed MusicRadar's lips. But we can already alert you to 13 good/bad/ugly Christmas songs coming your way. These - in no particular order - are just a selection of 2008's offerings.

Click on the song titles to hear each track.

There's got to be more, so please share any other Christmas joy you know…

1. The Wombats
Is This Christmas?
Paul McCartney rates the Liverpudlian indie scamps, and as writer of Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas time, Macca would usually be trusted on matters of festive song. But this feels like a Boxing Day hangover.
MusicRadar verdict: Sleigh bellends.

2. Frightened Rabbit
It's Christmas So We'll Stop
The Scottish indie troupe released this dirge in 2007 but are having another go at fame this year. Not exactly uplifting.
MusicRadar verdict: Yes, please stop.

3. The Killers and Elton John
Joseph, Better You Than Me

With Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant weighing in, this is 2008's big-hitting collaboration. Hardly The Killers' best Christmas tune (we liked 2007's warped Don't Shoot Me Santa), but it's for the (Red)Wire charity, so God bless all involved.
MusicRadar verdict: Give them your money, and don't bother buying the single.

4. George Michael
December Song (Dreamed Of Christmas)
Michael is giving this away as a free download from Christmas Day and he piles on all the clichés needed to give granny a warm glow. Is it as good as Wham!'s Last Christmas? Is it fu…
MusicRadar verdict: For mum, it's everything she wants.