Sweet Bells - Kate Rusby **** / This Christmas - Michael McDonald *** (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Sweet Bells - Kate Rusby **** / This Christmas - Michael McDonald ***

9:00am Friday 11th December 2009 in

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Lovely Rusby comes from Barnsley, where there’s a long tradition of carollers cramming into pubs. Sweet Bells is a re-released, re-packaged version of an unashamedly joyous album that first came out this time last year. If you missed it then, track it down now – it would be the ideal accompaniment to present opening on the big day.

This Christmas, however, should be played in the afternoon, just after the Queen’s speech. Features lots of festive standards, plus a duet with the former Doobies frontman’s daughter, 17-year-old Scarlett.

McDonald’s still in great voice, but the effect’s a bit soporific.