Posted: Monday 3rd November 2008

Christmas is officially nearly upon us. As we dangle off the cusp of October, November threatens to overtake it and with it bring this year's festive releases. One of the first, and probably the best, is Elvis Presley Christmas Duets. Fear not Elvis fans, the King hasn't risen from the grave. This yuletide releases pairs Elvis' original vocal recordings with a host of big names including Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes and Olivia Newton-John.

We always find it strange when record companies make albums like these. You have to wonder whether or not Elvis would have made this record had he still been with us and honestly he probably wouldn't. That having been said Christmas Duets is strangely effective and gives the King a country leaning thanks to the range of country artists duetting with him. It has to be said that the production is pretty impressive and you wouldn't be able to tell that Elvis' vocals were recorded decades ago.

Highlights on the record include I'll Be Home For Christmas with American Idol winner Carrie Underwood, Here Comes Santa Claus with LeAnn Rimes and an affecting rendition of Silent Night with Sara Evans.

Christmas Duets features three bonus tracks (The First Noel, If I Get Home On Christmas Day and Winter Wonderland). Elvis performs all three tracks on his own and they have been remastered and remixed especially for this release.

Despite our initial skepticism about Christmas Duets we actually really like the album. It's certainly got us in the Christmas mood and it's always a treat to listen to Elvis. Mark this down with Mariah Carey's Christmas album as must-listens this festive season.