Christmas music with a Nashville accent

Johnny Cash, 'The Johnny Cash Christmas Specials 1976-1979' (DVD set)

Well, these are absolutely priceless. Here is the Man in Black performing with Kris Kristofferson, Tom T. Hall, Steve Martin, Andy Kaufman (yep, Andy Kaufman, and he does a spot-on Elvis impersonation), Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, June Carter Cash, Rita Coolidge, Anne Murray, Roy Clark, Tony Orlando, Roy Orbison and various other family members and friends. (That also includes a very young Carlene Carter and Rosanne Cash.) The symphony of strings can be overbearing at times, but the programs are showcases for Cash's voice and charisma, and the guest list is staggering. Looking for the common ground between Kaufman and Billy Graham? It's all right here.

- Peter Cooper