1. Patty Loveless Bluegrass & White Snow (Epic)
Not since Emmylou Harris' "Light of the Stable" came out in the mid-'70s has there been such an outstanding mixture of traditional country and bluegrass. Loveless is a mainstream country star who started heading back toward her Appalachian roots even before "O Brother" made it cool, and she continues in that acoustic vein here, with lovely results. The traditional mandolin- and dobro-driven carols that make up the first two-thirds of the album are terrific, but it really gets going toward the end when she begins breaking out some new songs so tasty you wish the whole album had been made up of just of the original material penned by Loveless and her producer husband Paul Emory Jr.

2. Nicole C. Mullen Christmas in Black and White (Word)
Here's a bet I'm willing to make: This has got to be the only album of 2002 that incorporates a lot of credible hip-hop beats AND has a number where the music stops and the singer breathily intones: "How can this be, since I have not been with a man?" Since Mullen is a gospel singer, it's only fair, of course, that the Virgin Mary gets plenty of props here. But even if you're not into contemporary Christian music, don't let that scare you off, unless you're disinclined toward spiritually centered carols altogether, because this is the most original and possibly most enjoyable of all the season's new releases. "365" and "Sing Angels Song" are R&B party tunes that could fit in perfectly on Top 40 radio, but there are also unusual diversions like a version of "Away in a Manger" that suddenly turns from an acoustic ballad into a funky salsa celebration.

3. Various artists O Christmas Tree: A Bluegrass Collection for the Holidays (Rounder)
If seeing an album title that begins with an "O" reminds you of "O Brother," that's no accident. Indie Americana labels are busy issuing collections with like-minded names and sepia-toned covers to cash in on the bluegrass craze while the going is good. But if that means that we can get a Christmas compilation this good in a genre that's been short on them, then let's say "O boy." Rounder's holiday roundup consists of almost all newly recorded material, and has few letdowns after Rhonda Vincent lights a fire with the traditional "Christmas Time's A-Coming." You'll definitely never hear a less blue-sounding "Blue Christmas" than Open Road's lickety-split take.

4. The Gypsy Hombres Django Bells (Memphis International)
It sounds gimmicky: This instrumental combo has recorded an entire album in the style of jazz legend Django Reinhardt. But it's a delight that works on its own terms, even if you've never heard -- or heard of -- the honoree. These Hombres cook up a terrific mixture of continental cool and acoustic Western swing. You'll know you're in the right hands when you hear "Blue Christmas" done up in the style of "Brazil."