Aimee Mann brings her Second Annual Christmas Show to the Berklee Performance Center in Boston on Sunday (December 16), and this year's lineup of talent is amazing. Here's some of the folks who are on board: Grant Lee Phillips, Josh Ritter, Ben Lee, and a special bonus for the Hub, Nellie McKay. Members of The Decemberists will also play along. This show WILL sell out so get your tickets immediately!

Aimee might not be the first musician you think of when it comes to Christmas music. Her style and sound has always been moody and introspective, not celebratory. Still, my favorite Christmas songs have always been the bittersweet ones. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is a perfect example. Under the cheery title is a very dark tune ... the basic theme being, who knows if we'll even be here next year so we'd better celebrate now. Judy Garland delivers the classic version, but Chrissie Hynde and Conor Oberst also do wonderful takes on it.

Speaking of Conor, his version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is hypnotic and chilling. Pick up the Bright Eyes Christmas CD for more.

I'm not all hard boiled in my Christmas music though. I love Nat King Cole's "A Cradle In Bethlehem ... and for nutty fun there's nothing like Sufjan Stevens' "Come On Let's Boogie To The Elf Dance." Sufjan's Christmas CD collection is another must have.

When Christmas craziness kicks in, my iPod full of holiday tunes saves the day.

And don't forget, go see Aimee!