Elf [Orignal Soundtrack] (CD - 2003)

Reflecting the warmth and personality Jon Favreau brought to his holiday comedy Elf, the movie's soundtrack features a dozen Christmas and holiday songs picked by Favreau. Most of these songs have a retro appeal, including Louis Prima's "Pennies From Heaven," Ella Fitzgerald's "Sleigh Ride," and Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby." Leon Redbone appears on three of the tracks, "Winter Wonderland," "Christmas Island," and in a duet of "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Zooey Deschanel. Other highlights include Brian Setzer's lounge and rockabilly tinged "Nutcracker Suite," Ferrante & Teicher/Les Baxters' "Sleigh Ride"/Santa Claus Party," and Billy Preston's "Nothing From Nothing." A charming soundtrack, Elf also manages to outclass many Christmas albums in terms of holiday cheer. ~ Heather Phares minimize