Last year, Sia and Gwen Stefani released Christmas albums, and in a naked nod to the commercial nature of the Christmas album concept, they reissued them this holiday season with bonus tracks.

Sia wins this year's Christmas music derby, while Gwen Stefani is slowed by Blake Shelton. Plus new Christmas music from Hanson, Paul McCartney, Grace Potter and more.

Thursday was a true locals day, with short, friendly lines, and shows you could get close to if you wanted. I said much of what I had to say about Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole and Amanda Shires in the on-the-spot reviews I wrote for The New Orleans Advocate, so I folded Thursday’s notes into Friday’s review.

Thursday was a beautiful day to be at the Fair Grounds, and Friday promises to be just as nice. There's a lot to see though, and I'll try to see more than I know I'll make. I'm curious about Paloma Faith, another Motown/American soul-influenced British female singer. On record, she sounds like she's got the voice and good-enough songs. I'm also excited to see the Australian Aboriginal singer Gurrumul on Congo Square.