Smash hit

16. Duffy: Rockferry Deluxe

A & M Records are making a clear play for the Christmas market by releasing a deluxe version of Duffy’s debut chart-topper Rockferry on November 24. But then who would blame them? The Welsh songstress is one of the year’s success stories, having topped the singles and album charts and making headway into the lucrative American market.

So just what does the deluxe version offer? Seven additional tracks, including the new single Rain On Your Parade.

15. Bob The Builder: Never Mind the Breezeblocks

His favourite phrase was hijacked by Barack Obama but now the election’s over and Bob’s coming back to claim his rightful place in the limelight. Everyone’s favourite construction worker taps into the fashion for nostalgia and channels the raving Nineties on Never Mind the Breezeblocks, released on December 1. His first single Big Fish, Little Fish teaches toddlers how to dance by pulling moves favoured by Nineties ravers. Can Bob repeat his 2000 achievement and bag another Christmas No. 1? Probably not, but he’s still bound to make a lot of small people very happy this festive season.

14. Neil Young: Sugar Mountain

In 1968, the immeasurably influential Canadian had just left the band Buffalo Springfield and was on the brink of joining Crosby, Stills and Nash. With his first solo album in the pipeline, Young decided to see how he’d manage in front of an audience on his own. Choosing Canterbury House in Michigan for the experiment, Young quickly proved to an impressed crowd that he could fly solo. Now, 40 years later fans can buy a recording of the concert. Sugar Mountain is released on December 8.

13. Glasvegas: A Snowflake Fell

So here’s an interesting concept: Glasvegas are releasing a Christmas album. Yes, Glasvegas the stadium rock band. Yes, the type of Christmas album that involves Silent Night.

The Glasgow group recorded six Christmas songs in Transylvania last month, even roping in church singers the Concentus Choir for one. A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like a Kiss) will be released on December 1, bundled with their self-titled debut album.

12. Tom Jones: 24 Hours

Everyone’s favourite Welshman is back with yet another album – his 28th studio release. On the shelves this week, 24 Hours sees Jones venturing into songwriting on tracks including The Road, an apology to his wife Linda who has endured years of knicker-throwing. The original songs are balanced with covers, including Tommy James & The Shondells’ I’m Alive. Critics have been lukewarm about the album, but Jones has spent 40 years amassing fans and average reviews are unlikely to stop them buying.

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