Alan Jackson
Greatest Hits Vol. II and Some Other Stuff
(Arista)
Fans will probably have to wait a few years for the release of an Alan Jackson box set. Until then, this compilation offers 26 cuts on a low-priced, double-disc set. The first disc features hits from 1996-2003, including the gems "Who's Cheatin‚ Who," "I'll Go on Loving You," and the chart-topping duet with Jimmy Buffett, "It's Five O'clock Somewhere." The second disc has eight tracks that are just as good as Jackson's hit singles.

Kathy Mattea
Joy for Christmas Day
(Narada)
The title of Kathy Mattea's second Christmas collection exemplifies truth in advertising. A joyous spirit of celebration permeates this mixture of traditional carols and newer material. Mattea's arrangements of "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "O Come All Ye Faithful" have a fresh, contemporary flair. The soulful, gospel-flavored "Baby King," the wonderfully upbeat "Sing, Mary, Sing" and the slightly funky "When the Baby Grew Up" are engaging, modern songs that will help to spread holiday cheer.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Greendale
(Reprise)
Neil Young's latest release is a concept album (or "musical novel") about members of the Green family, who live in a small coastal town. The complexities of the album's dense plot are only apparent after repeated spins. Fans who focus on Young's crunchy, epic, organic rock melodies-without getting too hung up on the story-will find that this disc has much in common with the eclectic songwriter's classic '70s albums. When Neil digs into a groove, he's reluctant to let up; four tracks here exceed 9 minutes apiece.