Erran Baron Cohen, 'Songs in the Key of Hanukkah'

The buzz: As the brother of "Ali G" and "Borat" lunatic Sacha Baron Cohen, Erran Baron Cohen has productively skewered culture from the musical side. He's scored both films, and even formed his own sonic collective Zohar, which landed acclaim after releasing two efforts merging Hebrew and Arabic samples with contemporary dub, electronica and more. Along the way, Erran Baron Cohen also composed a symphony for the Turan Alem Kazakhstan Philharmonic Orchestra and collaborated with heavyweights like Supergrass and Chrissie Hynde. The only hole missing in his resume was a Hanukkah upgrade—until now, that is.

The verdict: While his name conjures up hilarity, Baron Cohen's "Songs in the Key of Hanukah" plays its revisionism mostly straight, with the aid of well-regarded Jewish artists. The bling-rap goof of "Dreidel" notwithstanding, most of this clever effort's tunes hew to 21st century reiteration. The kinetic reggae of "Spin It Up" bounces heartily with the help of vocalist Jules Brookes, who also brings the acoustic "Look to the Light" and the digital R&B of "Rock of Ages" to life. Yasmin Levy's soulful turn of "Ocho Kandelikas" is ambient enough to pass at the clubs, and Y-Love's Yiddish rap on "Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah" could pack the dance floor. 

Did you know? The album came to life after New Line Records president Jason Linn couldn't find a kitsch-free Hanukkah record for his father.

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