Ah, yes. This Tom Heinl cover is a nice gift from Holly Golightly just in time for the holidays. And what a song! Not like a wimpy little spark from a bad string of lights that slowly consumes tree and house. “Christmas Tree on Fire” is spontaneous combustion, with drums crackling like flames and Holly’s strong voice radiating playful but intense heat. It’s a country-fried scorcher and shows Holly in top form.

The b-side, “Hear My Call, Here,” is pleasant but nowhere near as exciting. Another cover, originally by the Staples Singers, it’s kind of plodding in its angelic, girl-group deliberateness. Seems like it might be a good song for curling up in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa after clearing your driveway of a foot of snow. Or raking leaves if you’re in the South.

Surprisingly this is the only newly recorded material Holly has released this year. Not to worry though, there’s a new album to look forward to in March ‘07. In the meantime, grab this single from eMusic and mix it in with the holiday classics in your rotation.