Though not quite as ungenerous as the title might suggest, A Lump Of Coal (1991) bears the appearance of indie rock credibility - an important thing in the early 90's, when "alternative" still meant something substantial. However, while the label of record is First Warning, the artists were all housed in the BMG stable - a major label if there ever was one. However, don't let this detract from the half-dozen gems found within (along with the usual sound and sarcasm, signifying nothing). Particularly striking is the Crash Test Dummies' "The First Noel," featuring a wonderful basso profundo lead vocal from Brad Roberts. (In 2002, the Dummies released an entire Christmas album of their own, Jingle All The Way.)