You know that when Bob Dylan finally deigns to record a Christmas album, it's either a sign of the Apocalypse or time to think what a Christmas record should and could be. That seems to be what Sting had in kind when formulating his ambitious new release, 'If On A Winter's Night...' Rather than duck into a Hollywood studio in mid-July to do one-take versions of 'Jingle Bells' and 'Here Comes Santa Claus', the former Police chief has crafted something much more expansive. Yes, Christmas is well represented here, but only as one part of a broader annual pageant - the sometimes bleak, uniquely beautiful season of snow and ice. Exploring the intracies of the artist's favourite time of year, 'Winter' is a "concept" album that broadens the scope of what a yuletide holiday album can be...