Holiday spirit in full swing all across Austin dial

NPR is out with its list of the year's Top 50 albums - and San Antonio-based Girl in a Coma made the cut.

Joining "Exits and All the Rest" are releases from a number of heavy hitters, including Adele, Jay-Z, Radiohead and Wilco.

Albums were selected by the public broadcaster's critics and on-air hosts.

Now it's NPR listeners' turn to pick their faves. Head to npr.org/allsongs to cast your vote. The deadline is 4 p.m. Tuesday.

A sampling:

• Beyonce, "4"

• Bon Iver, "Bon Iver"

• Glenn Jones, "The Wanting"

• June Tabor, "Ashore"

• Kendrick Lamar, "Section.80"

• La Vida Boheme, "Nuestra"

• PJ Harvey, "Let England Shake"

• Shabazz Palaces, "Black Up"

• St. Vincent, "Strange Mercy"

See the full list online at austin360.com/musicsource.

Broadcasters spread holiday cheer

'Tis the season for holiday charity drives, contests and parties, and Austin broadcasters have plenty to choose from.

Charity drives/fundraisers

• Mix 94.7's "J.B. and Sandy Morning Show" is once again rolling out its Bikes for Kids campaign.

In its 15th year, the longtime Austin radio hosts collect contributions from listeners and area businesses, buying bikes for hundreds of needy Central Texas youngsters.

Make your donation at mix947.com. The deadline is Friday.

• KGSR's annual "Broadcasts" CD, a favorite gift each holiday season, can be purchased for $15 at music stores around town. Proceeds benefit the SIMS Foundation, which offers mental health services to area musicians.

Performers on this year's release include Band of Horses, Sarah Jarosz, Sarah McLachlan and, of course, Bob Schneider.

• Dudley and Bob's Breaking and Entering Christmas delivers appliances, clothing, furniture and other items to families in need.

They'll accept cash donations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at A-Line Auto Parts, 1807 RM 620 N. in Lakeway, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Spy Exchange, 9513 Burnet Road.

Hit up klbjfm.com to learn more.

Concerts/parties

• KISS-FM is pulling out the big guns, snagging Gym Class Heroes for the annual Bobby Bones Show Tacky Sweater Xmas Party.

The 18-and-older show is at 8 p.m. Friday at ACL Live. Tickets are $22. Buy 'em at 967kissfm.com.

• AM 1300 the Zone is hosting a holiday party at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at its studios, 3601 S. Congress Ave., Building F.

There will be free food, a performance by Brent Allen, a chance to meet the Zone's hosts and photos with Bucky the Elf.

RSVP at longhornstation.com.

Contests/promotions

• More ugly sweater goodness: Several of the Emmis-owned radio stations in town – including 101X, BOB-FM, KGSR and KLBJ-FM – are looking for the worst of the worst. Hit the stations' websites to upload a photo or two of your cringe-worthy Christmas apparel.

The winner gets $100 to spend at Brick Oven.

• 101X also has a 12 Days of Christmas promotion that features a dozen deals at merchants around town. Visit krox.com for more details.

Holiday tunes

• BOB-FM is streaming non-stop Christmas music at 1035bobfm.com.

• In the car or at the gym and want to hear holiday tunes? Tune in Majic 95.5 or Spirit 105.9. Both stations stream as well, at majic.com and spirit1059.com.

Competition heats up for Austin’s No. 1 song