Beginning November 10, 2005, Starbucks will exclusively carry Elton John's Christmas Party, a compilation of Elton John's favorite holiday songs, including an exclusive duet with Joss Stone. Starbucks and Universal will donate $2 per CD sold to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The new holiday compilation contains 21 songs which were hand-selected by Elton John himself. The CD will be available exclusively at Starbucks Company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada beginning on November 10, 2005. Starbucks and Universal Music Group will donate $2 for every CD sold to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The album includes "Calling It Christmas," an exclusive brand-new duet by Elton John and Joss Stone penned by Elton and longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin just for this collection. The CD's liner notes, also written by Elton John, describe why he selected each song in the compilation.

Among the holiday songs Elton John picked as his party favorites are Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run," Bruce Springsteen's 1981 version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," the Eagles' 1978 Adult Contemporary hit of "Please Come Home For Christmas," Jimmy Buffett's 1996 anthem "Christmas Island," Rufus Wainwright's 2003 chamber pop entry "Spotlight On Christmas" and Elton's own 1973 No. 1 pop smash "Step Into Christmas." Along with conventional holiday songs, Elton John also includes several songs which capture the spirit of the season, including U2's "New Year's Day," John Mayer's "St. Patrick's Day" and Outkast's "Playa's Ball."

"Music plays a more important part at Christmas than at any other time of the year. It is the only season that has its own genre of music," explained Elton John. "Recently it has become de rigueur to do a Christmas album. But I do not want to do one. I would rather compile this album of my favorite Christmas songs by my favorite artists."

"This special, exclusive holiday CD compilation offers our customers unique insight into Elton John's personal musical tastes while providing the perfect soundtrack for their holiday gatherings," said Ken Lombard, president, Starbucks Entertainment. "We are delighted to join with Universal to donate money from each CD sold to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation."

"We are pleased to be able to develop with Elton and Starbucks Hear Music such a worthwhile project," explains Kathy Hale, Sr. VP, Universal Music Special Markets. "We were able to offer a phenomenally high quality selection of artists and recordings to attract album buyers and, in turn, help in the fight against AIDS."

Elton John's Christmas Party will also be available for sale online at www.starbucks.com/hearmusic beginning on November 10, 2005.

Track Listing for Elton John's Christmas Party:

1.  Step Into Christmas                        Elton John
2.  Feliz Navidad                              El Vez
3.  Frosty the Snowman                         The Ronettes
4.  Santa Claus Is Coming to Town              Bruce Springsteen
5.  The Man with All the Toys                  The Beach Boys
6.  A Change at Christmas (Say It Isn't So)    The Flaming Lips
7.  It Doesn't Often Snow at Christmas         Pet Shop Boys
8.  Spotlight on Christmas                     Rufus Wainwright
9.  Jingle Bell Rock                           The Ventures
10. Run Rudolph Run                            Chuck Berry
11. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer             The Crystals
12. Playa's Ball                               Outkast
13. Merry Christmas Baby                       Otis Redding
14. Christmas Island                           Jimmy Buffett
15. St. Patrick's Day                          John Mayer
16. Please Come Home for Christmas             The Eagles
17. Christmas Must Be Tonight                  The Band
18. 2000 Miles                                 The Pretenders
19. December Will Be Magic Again               Kate Bush
20. New Year's Day                             U2
21. Calling It Christmas                       Elton John & Joss Stone