Santa Claus comes every year dressed in his usual getup and brings the standard gifts on the list: an iPod, the latest version of "Halo", five seasons of "The Office" and a nose hair trimmer for dad.

Instead, say this Christmas Santa drops down the chimney in a tux and leaves a pack of American Spirits, an Easter basket and a pet meerkat.

Sure, everyone is a little dumbfounded this year, but what's better than, organic cigarettes, Peeps and exotic animals? That's the effect of indie rock freak-folk hero Devendra Banhart's latest album, "What Will We Be," which is a sack full of the pleasantly unexpected.

After coming out in 2002 with the highly praised "Oh Me Oh My...," a twisted bed of strange instrumentation and bizarre lyricism, Banhart proved himself in the independent music scene. Since then, he might be better known for his romance with starlet Natalie Portman or his song "Lover," which appeared on the "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" soundtrack.

"What Will We Be" is his first product since he recently signed with major record label Warner. Possibly because of the major partnership, this installment is a little more SiriusXM-friendly. Banhart jumps musical generations, with tracks fitting for the '70s and ones that go as far forward as MGMT. The lyrics are better deciphered this time around, but Banhart's estranged roots remain.

With a beach vibe and pleasant horns, "Can't Help But Smiling" would fit well in a Corona commercial as Banhart sings, "Mama ain't it wild when you can't help but smiling/And what fun to not know why we're lost in the only thing truly worth getting lost in/ It's so nice to think that you're alone then to look up and see you."

The next few tracks, "Angelika" and the album's first single "Baby" keep listeners feeling good. "Angelika" displays some of Banhart's Venezuelan roots with some exotic diction toward the end, while "Baby" is the steady croon with sweet backup vocals matched alongside it.

Paired back to back, "First Song For B" and "Last Song For B," are humdrum tracks with drawn out articulation and a monotonous piano part. The album starts to take some unexpected turns with songs like "16th & Valencia Roxy Music," a groovy departure with some MGMT flair from the Banhart listeners are used to. "Rats" takes Banhart back to the Zeppelin days with a heavy psych-rock vibe.

"Meet Me at Lookout Point" and "Walilamdzi" are both examples of some of the beautifully sung ballads on the album reminiscent of the Banhart we know. His lyrics speak to love throughout; on "Maria Lionza," Banhart poses the question, "Who do you love?/The love you can't forget or the lover you haven't met?"

With or without the recently shaved beard, Banhart hasn't sheared off his oddities -- he's only made them more enjoyable. Santa is still coming this year, and he's bringing all kinds of surprises.

Grade B+

Download: "16th & Valenica Roxy Music"