As we toil through the holiday season bogged down by busted bank accounts, endless open bar parties and the impending New Year’s resolution discussion, it becomes clear that the foreseeable hibernation can’t come soon enough.
But before we can hibernate in our excessively heated, undersized apartments to catch up on all the fall’s DVR offerings, we have to spend some time with our families and that could only mean one thing – it’s time to stress over gift lists.
Don’t worry, I’m here to help. For the first time in my life, I’m putting together a gift guide to not only help me, but to help you with a few offerings for the people in your life that have left you puzzled.
Dive in and see if there is anything here that may assist you in putting one of those highly coveted checks on your list.
The Timeless Hippie
- Bob Dylan by Greil Marcus: Writings 1968-2010: One of the most prolific cultural journalists compiles his work on one of the last living renegade poets.
- A cabin on Jam Cruise 2010: What could be better than a week at sea with like minded party goers and artists like Bob Weir, Robert Randolph, Galactic and Lotus? Did we mention there will be onboard casinos and the cruise stops in Mexico?
- Tickets to The Allman Brothers: After a year astray due to renovations to the Beacon Theatre, The Allmans return for an eight night stand in March.
Beat Driven Dance Junkie
- TRON: Legacy Soundtrack: The robots return! This time Daft Punk was tapped to score the sequel to the cult classic that is due for 3D release later this month.
- Earlove: Your dance fiend probably loves spending late nights in loud clubs dancing the night away to heavy drum and bass. These will assure they can do it for years to come.
- Tickets to Super Mash Bros.: Check your rearview mirror Girl Talk, there is a new group of mash-up makers nipping at your heals, and they pull into Irving Plaza on January 22.
Blacked Rimmed Glasses Beau
- Pinkerton Deluxe Reissue: Weezer’s 1996 opus gets a proper reissue with two discs of previously unreleased live and studio tracks.
- OK Computer 33 1/3: You know he loves Radiohead so why not give him a window into the making of one of the most acclaimed albums of the 90’s.
- Tickets to The Get Up Kids: The godfathers of emo return to the road in support of a new album There Are Rules with stops planned at Webster Hall and Music Hall of Williamsburg.
Budding Hip Hop Mogul
- Decoded: Jay-Z reveals the story behind his astronomical success in this tell-all autobiography.
- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy: If they don’t have Kayne West’s latest release yet, they should. Expect it to be at the top of most 2010 Year End lists.
- Tickets to Yelawolf: The show is a few days before Christmas, but this southern hip hop upstart is worth pulling one gift out from under the tree. See him at SOB’s on December 22.
Purveyor of Punk Rock
- OFF! First Four EPs: Go ahead and call it a super-group if helps you sleep at night, but don’t let that label deter you from picking up this record that will remind them of the good old days of punk without posturing.
- Gift Certificate to Search and Destroy: Saint Marks is a shadow of its former self, but this shop continues to carry the torch of the early 80’s with an eclectic mix of punk rock flare.
- Tickets to Dropkick Murphys: These Boston bruisers invade Roseland on March 10 so lace up the Doc’s and circle up!
The Aging Rock and Roller
- Life: If there is one guy who has seen it all, it’s Keith Richards and this memoir tells the story of the ascension of one of the most influential rock and roll bands in history.
- The Live Anthology: This four CD set is the definitive collection of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers live performances spanning over three decades of touring.
- Tickets to Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings: Is there a better way to relive the glory years than twisting and shouting with the queen of modern soul as you ring in the New Year at the Best Buy Theater?
Indie Rock Lady Friend
- Wilco Souldier Headband: She loves Wilco. She loves owls. These are the facts of life. Why not get her a piece of merch she’ll love forever. If for some reason she doesn’t dig Tweedy and the gang, get her some birdie inspired goodies from Etsy because owls are the way to a girl’s heart.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One (Collector’s Set): This is just too easy. The box set is full of goodies that will win you brownie points for years to come.
- Tickets to Beach House: They made one of the most inspired indie rock albums of 2010 and it will be on display at Webster Hall February 23 & 25, but hurry as they will both sell out before the end of the month.
