On the subject of the music lovers in your procuring checklist, the AllMusic Reward Information has you lined. Every year, we share our hand-picked suggestions of books, equipment, devices, recordings, and extra, certain to please even probably the most discerning audiophile. And better of all, there isn’t any ready in line.
Cocaine and Rhinestones: A Historical past of George Jones and Tammy Wynette by Tyler Mahan Coe
The ~500 web page e-book primarily based off of season two of the podcast of the identical identify recounts the consuming and drugging, adultery and skulduggery, the flailing makes an attempt of two damaged folks to attempt to manipulate and commiserate one another to fill the voids of their lives but additionally climb on prime of one another in an effort to keep alive within the Nashville machine. The e-book additionally digs into the beginning of the county music business in addition to a number of aspect quests on such disparate matters as ice cream, jukeboxes, the manufacture of moonshine, and bullfighting. A extra detailed overview of the e-book might be discovered on this AllMusic article. By some means all of it comes collectively and gives a well-rounded and well-researched look into the lives of those two nation legends and the business that consumed them.
$24.73 Hardcover on Amazon
Music Motion Figures
In search of oddball stocking stuffers for the music/toy fan in your loved ones? Super7 has a ton of surprising motion figures that will simply match the invoice. Bon Scott from AC/DC and Debbie Harry from Blondie characterize the rock vocal powerhouses, members of Devo and The Conflict fill the punk void, and what hip-hop fan may resist MF Doom (full with cereal bowl) or ODB in his Shimmy Shimmy Ya gear? The one requirement is you gotta take them out of the packaging and play with them, in any other case the opposite toys in Andy’s room will suppose you are a monster.
Most figures are $20.00 on Super7
Speaking Heads: 77 Tremendous Deluxe Version
From the AllMusic Assessment: “This 12 months, Rhino Information issued a Tremendous Deluxe Version of Speaking Heads ’77 that, together with a crisply remastered model of the unique LP, provides a bonus disc of alternate variations and materials that did not make the album, together with a model of “Psycho Killer” with Arthur Russell on cello. The most effective cause to get the expanded model, nonetheless, is the inclusion of a whole Speaking Heads present from an October 1977 look at CBGB, which boasts an power and muscle missing from the studio tracks. It is the sound of a band evolving from excellent to actually nice, and it is a should for anybody who prizes the group’s early work.”
$71.39 on Amazon
Cassette Tape Mug
One of many issues about rising up within the ’80s was the massive assortment of cassette tapes all of us amassed. We had wall-mounted racks and zip-up instances, previous milk crates and stacks of them on the ground. We rewound and fast-forwarded so many instances, after which when your horrible low cost stereo ate the tape, we fastidiously wound the skinny and crinkled brown polyester plastic movie again in utilizing a Bic pen. If you get up feeling previous and pour your self the required cup of espresso, perhaps pour it into considered one of these mugs, proclaiming your ardour for the times of the cassette. You may get one with metallic bands (together with for some cause Settle for’s Metallic Coronary heart!), basic nation tapes, Ska/2-Tone band tapes, plus ones with particular bands like The Kinks, A-Ha, Megadeth, U2, and dozens extra.
$27.48 on MTervoDesign
Sennheiser HD 560 S Headphones
Sennheiser makes among the greatest shopper headphones on the market, and these over-the-ear open-back headphones are prime of the road. One fascinating factor concerning the latest Sennheiser fashions is their use of what they name E.A.R. (Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) angled driver alignment which recreates the setup of the way in which hi-fi loudspeakers can be arrange in a room. Both manner, the sound is crisp and resonant. Additionally the earpads are cozy. I kinda need to sleep inside them.
$149.95 on Amazon
Cameo from Your Favourite Musicians
Folks say that experiences are higher than bodily items and man oh man, what could possibly be higher than having RiFF RAFF want you a merry no matter you have fun. The music fan in your life is sure to get pleasure from a message from Arlo Guthrie (he may inform your aunt the issues you may get at Alice’s Restaurant), or see if Lance Bass says “Bye Bye Bye” when he hangs up. Different notable artists accessible on Cameo embrace Ted Nugent (sure to have insights into the present political panorama), Shaggy 2 Dope from Insane Clown Posse (sure to have insights into how magnets work), somebody named “Kanye East” (who could also be an imposter however solely prices $27 per session), Chris Carrabba (perhaps he would make you a mixtape) and precise Kenny G. Give the present that does not take up any room anyplace besides in your coronary heart.
All kinds of costs on Cameo
The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Movie Traditional by Daniel De Visé
A literary spotlight this 12 months was studying frequent AllMusic contributor Daniel De Visé’s definitive “The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Movie Traditional.” Whereas e-book spends the suitable period of time on the movie, it additionally goes deep into the music roots of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, and the way the boys within the fits and sun shades wasn’t only a gimmick, however truly an expression of their real love for R&B and blues music. The e-book is crammed with unbelievable tales and jaw-dropping factoids (listed partly in our e-book overview). The e-book is on the market in hardcover with a lot of basic images, but additionally as an audiobook learn by Johnny Heller.
$18.62 Hardcover on Amazon
Brass Monkey Misunderstood Songs Occasion Recreation
Whether or not it is “There is a lavatory on the fitting” or “‘Scuse me whereas I kiss this man” there isn’t a scarcity of misheard lyrics. This sport options 300 playing cards, every that includes a uniquely incorrect lyrics to a track. Two to eight gamers can play in a aggressive mode or a extra informal mode (we’re assuming this one means pants-off). Who is aware of, perhaps you have obtained two chickens to paralyze otherwise you imagine candy goals are manufactured from cheese. There’s just one solution to discover out.
$18.51 on Amazon
Document Doormat
Stroll proper in, sit proper down. Child let your hair cling down. Though, truly, are you able to wipe your toes first? We simply had the flooring redone and it appears such as you’ve been strolling by means of a development web site. Is that blood? Perhaps do not are available in any respect. And let your hair cling another route, creep. This doormat might not be capable to flip hippies away from your own home, but it surely does appear like a document. It has a non-skid backing to guard your newly refinished flooring, is low profile so the door ought to simply go proper over it, and you may put in it the washer if some jerk does get mud on it.
$26.99 on Amazon
60 Songs That Clarify the ’90s by Rob Harvilla
Music critic-turned-podcaster Rob Harvilla felt as if he was kidding himself when he dreamed of making a sequence of track evaluation items he wished to name “90 Songs that Clarify the 90s” however in the long run, he obtained just a little self-conscious and determined 60 songs can be all the general public would tolerate. Ultimately, his present hit 60 songs and prolonged to 90, then to 120 however that is it. This hilarious and irreverent strategy to counting is carried over into his writing, had been he waxes poetic about metallic, rap, pop, R&B and nation songs that exemplifed the last decade. With witty asides and really deep introspection, Harvilla captures the music of the 90s, in a novel voice that’s each authoritative and hilarious.
$17.60 Hardcover on Amazon
Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years 1976-1980
From the AllMusic Assessment: “In November 2023 Rhino launched Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975). The Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) is its direct sequel, providing hours of unreleased dwell and studio materials over 98 tracks within the type of outtakes, alternate takes, and dwell performances, alongside a placing bevy of jazz and rock gamers together with Larry Carlton, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, and Don Alias. It’s offered throughout six compact discs with beautiful art work and uncommon images, a 36-page booklet with a laudatory appreciation from Meryl Streep, and a continuation of Mitchell’s dialog with Cameron Crowe from earlier volumes. The vinyl set accommodates 4 LPs, curated by Mitchell from her private favorites.”
$57.11 on Amazon
VU Meter T-Shirt
The golden hum of the recording studio has a specific heat to it. Classic electronics and rancid espresso sit aspect by aspect close to the blending board (however do not ignore the taped-on signal that claims “NO DRINKS” as a result of it’s there for a cause). Because the band warms as much as bang out their demo, the tape op will get the Ampex tapes spooled up and the engineer locations the mics. The guitarist (already out of tune) clangs out a D minor manner too quickly, and the VU meter crashes into the crimson. The producer slides down the fader and lights the primary of many cigarettes of the day. Here’s a t-shirt that captures this second.
$18.69 on Amazon
World Infestation: The Ratt Story by Greg Prato
Frequent AllMusic contributor Greg Prato’s 2024 e-book World Infestation: The Ratt Story recounts the L.A. band’s whole story – from their beginnings as a band slugging it out on the Sundown Strip alongside such stiff competitors as Mötley Crüe and Metallica, to scoring hit singles (“Spherical and Spherical,” “Lay It Down,” “You’re in Love”) and albums (Out of the Cellar, Invasion of Your Privateness, Dancing Undercover), creating their very own distinctive look and sound (dubbed “vogue rock”), coping with adversity, and the way their music has reached a brand new viewers lately.
$22.99 Hardcover on Amazon
Teenage Engineering OP–Z Synth
Teenage Engineering makes among the sleekest and classy digital gear round, from musical gadgets to laptop audio parts and bluetooth audio system. We do not perceive half of what they make, however need all of it. OP–Z is a conveyable 16-track multimedia synthesizer and sequencer with a variety of pattern and synthesis primarily based sounds. sequence music, visuals, lights and extra, all out of your OP–Z. iOS and android companion app accessible.
$429.00 on Teenage Engineering
Cassette Walkman Brick Constructing Set
Massive children want toys too, and if anyone in your checklist is of a sure age, they will nonetheless recall these smooth/scratchy orange earpads on their first cassette Walkman. This L̶E̶G̶O̶ ENJBRICK rendition of the S̶o̶n̶y̶ W̶a̶l̶ok̶m̶a̶n̶ Music Walker is simply as plastic as the actual factor, and even opens and closes to pop the “tape” in. The one query is, what do you take heed to whereas placing this set collectively? Thick as a Brick by Jethro Tull? “Brick” by Ben Folds 5? The album Brick by legendary ’70s disco funk act Brick? Or the 2008 EP Brick by comparatively unknown metallic band Brick? Unhalfbricking? Brick by Brick?
$11.99 on Amazon
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$12.00 on AllMusic