Holigay Gift Guide: Music For Your Mom & Other Loved Ones

I’ve been staring at my day planner for most of the week, hoping the engagements I committed to months ago will suddenly, miraculously be canceled, therefore freeing me to make a last-minute dash to the mall to fight with tweens (or, worse, their parents) over the last limited edition Twilight journal which also happens to be my very last Gift Idea for this or that impossible person I probably barely even know. Who knows where tweens come from.

Rather than learn from my mistakes and complete my Christmas shopping in a timely fashion, instead I’m going to dedicate this time to assisting you in your own panicked scramble for last minute gifts. Consider it my present to you.

In similar fashion to Technostraddle’s Holiday Gift Guide I’m going to tell you all about the hottest CDs and DVDs on the record store shelves right now. I should note that this feature is proudly sponsored by the many record companies and publicists who have sent me promo releases throughout the year, many which are stacked up beside my bed just begging to be wrapped and gifted to all of my friends for Christmas.

Anyway! Here lies a summary of all the (good) free CDs, DVDs and other musical items I’ve received recently, and the stockings I plan to stuff them in.

Madonna – Celebration [DVD]

Madonna - Celebration (Deluxe Video Edition)
madonnaCelebrationI was stoked to receive Madonna’s Celebration DVD in the post because I knew how easy it would be to re-gift it at Christmas time, everyone loves the Queen of Pop. Everyone except me, that is. So while I didn’t actually watch this DVD myself, I did learn from its cover that it celebrates every music video Madonna has ever made, which is an epic 47.

So if you have a friend who has seen and enjoyed one or more of Madonna’s music videos, they’re probably going to really dig this double-disc DVD containing all 47 of them, they’re gonna find it really convenient, super practical. I hear it’s not as good as the Confessions Tour DVD and its prominent horse theme, but then not many things are.

Recommended for: your mom, your gay man friend, anyone born in the 70s.

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Kaki King – Dreaming of Revenge [CD]

kakiking

Kaki King - Dreaming of Revenge
This album was released back in early-2008 but I’m recommending it regardless because it’s my current jam and there’s no expiry date on gifting an awesome album. If you know me but you don’t know Kaki King, you’re getting this album for Christmas. You’re probably also getting tickets to her January shows. So ready yourself.

I should note that no record company or publicist sent me this album. Sometimes I like artists so much that asking record companies for freebies gives me the guilts.

Recommended for: anyone with two ears and a heart.

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Paramore – Brand New Eyes [CD]

paramore

Paramore - Brand New Eyes
We’ve talked about Paramore before and I think the general consensus was that many of you have heard of this band, but not from them. I was a little slow to cotton on at first, but now I’ve finally got with the emo program and have this record on high rotation.

If you still haven’t heard Paramore, I guess the best way to describe them is to say they’ve taken a page out of Good Charlotte’s book with power pop punk that doesn’t care if it’s being angsty or optimistic or melancholic, just as long as it feels something. Try not to be put off by my use of the GC-bomb, t’is what it is. Paramore is fronted by Hayley Williams who is arguably a force to be reckoned with. Talent aside, she’s hot when she’s pissed off, and that’s frequent on this album. Win.

Recommended for: you, your girlfriend, your BFF, anyone with a Live Journal.

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gleeGlee: The Music, Volume 1

Glee Cast - Glee - The Music, Vol. 1
I’m sure most of us have feelings about the sound production on Glee, specifically the way in which Rachael is able to open her mouth to sing and melt everyone’s face off. However Glee’s soundtrack on its own – when not heard in contrast to the actors’ spoken dialogue, is totally enjoyable and the tracks are not at all as overpowering as when delivered on the screen.

Glee: The Music is the perfect gift for any Gleek. It’s got all the big hits from Season One, including “Don’t Stop Believin”, “Can’t Fight This Feeling”, “Take A Bow” and Puck’s surprising rendition of “Sweet Caroline”.

Although it would be brill if the whole world got on board the Glee train, I don’t recommend giving this soundtrack to anyone who isn’t a self-proclaimed Gleek. From experience I can tell you that it won’t convert them, it’ll just drive them insane. Try the DVD box set instead.

Recommended for: Gleeks, kids, your Secret Santa recipient.


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michaelbubleMichael Bublé – Crazy Love [CD]

Michael Bublé - Crazy Love (Deluxe Edition)
If you have a mother, she’s probably going to dig this album because there’s something about Michael Bublé that drives the ladies wild. He’s a drug. My own mother believes in the power of the Bublé charm so much that I swear in the past she has attempted to straighten me out by assaulting me with that smooth, velvety voice whenever I’ve walked into a room.

Anyway, enough about my mum and back onto yours. If there is a special lady in your life and Adult Contemporary floats her boat, then Michael Bublé is for her. My mother’s Bublé Straightening Strategy hasn’t worked (yet), but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that when no-one is around, I like to listen to his renditions of “Cry Me A River” and “Heartache Tonight” on repeat and do a little swoon. You might too, ladies.

Recommended for: your mother, your girlfriend, Autostraddle’s COO Brooke.

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Little Boots, Hands or Illuminations [CD]

Little Boots - Illuminations - EP
littlebootsStef once described her South by Southwest BFF Little Boots as a “precious little human being who writes intelligent dance music with an insane little Lite Brite-esque table synth called a tenori-on.” I can’t describe her better.

Little Boots‘ new release Hands is one of the best pop albums I’ve heard this year. It’s available in Australia and the UK, but not in the USA (yet!). Her EP Illumination is, and it’s the next best thing.

Little Boots will appeal to people who like their electro pop without that safe, easily-consumed bubble gum flavoring, foregoing that polished pop sounds of her peers for a more raw production. She also called up the 90s and borrowed their hidden track, which only makes her more endearing in my eyes.

Recommended for: anyone who likes their pop with a bit of edge.

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Honourable mentions

There are some brilliant albums out there that I won’t write about at length because we’ve already reviewed them, such as:

Tegan & Sara: Sainthood (amazon.com)

Tegan and Sara - Sainthood (Bonus Track Version)Tegan & Sara – Sainthood (itunes)
Our take: Tegan & Sara’s Sainthood: The Autostraddle Review: “These girls have challenged themselves, and it’s paid off. For us, too.. affirming once again what they’ve been brilliant at from the beginning – to evolve without losing the urgent pop-laden hooks and emotion-fueled lyrics that made us fall for them in the first place.”

Lady Gaga: Fame Monster (amazon.com)

Lady GaGa - The Fame Monster (Deluxe Version)
Our Take: Lady Gaga’s Fame Monster: The Autostraddle Review: “What makes [Lady Gaga tracks] so fresh and ingenious seems to be her combination of great pop beats and harmonies with real fucking emotion.”

Rachael Cantu’s Far and Wide (amazon.com)

Our Take: Rachael Cantu interview & review: “Hooky melodies and arrangements, familiar enough to consume effortlessly and refreshing enough to stick in my head and demand repeat performances.”

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack (amazon.com)

Muse - The Twilight Saga: New Moon (Deluxe Version) [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]
pinkOur take: Crystal Loves the Twilight New Moon soundtrack: “It’s a well thought-out compilation and the perfect soundtrack for processing your feelings on a rainy day. You know, if you’re into that sort of thing.”

Equally worth a mention are these new releases:

P!nk: Funhouse: The Collector’s Edition [CD/DVD]

P!nk - Funhouse (Deluxe Version)

I haven’t got my hands on this one yet but as I saw it on a TV commercial this morning and I want it’s going straight to the top of my wishlist. This double-disc is a momento that commemorates P!nk‘s epic 58-date Aussie tour which we freakin’ loved. The package includes the Funhouse album with bonus tracks “This Is How It Goes Down” and “Push Me Away” plus music videos, live clips and a 16 page booklet! What more could a Pink fan ask for?

anhorseAn Horse: Rearrange Beds [CD]

An Horse - Rearrange Beds

Rearrange Beds is a record that I bought on a whim once, back when the only thing I knew about An Horse was a) they are Australian, b) they have a great band name and c) Kate Cooper has really good hair. I feel like it’s a record you’re either going to love or hate. It’s not a new record in Australia and the USA, however for Canadians the good news is that it’s finally getting released in your country on Dec 21, just in time for Christmas.

Macbeth Sara Quin Shoes

Y’all heard about how Tegan & Sara partnered up with Macbeth to release limited edition footwear, right? Having recently purchased Sara’s pair, I can now recommend them for your Tegan & Sara obsessed loved ones. I’ve road tested these babies to the point where they are no longer white and happily report that – novelty factor aside – these are the most comfortable and coolest shoes I’ve owned since the Reebok Pumps of ’95. In them I feel prepared for space travel.

And don’t forget…

Buying music for your loved ones at Christmas can be risky business. The gesture seems innocent enough, but it’s all too easy for a dud purchase to add unnecessary stress to an already stressful holiday. So the golden rule: before purchasing any record for a loved one, take a moment to visualise how you would feel if you had to listen to it on high rotation during the holiday season. Would hearing Sugarland’s new Christmas album on loop over a 5-hour family lunch make you feel homicidal? If the answer is ‘yes’, don’t buy it for anyone. There’s a time for selflessness and that time is Easter.

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Shop at the iTunes Music Store.

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Crystal

Founding member. Former writer. Still loves Autostraddle with her whole heart.

Crystal has written 320 articles for us.

20 Comments

  1. I actually prefer Tegan’s Macbeth shoes. Which makes sense, considering Crystal is the opposite.

    Also, CDs are a good gift to ask for if you tell them what you want ’cause usually they’re a good price for a gift and not too hard to find.

  2. Interesting list. Loved TnS, An Horse, and Lady Gaga. Of course. You know who else had a pretty awesome (unrecognized)CD this year? Dragonette. I have had them on repeat ever since I heard their song with Sara Quin. They are now my second favorite band!

    • I guess you might be interested in hearing that Intern Emily and I are currently in the middle of processing a lot of Dragonette-related feelings and they’ll be published soon ;)

      • Great. I hope they are good feelings, because I am kinda falling in love with them. I was actually surprised they haven’t been mentioned here before.. I will save my other feelings for the piece. I look forward to reading!

  3. OMG. Your H on the end of Sara is gawking at me!

    For some reason I automatically trust these recommendations, I need to bookmark this somehow and listen to everything listed at some point. Except for gaga. Can’t get on that bandwagon.

    People seem to really love Paramour. Must check that out.

    I want Sara’s shoes. Although I’m a faithful Teganian, I think I want her pair more. Where can I get them? Are they order-able?

    • I understand. I’ve recommended Fame Monster because it’s so widely loved (and Alex and Stef’s review is BRILL), but personally I’m not on the Gaga train either. Maybe I should give this record to myself for Christmas so that I can try to understand what everyone else is getting.

      I know that Macbeth’s European online store sells them – http://macbethshop.com – and in my experience the sizes are standard skate shoe sizes.

      • Omg! It won’t let me register from the states!

        I feel like the sky just parted so God could look down, point, and jeer at me.

        Listen, Macbeth! We shall meet again.

  4. If someone bought me any of these for xmas, I would think they were awesome! (Except for the Michael Buble. Nothing against him, he just isn’t awesome.)

  5. The idea of the Tegan shoes vs. the actual experience is a bit lackluster. Whereas I love mostly everything about them and they are generally comfy hi-tops give me blisters, and stiff hi-tops give me much more unforfortable blisters/chafing. I suppose once they get worn in enough though they’ll just be the most fantastic thing since TnS/Autostraddle.

  6. This is a real good list, Crystal. Good call on Paramore, Little Boots, and An Horse. This makes my music collection seem a little bit less obscure.

    You were also right about “Someday” on Sainthood – it eventually grew on me.

    • I’m happy to hear you like Paramore because I’ll be honest, not a whole lot of people I speak with do. Outside a certain bracket, anyway. Let’s just embrace our obscure record collections.

      Good news about “Someday”! You know what’s grown on me? “On Directing”. I didn’t see that coming.

      • The thing I’ve noticed about people who don’t like Paramore is that they listen to a couple of seconds of a song and they’ve already got a label for the type of music they play. It’s like most people don’t give them a chance because they hear the guitars and/or the singing and maybe get turned off? I don’t know. Anyway, I’ve been a fan ever since I heard “Emergency” on a local radio show here.

        That’s cool about “On Directing” – I know it usually takes me a little longer to get hooked on Sara’s songs. Plus, they’re often easier to sing along to than Tegan’s. :)

  7. Ack! You say you don’t love Madonna, yet recommend her ’09 release? And Paramore? Michael Buble? At least Tegan & Sara, Little Boots, An Horse and Lady G made the list.

    I realize that this is a gift list for moms and others. Must be taken into account. I would recommend Neko Case’s “Middle Cyclone,” St. Vincent’s “Actor,” Laura Gibson’s “Beasts of Seasons,” Regina Spektor’s “Far,” Taken by Trees’ “East of Eden” and more as great albums from this year that would also make great gifts.

    Not meaning to come off as too critical and not meaning to hurt any feelings. Opinions are opinions. Music that makes you feel makes you feel. So to each her own, and rock on.

    • I don’t love Madonna, but I do recommend her Celebrations DVD to anyone who is searching for a gift idea for a Madonna fan. The intention of this guide was to try to recommend something for everyone – like the mother / tween / aunt / girlfriend / cousin / co-worker in your life that you may be struggling to find a suitable gift for. And so that’s why this list includes artists that I wouldn’t otherwise write about on Audiostraddle. That being said, I do genuinely enjoy Paramore ;)

      Thanks for your recommendations. Real good call on “Far”, I know that one is already sitting under my Christmas tree.

  8. Brand New Eyes really launched Paramore into a new realm for me. Riot! was great, but I feel like you can really tell how they’ve grown with the new album. Every time I listen to it (which is quite frequently, because hey, it’s a really great cd) All I Wanted gets me straight in the chest. The way she sings that song… omg, I love it.

    Also, Hands was my number one album for a long time. Great choice.

    • I am not a huge Paramore fan but I LOVE LOVE LOVE ‘All I Wanted’. Haley really belts it out and knocks you in the heart with it.

  9. Thank you thank you for making me less guilty about really indulging in the New Moon soundtrack. Thom Yorke, Sea Wolf, The Editors … yeah, pretty good.

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