PERSONALIZED PRESENTS Be it Kiss, comedy or Kenny G, a new CD is certain to please

There's even a new LeeVees album: 'Hanukkah Rocks.'
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Nothing says "Happy Holidays" more than giving a gift that keeps on rocking, hip-hopping or swinging all year long.
Socks rip; ties get stained; potpourri smells, and gift certificates, well, those are good gifts too. But if you want to personalize a present this year, think about music.
Whatever it is that someone special pops into her car stereo, plays on his iPod or watches on her DVD player, there's something new that will invariably catch his or her fancy.
So, while crowds are fighting for sales and such, just mosey over to the music section of your favorite store and peruse the CD and DVD racks.
Here's a list of new releases for the 2005 holiday shopping season.
'80s/PUNK/ALTERNATIVE
TORI AMOS
"The Original Bootlegs" (Epic)
The good news is Tori Amos is hoping to beat the bootleggers at their own game by releasing six double-disc shows from her current tour in support of "The Beekeeper." The bad news is she's releasing six concerts from her current tour. While she's in good voice and the quality is excellent, it's too bad the "Cornflake Girl" didn't decide to do her own bootlegging one tour earlier in support of her stellar 2002 disc "Scarlet's Walk."
DEFTONES
"B-Sides and Rarities" (Maverick)
More of a true fan release than something casual listeners would enjoy, the Deftone's CD/DVD combo features plenty of obscure covers (Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Smiths come to mind) that further explore the underrated alt metal band's influences. A DVD filled with obligatory behind-the-scenes material and videos are interesting, but it's the covers that define this release.
GREEN DAY
"Bullet in a Bible" (Reprise)
If you want to see documented proof regarding the reinvention of Green Day from punk rock punks to politically savvy arena rockers, "Bullet in the Bible" provides such confirmation. The band's tour of its 2004 album "American Idiot" is captured in a CD/DVD set featuring a late spring show in London to over 130,000 rabid fans. Specifically, the nine-minute mini-suite "Jesus of Suburbia" gives testament to Green Day being the biggest band of 2005.
THE BETA BAND
"The Best of the Beta Band" (Astral-werks)
If you or someone you know shed a tear last year after learning Scottish alt/electronica act The Beta Band was disbanding, the recently released "The Best of the Beta Band" DVD/CD will help in the healing. While fans will already have the retrospective best-of material, it's the bonus CD, featuring one of the band's last live shows, that will have them feeling as though they're reconnecting with a long lost friend.
EURYTHMICS
"Ultimate Collection" (J Records)
A forgotten band from two decades ago, the Eurythmics created some of the most intriguing, MTV-friendly music in the '80s, including "Sweet Dreams [Are Made of This]," "Here Comes the Rain Again" and "Would I Lie to You?" Amazingly, the songs have stood the test of time, which makes one wonder when a reunion tour will follow.

LENNY KRAVITZ
"Greatest Hits" (Virgin)
What do you do when you haven't had a hit single since your last greatest hits album? If you're Lenny Kravitz, you naturally repackage the best-of set by adding two newer tracks and including a DVD of videos. Fans looking to "Again" enjoy Kravitz's career may bite. As for the videos, just check out VH1 Classic, and you're bound to see them eventually.
ALANIS MORISSETTE
"The Collection" (Maverick)
After releasing "Jagged Little Pill Acoustic" earlier this year to celebrate her definitive 1995 album, the queen of alternative music is quickly returning to her closet for a best-of set that is, well, dominated by her debut album. More importantly, the best song on the "Jagged Pill" is hidden track "Your House," which didn't make the cut. Sure, there have been a few other hits for Morissette, but fans may be better served buying her 1999 "Unplugged" effort.
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
"Over the Years and Through the Woods" (Interscope)
Fans of this stoner rock band shouldn't wait for the holidays to arrive before purchasing this incredible snapshot of one of today's most compelling live acts. If the concert "Over the Years and Through the Woods" CD doesn't find you going with the flow, the DVD's bonus footage will have you mesmerized for hours.
SIMPLE PLAN
"MTV Hard Rock Live" (Lava)
Pegged early on as yet another snotty-nosed punk-pop band complaining about its acne, Simple Plan seemingly evolved -- we're talking a few inches here -- into a fun live act with plenty of hits to boot. This live album captures the energy and spirit of the Canadian band with fan favorite "Shut Up" bound to get the family pogoing around the family room.
PATTI SMITH
"Horses" (Columbia)
New York punk rock legend Patti Smith celebrates the 30th anniversary release of her landmark album "Horses" with an incredible double-disc set. Disc one features the original album, replete with a killer cover of The Who's "My Generation," while disc two contains a recent concert of the album in its entirety. This is a perfect gift to edify the alternative nation youth regarding Smith's legacy.
U2
"Vertigo//2005. U2 Live from Chicago" (Interscope)
Want to see why U2 is the biggest band in the world? Check out the newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band's latest concert DVD "Vertigo//2005. U2 Live from Chicago." Diehards will be stunned to see long-lost nuggets "Electric Co." and "An Cat Dubh/Into the Heart" in the set list, while casual fans will enjoy great takes on hits such as "Mysterious Ways" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday."
ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
"Stubbs The Zombie" (Shout!)
In our modern multimedia world, odds are any indie rock fan will have already heard of the "Stubbs The Zombie" soundtrack, which features some of today's bigger alt acts (The Raveonettes, Death Cab for Cutie, The Flaming Lips, Phantom Planet and more) covering '50s classics. Still, you'll look pretty intelligent for making this purchase.
CLASSIC ROCK
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
"Born To Run 30th Anniversary Edition" (Columbia)
With screams of "Bruuuuce" running through your head this holiday season, diehards want this amazing CD/DVD set that celebrates Springsteen's legendary 1975 album in grand style. Forget about the "Making of" DVD and re-mastered studio album -- both of which are amazing -- and concentrate on the London concert film footage recorded on the "Born to Run" tour to see the earnest singer-songwriter in action just before he was thrust into the media spotlight for good.
AEROSMITH
"Rockin' the Joint (Live at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas)" (Columbia)
Recorded nearly four years ago, the CD/DVD combo "Rockin' the Joint" features Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and company doing what they do best, jamming to, for good or bad, predictable guitar-fueled classics ("Dream On" and "Sweet Emotion") and contemporary tracks ("I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" and "Light Inside"). However, it's obscure tunes "Seasons of Wither" and "No More No More" that make this a must-have gift.
GENESIS
"Genesis Platinum Collection" (Rhino)
Considering there are rumblings in the Genesis camp of a reunion tour featuring Peter Gabriel and his former bandmates (pure rumor at this point), the "Genesis Platinum Collection" is the perfect appetizer. The three-CD release features favorites from both eras of Genesis -- Gabriel and Phil Collins. It's time to "Turn it on Again."
KISS
"Rock the Nation Live!" (Image Entertainment)
Due out Dec. 13, Kiss' latest double-disc DVD captures the band's 2004 tour, which, surprisingly, was filled with enough pyrotechnics and familiar hits to keep the Kiss Army satiated until the band's next tour. Among the 20 live tracks are a few obscure gems ("Makin' Love," "Christine Sixteen" and more) and obligatory behind-the-scenes footage. Heck, why not let someone "Rock and Roll All Nite" this holiday season with "Rock the Nation Live!"
COMEDY
MARGARET CHO
"Assassin" (Nettwerk)
Subversive comedian Margaret Cho returns with her fourth fiery comedy CD "Assassin," which further provides a voice to red, white and blue minorities. Invariably, Bush-bashing is at a premium, with the comedienne holding nothing back. If tired of the administration, consider Cho your hired gun for killer laughter.
AL FRANKEN
"The Al Franken Show Party" (Artemis)
Political satirist Al Franken has compiled live sketches from his Air America Radio program in the form of "The Al Franken Show Party." Liberals will enjoy the skewering of the right, while conservatives may enjoy giving one another the album as a gag gift.
JOHN WATERS
"A John Waters Christmas" (New Line)
"Santa Claus is a Black Man" and "Fat Daddy" are just two of the kooky, kitschy and fun holiday tracks fans of both John Waters and Christmas will enjoy on the director's off-the-wall seasonal collection "A John Waters Christmas." This is the perfect gift for any fan of "Hairspray" or "Cecil B. DeMented."

COUNTRY
WYNONNA
"Her Story: Scenes from a Lifetime" (Curb)
Who remembers Wynonna Judd? While it seems like decades since the country singer made any Nashville news, she recently released a career-spanning CD/DVD combo, "Her Story: Scenes from a Lifetime," that celebrates her 20 years of recording. This intimate and engaging show features plenty of hits and a few surprise covers, making it a perfect gift for a Wynonna fan.
HIP HOP
BEASTIE BOYS
"Solid Gold Hits" (Capitol)
While diehards already have all of the singles found on the trio's new greatest set "Solid Gold Hits," casual fans, who didn't purchase the band's all-encompassing multidisc retrospective from a few years back, will enjoy this 15-track album that covers everything from the old school "Fight For Your Right" to the recent "An Open Letter to NYC."
METAL
LIMP BIZKIT
"Greatest Hitz" (Geffen)
Perhaps it was the nookie -- let's be honest, lots and lots of nookie -- that kept the Fred Durst-led band Limp Bizkit from becoming the next Rage Against the Machine of the late '90s nu-metal rush. As evident on its recently released "Greatest Hitz" compilation, there are far too many horrendous covers (The Who's "Behind Blue Eyes" and "My Generation") and too few hits, making it the mustn't-have album of 2005.
TESTAMENT
"Live in London" (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
Thrash fans love Testament, and the fact the San Francisco outfit has released only its second DVD to date means it's a special treat. You can be sure the holiday decorations will be ablaze once "Into the Pit" kicks grandma and grandpa out of the rec room. A CD of this live and loud show is also available.
SEASONAL
FAITH EVANS
"A Faithful Christmas" (Capitol)
Urban music fans looking for more of a street-sounding holiday album will find Faith Evans' first seasonal release "A Faithful Christmas" to be an enjoyable addition to any celebration. Evans' updated version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" is definitely the standout track. Get "Faithful" this holiday season and you won't be disappointed.

KENNY G
"The Great Holiday Classics" (Arista)
Instrumental jazz superstar Kenny G has combined his favorite tracks from three previous holiday albums and added four additional songs for his new "The Great Holiday Classics." Lovers of G's smooth style will enjoy, but, more importantly, if you're looking for a great holiday album that creates perfect background ambience, this is it.
DIANA KRALL
"Christmas Songs" (Verve)
Diana Krall's first full-length Christmas album is a keeper. Her big band recording shines and twinkles across such favorites as "Jingle Bells" and "White Christmas." For the more discriminating music lover, this Grammy Award-winning singer/pianist's first foray into seasonal music is invariably a classic album in waiting.
THE LEEVEES
"Hanukkah Rocks" (Reprise)
Guster side project The LeeVees has released "Hanukkah Rocks," an indie-minded album filled with all things dreidel. Conceived by Guster's Adam Gardner and Zambonis' Dave Schneider, the nine-track disc updates the holiday in a way that really hasn't been done before. Plus, all "Goyim Friends" will enjoy.
REVEREND HORTON HEAT
"We Three Kings" (Yep Roc)
If shopping for a Vans Warped Tour fan, Reverend Horton Heat's seasonal debut, "We Three Kings," accomplishes two goals -- getting someone into the holiday spirit, as well as introducing him to one of underground rock's most underrated acts. Heck, everyone will enjoy "Frosty the Snowman," delivered with quintessential Reverend Texas grit.
BRIAN SETZER
"Dig that Crazy Christmas" (Surfdog)
OK, you better be a huge fan of The Stray Cats to really want to purchase Setzer's latest holiday album. Sure, it swings and rocks in a fashion that the old hip cat Santa could cut a rug to but ... well ... let's just say it's the best jive and rockabilly holiday album out this year.
BRIAN WILSON
"What I Really Want for Christmas" (Capitol)
The truth is most Christmas albums are forgettable attempts at holiday classics. But Brian Wilson transcends the schlock with his first solo foray into season greetings. The meticulous "What I Really Want for Christmas" features plenty of memorable moments, including its title song and the modernized "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman." Beach Boys fans will smile with this gift.
VARIOUS ARTISTS
"Nick Holiday" (Nick Records)
Just the notion of hearing SpongeBob SquarePants singing "The Very First Christmas" should have both kids and adults shouting out with glee, "Yee-haw!" Here's a perfect disc for families to enjoy all of their holiday favorites, sung by Nick stars such as Dora the Explorer, the Rugrats and more.
SOUL
ANGIE STONE
"The Very Best of Angie Stone" (J Records)
As the first lady of neo-classic soul, Angie Stone is arguably atop her game. In six short years, she's redefined R & amp;B with her three critically acclaimed albums. The recently released "The Very Best of Angie Stone" CD has all of the hits, as well as new tunes, while an accompanying DVD features an entire concert and extra material. Do someone a favor and turn him or her on to the sensual and street-smart sounds of Stone.

POP STANDARDS
ROD STEWART
"Thanks for the Memory ... The Great American Songbook: Vol. IV" (J Records)
No, Rod Stewart's latest dalliance in pop standards "Thanks for the Memory ..." is not the perfect gag gift. Well, that's not entirely true, but if you're reading this, then you're obviously a fan, which means Stewart's fourth American Songbook is in your radar. And if that's the case, the serenade is worth your time, with guest stars Chris Botti and Elton John making the most out of their appearances.