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Holiday music guide || New releases that will get your gift-giving juices flowing
By John Benson
There’s nothing worse than trying to pick out the perfect gift for family, friends and co-workers. So what’s the solution? That’s simple — there is nothing easier than getting them a seasonal CD or concert DVD from their favorite artist. This year’s gift guide selection is
heavy on the metal, so if there’s someone on your shopping list that still wears a tattered ’90s Megadeth shirt or constantly gets into arguments regarding which group is the best thrash band, this will be easy. Take a look at some of the newer, more obscure releases here in 2010:
ALTERNATIVE
VSHrSThe Airborne Toxic Event, “All I Ever Wanted: Live from the Walt Disney Concert Hall” (Island) DVD
Granted, odds are against most fans of The Airborne Toxic Event wanting to hear their favorite new alternative-rock act perform its hits and a mix of covers with a children’s choir, a world-class string quartet, a high school marching band, horn players and authentic Mexican folk dancers. However, when you have a big single (such as the group’s 2009 No. 1 alternative hit “Sometime Around Midnight”) you can pretty much do as you please. That’s what the group did with the aforementioned radio favorite standing out, along with a Ramones cover (“Do You Remember Rock ’n’ Roll Radio?”). Still, this does seem to be a little over the top for a group still on the rise.
V‚äTori Amos, “Live from the Artists Den” (Artists Den) DVD
Carrying on the recent Artist Den tradition of putting unique artists in equally unique venues, ’90s alternative queen Tori Amos makes the most out of an intimate fans- only show at the Big Apple’s Veterans Room. There’s something special watching Amos go through her diverse catalog (“China,” “Ophelia” and “Maybe California”) inside an eclectically decorated (Greek, Celtic, Egyptian, Persian and Japanese) venue. Though Amos eschews any hits, die-hards will salivate at the obscure “Ruby Through the Looking Glass” and “Concertina.”
V‚äImogen Heap, “Everything- in-Between: The Story of Ellipse” (RCA) DVD
If someone is already a fan of underrated singer-songwriter Imogen Heap, who combines electronic sounds with trip-hop beats and adult-alternative melodies, then the British artist’s debut DVD release is a must. Not only do viewers get an insider’s view into the writing and recording of her 2009 Grammy Award-winning album “Ellipse,” but there’s also the obligatory extra footage — outtakes and family videos — that speaks to her magnetism.
V‚äR.E.M., “Live From Austin, TX” (New West) DVD
To commemorate its debut on concert series “Austin City Limits,” the Athens, Ga., band has released the career-retrospective show on DVD. Not only does the set include
hits (“Losing My Religion” and “Man on the Moon”) and recent tracks (“Supernatural Superserious” and “Living Well Is The Best Revenge”) but also gems (“So. Central Rain,” “Fall On Me” and “Imitation Of Life”) that didn’t appear on the PBS program. Overall, the result is more polished than the Michael Stipe band’s 2009 concert recording, “Live at the Olympia.”
V‚äMutemath, “Armistice Live” (Teleprompt/Warner Bros. Records) CD/DVD
To celebrate its biggest album and tour to date, rock act Mutemath has released “Armistice Live,” which features an electrifying Atlanta, Ga., concert along with a behind-the-scenes view into the making of the studio album and music videos. Though the New Orleans band has remained somewhat outside of the mainstream, its powerful live show hints it’s just a matter of time before the Grammy Award-winning outfit finds Muse-esque success.
V‚äWeezer, “Pinkerton — Deluxe Edition” (Geffen) CD
Nearly 15 years after it was misunderstood and reviled by alternative fans upon release, Weezer’s sophomore album, “Pinkerton,” is now viewed as Rivers Cuomo’s finest. To celebrate its crowning achievement, the act has emptied out its vaults for a 35-song, double-disc retrospective including the re-mastered album, B-Sides and live cuts. Diehards will savor the unreleased gem “Tragic Girl.”
V‚äJon Spencer, Blues Explosion “Orange” (Major Domo) CD
After going on a re-issue campaign regarding its earlier work, punk-blues pioneer act Jon Spencer Blues Explosion has unveiled all-encompassing deluxe versions of 1994’s “Orange” and 1998’s “Acme.” Originally released before the White Stripes garage sound zeitgeist, both albums may be tough sells to those unfamiliar with the work of this New York City underground act. As for fans, the experimental remixes and outtakes are priceless.
COMEDY
V‚äBill Hicks, “The Essential Collection” (Ryko) CD/DVD
It’s been more than 16 years since comedian Bill Hicks died of cancer; however, his legend as a satirist, social critic and impressive stand-up remains intact. Now fans can celebrate his life with the all-encompassing “The Essential Collection,” which includes five hours of video footage, unreleased material and his cult short film “Ninja Bachelor Party.” The audio-video set leaves you with tears of laughter and sadness regarding what could have been for this comedic visionary.
FOLK
V‚äLeonard Cohen, “Bird on a Wire” (TMC) DVD
Once a reclusive artist, Leonard Cohen has returned to the spotlight with numerous tours in recent years. Now fans can catch a glimpse of his early days with the recently re-released 1972 Cohen documentary “Bird on a Wire,” which was filmed during a European tour that began in Dublin and ended in Jerusalem. The insightful film includes magical moments (“Chelsea Hotel” and “Sisters of Mercy”), as well as the drag of fame regarding needy fans and journalists. Also, Cohen isn’t the easiest guy to get along with, hence why he perhaps went reclusive in the first place.
HEAVY METAL
V‚äDown, “Diary of a Mad Band” (Down) CD/DVD
Notably led by ex-Pantera frontman Philip Anselmo, heavy-metal supergroup Down gives its cult following a blistering holiday gift with “Diary of a Mad Band,” which features a full London, England, show on CD and practice-room clips along with live recordings on a DVD. Highlights from the down-and-dirty act are fan favorites “Stone the Crows” and “Bury Me in Smoke.”
V‚äInfectious Grooves, “Live in France ’95 (Suicidal Records)
Considering it’s been more than a decade since funk-metal underground act Infectious Grooves released new material, this unearthed 1995 concert should be a perfect walk down the mosh-pit lane for fans. Not only does the double-CD set feature a live set by lead singer Mike Muir’s solo act Cyco Miko, but also a brutal 1995 European concert. The fact that his act remains on hiatus makes this even more appealing to those missing the musical and playful high jinks of Infectious Grooves.
V‚äMegadeth, “Rust in Peace Live” (Shout!) CD/DVD
A high-water mark in Megadeth’s catalog, 1990’s Grammy Award-winning “Rust in Peace” is easily a genre-defining thrash effort where band visionary Dave Mustaine and company explored guitar complexities with such legendary tracks as “Holy Wars … The Punishment Due” and “Hangar 18.” Earlier this year, the group celebrated the album by playing it in its entirety, eventually taping a show for “Rust in Peace Live.” Even though two decades have passed, the metal music remains just as potent and poignant.
V‚äSlayer, “Live Intrusion,” “War at the Warfield” and “Still Reigning” (American Recordings) DVD
Slayer updated its catalog earlier this year by releasing its previously released concert videos, some of which have been out of print. Each concert represents a different era of the band, with “Live Intrusion” focusing on earlier material, while “War at the Warfield” boasts fan favorites “Seasons in the Abyss” and “Disciple.” The latter live show “Still Reigning” features the band’s classic 1986 effort “Reign in Blood” in its entirety. To be fair, die-hards will want — or already have — them all.
V‚äSlipknot, “[sic]nesses — Live at Download” (Roadrunner) CD/DVD
It’s been a tough year for alternative-metal act Slipknot, which lost founding member Paul Gray this past spring to drug overdose. With its future unknown, the masked Iowa-based outfit has released — perhaps a nice going-away present for fans — 2009 concert CD/DVD “[sic]nesses — Live at Download.” The blistering show includes the radio hit “Duality,” as well as the now seemingly apropos “Everything Ends.”
V‚äSuicidal Tendencies, “Live at the Olympic Auditorium” (Suicidal Records) DVD
Considering DIY-minded, punk- metal act Suicidal Tendencies has made a career existing in the margins, it’s no surprise the Venice, Calif.-act never released a concert DVD. Now that changes with an in-your-face Los Angeles show that features early material such as “Institutionalized” and “Possessed to Skate” and latter tracks such as “I Saw Your Mommy.” Sure, the quality isn’t exactly Blu-ray, but diehards will find it hard not to enjoy.
V‚äVarious Artists, “The Big Four Live From Sofia, Bulgaria” (Warner Bros. Records) DVD
Riki Rachtman’s dream came true this past summer when Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax joined forces for an unprecedented European tour. Now headbanging fans can relish the walk down metal lane with the double DVD set littered with old-school gems such as Anthrax’s “Caught in a Mosh Pit” and Megadeth’s “Sweating Bullets.” The good news for Metallica diehards is the band’s set features definitive early tunes instead of forgettable later material.
POP
V‚äFrank Sinatra, “Concert For The Americas” (Shout! Factor) DVD
It’s been a dozen years since Frank Sinatra died; however, his legend carries on. For those admirers who never saw Blue Eyes in concert, a newly released 1982 concert provides insight into Sinatra’s musical genius. “Concert For The Americas” finds the 66-year-old Chairman of the Board atop his game. Included in the Dominican Republic show are his classics “The Lady is a Tramp,” “Strangers in the Night,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and his definitive “Theme From New York, New York.” Also, the 90-minute performance features Buddy Rich on drums and a special guest appearance by guitarist Tony Mottola on “Send in the Clowns.”
V‚äRobbie Williams, “In and Out of Consciousness” (Astralwerks) CD/DVD
Viewed as the U.K. version of *Nsync’s Justin Timberlake, Robbie Williams went solo from successful pop group Take That in 1996 and never looked back. Despite the fact he’s failed to achieve any American success, the singer has sold more than 55 million albums worldwide. His current 39-song retrospective is all encompassing, but unless someone has history with the artist, the material can quickly fall on deaf ears.
ROCK
V‚äKenny Wayne Shepherd, “Live! in Chicago” (Roadrunner) CD
A guitar hero since he was a teenager, Kenny Wayne Shepherd captured a guest-laden (Hubert Sumlin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Buddy Flett, Bryan Lee and Tommy Shannon) Windy City show as a snapshot of his blues prowess. The 14-track concert is a perfect gift for fans who enjoyed Shepherd’s 2007 documentary“10 Days Out: Blues From The Backroads,” which found the young artist visiting blues pioneers. Highlights of “Live! in Chicago” include Shepherd’s radio hit “Blue on Black” and a raucous cover of Muddy Water’s “I’m a King Bee.”
V‚äVarious Artists, “The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts” (Time Life) DVD
As witnessed last year on HBO, “The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts” featured THE biggest names in rock ’n’ roll performing two nights of star-studded shows at Madison Square Garden. With highlights galore, standout moments include Mick Jagger and Fergie belting out “Gimme Shelter” with U2 as the backing band, Bruce Springsteen joined by Billy Joel for “Born to Run,” and Ozzy Osbourne singing Black Sabbath tunes “Iron Man” and “Paranoid” with Metallica. This is easily considered a must-have DVD.
V‚äEric Clapton, “The 1960’s Review” (Sexy Intellectual) DVD
At this point, it appears Eric Clapton is resting on his laurels. Truth be told, those are some big laurels. The first decade of his career is documented in the recently released DVD “The 1960’s Review.” The documentary-style release focuses on Clapton as an early member of the Yardbirds, a crucial part of the Bluesbreakers, a founder of Cream and the highlight of the short-lived Blind Faith. Invariably, only true Clapton followers will get something out of the rare concert footage, obscure photographs and brand-new interviews with John Mayall, Paul Jones and Neil Innes.
V‚äAlice Cooper, “The Theatre of Death” (Bigger Picture) CD/DVD
Just as Alice Cooper was announced as a 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee, the original shock rocker released his latest live album, “The Theatre of Death,” which was recorded last year at London’s legendary Hammersmith Apollo. The concert included not only the macabre singer’s hits — “School’s Out,” “I’m Eighteen” and “Poison” — but also finds him being killed on stage four times (the guillotine beheading finds Cooper at his theatrical best).
SEASONAL
VSHrSAliqua, “All I Want” (Nettwerk) CD
Modern pop-choral group Aliqua may not be a household name, but the Vancouver-based act has taken a unique, almost experimental approach to its holiday album “All I Want.” Available exclusively in Borders stores, the 13-track effort features the octet group exploring choral, folk, world and pop styles on classics such as “Oh Come Emmanuel,” “Carol Of The Bells” and “Holy Night.” Here’s a perfect seasonal album for the eclectic “Glee” fans.
V‚äMandy Barnett, “Winter Wonderland” (Rounder) CD
Forget for a moment that you have no idea who Mandy Barnett is and you’ll probably enjoy her classic-sounding seasonal album “Winter Wonderland,” which can be found only at Cracker Barrel. The Patsy Cline tribute “Always ... Patsy Cline” singer delivers sappy versions of standards such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “White Christmas.” Basically, the 12-track album is perfect for mothers and grandparents longing for their “double-dog-dare-you” youth.
V‚äShelby Lynne, “Merry Christmas” (Everso) CD
Feeling like a seasonal album was missing from her catalog, Americana singer Shelby Lynne has released her debut holiday effort “Merry Christmas,” which explores her country, rock and pop sounds. The rootsy collection is heartfelt on such classics as the vocally driven “Sleigh Ride/Winter Wonderland,” the festive “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” and reverent “Silent Night.” Collectively speaking, “Merry Christmas” feels like an album to reflect and smile at one’s youth from Christmases past with hope for Christmases future.
V‚äDonnie Iris & the Cruisers, “Ah! Leluiah! [The Christmas Album]” (Primary Records) CD
Known for classic-rock hits “Ah! Leah!” and “Love is Like a Rock,” Pittsburgh’s Donnie Iris & the Cruisers has released its first seasonal effort, “Ah! Leluiah! [The Christmas Album].” Highlights include Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” which features 81 backing vocals all done by Iris, as well as “Angels We Have Heard On High” and “Blue Christmas.” More so, the 17-track album is aimed directly at the rock fan looking to up the holiday- season cheer ante.
SOUL
V‚äVarious Artists, “The Best of Soul Train” (TimeLife) DVD
Even though syndicated show “Soul Train” was on the air for 36 years, its seminal era was the 1970s, which is exactly what the newly released “The Best of Soul Train” focuses on. Legends galore litter this three-DVD set with Ike & Tina Turner (“Proud Mary”), Marvin Gaye (“Let’s Get It On”), James Brown (“Get Up I Feel Like Being Like A Sex Machine [Part 1]”), Stevie Wonder (“My Cherie Amour”), The Jackson Five (“I Want You Back”) and more. Plus, you get a heavy dose of sly host Don Cornelius. You better believe this is stone gas, honey.
SOUNDTRACKS
V‚ä“Treme Season 1” (Geffen) CD
Suffice it to say, anyone who watched the entire season of HBO’s new series “Treme” did so mostly because of the fantastic New Orleans music. While season 2 is currently being shot, here’s a perfect reminder of the potency of the show. Highlights include John Boutt ’s series theme “Treme Song,” along with the Rebirth Brass Band’s “Feel Like Funkin’ It Up,” Dr. John’s “Indian Red,” Irma Thomas and Allen Toussaint’s “Time Is On My Side” and Steve Earle’s “This City.” There’s even the goofy “Shame Shame Shame,” performed by actor Steve Zahn.