Putting music on top of the gift list

Have a special audiophile in your life? Upping the ante on last year’s assortment of gift cards from the Vons near your house? Or do you just want to be responsible for the chaos that ensues when someone opens your contribution to a white elephant gift exchange?

If it’s a musically themed present you’re after, DiscoverSD has got you covered. Here are a few sure-fire hits for the music nerd in your life.

Books

After Keith Richards released his epic 2010 memoir, “Life,” reading any other music book seemed pointless. Fortunately, enough time has passed and a new crop of stellar selections has recently hit the shelves.

“The Rap Year Book: The Most Important Rap Song from Every Year Since 1979, Discussed, Debated, and Deconstructed” by Shea Serrano. The title pretty much sums it up, but this fun-to-read debate-in-the-making also serves as an awesome history lesson on the genre.

“Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl: A Memoir” by Carrie Brownstein. Star of the IFC hit “Portlandia” and integral part of the feminist punk rock movement, Brownstein chronicles her life from growing up in the Pacific Northwest to playing with Sleater-Kinney and White Flag.

“M Train” by Patti Smith. A follow-up to her 2010 National Book Award winner “Just Kids,” the iconic singer, poet and activist describes “M Train” as “a roadmap to my life.”

Shows

With decorations already up and every possible retail outlet dedicated to holiday playlists, it might be time to get out and hear some live music. Here are just a few good choices.

91X’s Wrex The Halls at Valley View Casino Center on Dec. 13. The radio station’s annual holiday show boasts one of the best lineups in years, including Jane’s Addiction, Foals, and Run The Jewels.

Macy Gray’s Holiday Show at The Belly Up on Dec 17. The Grammy-nominated singer always delivers a memorable performance full of surprises. Ever hear a funked-up version of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus?”

El Vez’s MexMas at The Casbah on Dec. 18. Is there anything better than seeing the greatest Mexican Elvis of all time putting his flared-pants spin on holiday classics? I think not.

Gadgets

Sometimes you just gotta go geek for that special someone in your life. These savvy tech toys should make an impression.

Star Wars Death Star Bluetooth Speaker from iHome: Pretty much self-explanatory, but this double-dip gift is perfectly timed with the biggest movie release of the holiday season.

Cruiser Portable Record Player by Crosley: Yes, it looks like a small, retro suitcase. But this amazingly affordable, mobile player can literally help you get the party started anywhere. It also comes in a ton of different colors.

Playbar from Sonos. This high-end sound bar can play all of your favorites from Pandora, Spotify, and Beats Music - as well songs from any of your devices. And its compact design packs a punch typically not delivered in such a space-friendly package.

Source: DiscoverSD