Last-Minute Gift Guide: Outstanding Music and Movie Titles

With Christmas and Hanukkah fast approaching — both arrive on Dec. 25 this year —here is an eclectic list of great new music and film titles available now. 

Multi-Format Titles

As The Rolling Stones were prepping to headline two nights at legendary Wembley Stadium in June 1999 — the band's first London concerts in four years — they announced a surprise show at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire for June 8, 1999. A truly intimate crowd of only 1,800 fans were on hand to hear The Rolling Stones perform a wide-ranging set of enduring hits as well as rarely-performed gems over an unforgettable 96 minutes. "Welcome to Shepherd's Bush," Mick Jagger notes to kick off the event. "I've been waiting to say that for a little bit." On Dec. 6, 2024, Mercury Studios released the concert film "Welcome to Shepherd's Bush" via multiple formats that fully capture the amazing once-in-a-lifetime show. (The title reviewed here marks the first ever 4K UltraHD release and includes a Dolby Atmos sound option). "Welcome to Shepherd's Bush" is also available via 2LP black vinyl package, direct-to-consumer two-LP set in 180-gram white vinyl, Blu-ray+2CD, and via a 2CD limited edition package of only 15,000 worldwide.

While Stones fans will be thrilled with the fiery versions of hits including "It's Only Rock 'N' Roll (But I Like It)," "Honky Tonk Women" (the latter featuring guest Sheryl Crow), and trio of crowd-pleasing classics ("Tumbling Dice," "Brown Sugar" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash"), the real thrill of the title is the inclusion of so many seldom-heard nuggets. Indeed, the set includes the only known performance of "Moon Is Up" (from the band's Voodooo Lounge album), a stellar track bolstered by a melodic chorus that features Jagger on blues harp. "Melody" (from Black and Blue) is performed for only the second time ever, and another welcome rarity includes the catchy blues rocker "Brand New Car" bolstered by Ronnie Wood's wah pedal adorned guitar work. 

Keith Richards is featured on lead vocals on two strong performances ("You Got The Silver," "Before They Make Me Run"), and other highlights from the concert include the rollicking show opener "Shattered," freewheeling rocker "Respectable," and driving version of the classic "Route 66." Information: mercurystudios.co.

Artist: Chicago & Friends

Title: Live At 55 (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Chicago, Robin Thicke, Robert Randolph, Chris Daughtry, Steve Vai

Tell me more: Available via Blu-ray+2CD, 4K UHD, 2CD, 3LP, digital audio and digital video, "Live At 55" celebrates the 55th anniversary of the release of Chicago's groundbreaking double-platinum debut album Chicago Transit Authority. A 160-minute concert event recorded in front of an enthusiastic audience in Atlantic City, NJ over two nights, wonderful new concert film finds the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers joined by a number of musical stars including Robin Thicke, Chris Daughtry, Steve Vai, VoicePlay, Judith Hill, Robert Randolph and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram. The concert features Chicago performing cuts from the Chicago Transit Authority album, as well as many of their biggest hits and "unplugged" a cappella arrangement of their material. The final selection, "25 or 6 to 4," features the complete parade of guests joining the band to perform the rocker. Information: mercurystudios.co.

Audio Titles

Artist: Mark Farner

Title: Closer To Home (Righteous Rock Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mark Farner, Grand Funk Railroad

Tell me more: Mark Farner, the original lead singer of Grand Funk Railroad, is back with a marvelous new 10-song album showcasing his top-tier talents as singer, songwriter and guitarist. Along the fiery "Anymore" and authentic title track, there is a new 55th anniversary version of the beloved number 1 hit "I'm Your Captain (Closer to Home)." Farner's new album is produced by Mark Slaughter, who also co-wrote and contributed guitar and bass playing on the disc. Closer To Home is available on audio CD and on red vinyl. Information: markfarner.com.

Artist: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

Title: Dirt On My Diamonds Volume 2 (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joe Bonamassa

Tell me more: One of the greatest blues-rock guitarists of our time, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and his amazing band (including first rate lead singer Noah Hunt) are back with a follow-up of 2023's Dirt On My Diamonds Vol 1. Available on digital, audio CD and via a limited edition 180 gram "Blue Marble" vinyl LP, Dirt On My Diamonds Volume 2 is loaded with infectious material ranging from the grooving opener "I Got A Woman" and Southern fried "The Middle" to the funky New Orleans-flavored "Pressure." Information: mascotlabelgroup.com.

Artist: The Blasters

Title: The Complete Concert (Liberation Hall)
You might like if you enjoy: The Blasters, Dave Alvin

Tell me more: Captured live during the Blasters' first-ever international tour in May 1982 at the Venue in London, England, only six of the songs were previously released via a 12-inch vinyl EP later that same year. Now Liberation Hall has released the complete concert, a raucous celebration of the celebrated rockabilly band's 

';mngreatness. Phil Alvin (vocals, guitar), Dave Alvin (lead guitar), Bill Bateman (drums), John Baez (bass guitar), Lee Allen (tenor sax) and Steve Berlin (baritone sax) perform a slew of great cuts including "Crazy Baby," "American Music" and "Marie Marie" sure to please fans of the Blasters. Information: TheBlasters.com.

Artist: Blue Moon Marquee

Title: New Orleans Sessions (Blue Moon Marquee)
You might like if you enjoy: Fats Domino, Geno Delafose

Tell me more: Listening to Blue Moon Marquee's New Orleans Sessions is to be transported to another place and time. The JUNO-Award winning British Columbia-based indie blues duo (A.W. Cardinal and Jasmine Colette) have released a joyful 10-track album crafted over a mere two days positioned one year apart! The result is an energetic romp through the sounds forged in the early 20th century. Standouts include the driving Memphis Minnie sortie "Black Rat Swing," bewitching "Trickster Coyote" and Delta blues-minded "Some Ol' Day." Information: bluemoonmarquee.com.

Movie Titles

Film title: A Christmas Carol (VCI Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: A Christmas Carol, classic holiday films of the 1950s

Tell me more: The finest cinematic adaptation of English author Charles Dickens' classic 1843 novella "A Christmas Carol" remains the 1951 film starring Alastair Sim as "Scrooge." Now the bona fide classic has been released in a wonderful Blu-ray + DVD package. In addition to the outstanding and deeply affecting film itself which truly is one of the great films of the 1950s, there are a myriad of bonus features that make this a fantastic addition to any film lover's home library. A introduction from Leonard Maltin, "Silent Dickens" (a collection of early examples of Dickens on film), "Alastair Sim Version: Too Good to be Shown only at Christmas Time" and more. Information: amazon.com or vcientertainment.com.

Film title: The Dead Don't Hurt (Shout! Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Classic and modern westerns, actor Viggo Mortensen, actress Vicky Krieps 

Tell me more: There are not enough great westerns produced nowadays, so the arrival of "The Dead Don't Hurt" (out now on Blu-ray courtesy of Shout! Studios) is all the more reason to celebrate. The film is set in 1860s San Francisco, where independent Vivienne Le Coudy (Vicky Krieps) finds herself drawn to Danish immigrant Holger Olsen (Viggo Mortensen) and accompanies him to his Nevada homestead. When Olsen goes off to serve in the Civil War, Le Coudy must survive on her own. And when Olsen returns the couple have to face new challenges. The film is ultimately a compelling portrait of a woman determined to stand strong in a 19th century society dominated by men. Information: shoutfactory.com.

Robert Kinsler