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

2023 Rock Music-Minded Gift Guide

With Hanukkah here and Christmas just a couple of weeks away, here is a music-related gift guide featuring a diverse crop of special reissues, box sets, new albums and more.

Artist: Bryan Adams 
Titles: Live At The Royal Albert Hall (BMG)

Tell me more: Bryan Adams' new live box set Live At The Royal Albert Hall is available on audio CD + LP with a bonus Blu-ray DVD; the title includes a three album box set of live concerts captured in 2022 when the acclaimed rocker headlined three memorable nights at the legendary venue. At each night, Adams performed one of his classic albums in its entirety: Cuts Like A Knife (Night 1), Into The Fire (Night 2) and Waking Up The Neighbours (Night 3). Live At The Royal Albert Hall includes a total of 35 live songs, a Blu-ray DVD of all the performances, as well as a 32-page photo book featuring exclusive images from the performances. Information: BryanAdams.com.

Artist: The Beach Boys 
Titles: Pet Sounds; The Beach Boys' Christmas Album (Capitol)

Tell me more: The Beach Boys' classic albums Pet Sounds and The Beach Boys' Christmas Album have been released via limited edition color vinyl for the holidays. The beloved group's 1964 Christmas Album (which features enduring classics like "Little Saint Nick," "The Man With All The Toys," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and "The Man With All The Toys") is available in the colors of Christmas - fans can purchase the the album on limited edition translucent ruby red vinyl or limited edition green vinyl. Pet Sounds is now available on limited edition yellow/green splatter vinyl which matches the iconic album cover's unmistakable color scheme. The pressing, which is numbered and features a deluxe tip-on jacket is exclusive to TheBeachBoys.com, uDiscover Music  and Sound Of Vinyl. Information: TheBeachBoys.com.

Artist: The Beatles 
Titles: 1962-1966 "The Red Album"' 1967-1970 "The Blue Album" (Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/Universal Music Enterprises)

Tell me more: Artist: The Beatles 

Titles: 1962-1966 "The Red Album"' 1967-1970 "The Blue Album" (Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/Universal Music Enterprises)

Tell me more: In the wake of the release of The Beatles' final song ("Now and Then"), 50th Anniversary Editions of the band's 1962-1966 "The Red Album" and 1967-1970 "The Blue Album" collections were issued. The 2023 editions have expanded tracklists, with all the songs mixed in true stereo and Dolby Atmos. The new 4CD and 180-gram 6LP vinyl collections pair "Red" and "Blue" in slipcased sets.The UK single version of "Love Me Do" now kicks off 1962-1966, while the hit single "Now and Then" is featured on 1967-1970. In recent years, several 1967-1970 tracks and a few from 1962-1966 have received new stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes for The Beatles’ Special Edition album releases, including Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (2017), The Beatles (‘White Album’) (2018), Abbey Road (2019), Let It Be (2021), and Revolver (2022), as well as new stereo mixes for The Beatles’ 1 (2015). All tracks not also featured on those releases have been newly mixed in stereo and/or Dolby Atmos by Giles Martin and Sam Okell at Abbey Road Studios, aided by WingNut Films’ audio de-mixing technology. Both collections include new essays written by journalist and author John Harris. Together, the expanded 2023 Edition collections include 75 Beatles tracks. Information: TheBeatles.com.

Artist: Devo 
Titles: 50 Years of De-Evolution: 1973-2023 (Rhino)

Tell me more: Devo's pioneering legacy is celebrated across the expansive 4LP deluxe limited-edition 50 Years of De-Evolution box set. Loaded with 50 remastered hits and rarities, an album artwork lithograph, air freshener, a foldable paper hat that resembles the band's iconic red energy dome and a 28-page book, "this box set represents a great cost section of early experiments and later creations" says band member Mark Mothersbaugh. Information: Rhino.com.

Artist: Social Distortion

Title: Mommy's Little Monster (Craft Recordings)

Tell me more: Craft Recordings' 40th Anniversary reissue of Social Distortion's fiery debut Mommy's Little Monster is a must-have for fans of the groundbreaking Southern California punk rock outfit. Released on Nov. 10 on 180-gram vinyl and digital formats, the album has been newly remastered from the original analog tapes that were recorded on Christmas Eve in 1982 at The Casbah recording studios in Fullerton, CA. The album features several of Social Distortion's early standout tracks including the blistering title track, hard-edged "The Creeps (I Just Wanna Give You)," and hardcore-styled single "Another State of Mind." In addition to classic black vinyl, Mommy's Little Monster is available in a variety of exclusive limited edition color ways, including ruby red, black & white marble, an exclusive white pressing at Barnes & Noble, and a gray variant at RevolverMag.com. Information: CraftRecordings.com.

Artist: Toad the Wet Sprocket 
Titles: All You Want - Bonus Edition (Abe's Records)

Tell me more: Acclaimed modern rock outfit Toad the Wet Sprocket' 2011 greatest hits collection All You Want has been reissued on both audio CD and vinyl as an expanded limited edition bonus edition available via the band's official website. All the California band's essential hits are here (including "Something's Always Wrong," "Fall Down," "Good Intentions" and "Walk on the Ocean"), as well as some of the troupe's other top-tier tracks including "New Constellation," "Crazy Life," "Brother" and the enticing new 2023 original "Best of Me." Information: ToadTheWetSprocket.com.

Artist: Violent Femmes 
Titles: Violent Femmes — 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Craft Recordings)

Tell me more: Violent Femmes' 1983 eponymous album is one of the great full-length debuts of all time. Now the masterwork has been reissued as a deluxe and expanded reissue that includes the remastered original album as well as a slew of rare demos, B-sides, live performances and more. Released on Dec. 1, the deluxe 2CD and digital formats feature newly remastered audio and more than a dozen demos, B-sides and live performances — including alternate versions of favorites like "Blister in the Sun," "Please Do Not Go," "Gone Daddy Gone" and "Add It Up." A special 4-disc vinyl box set is set to arrive on Feb. 9, 202, and that is limited to only 5,000 copies worldwide! Housed in a lift-top box with die-cut window detail, this collectible edition offers three 180-gram LPs — the original album alongside demos and live material (plus, a replica 7-inch single featuring "Ugly"/"Gimme the Car." The original album and single discs are cut from the original analog tapes, while lacquers for the complete set were cut by Kevin Gray at Coherent Audio. Both the CD and LP editions feature an expansive book with new liner notes by journalist/Rolling Stone senior editor David Fricke, complete with interviews with Violent Femmes members Gordon Gano, Brian Ritchie and Victor DeLorenzo. Information: CraftRecordings.com.

Artist: The Who 
Title: Who's Next/Life House (Universal Music Recordings)

Tell me more: One of this writer's all-time favorite albums, The Who's fifth studio album Who's Next is available as a super deluxe 10-CD/Blu-ray audio edition for the ultimate immersive dive into the 1971 masterwork. Who's Next/Life House includes 155 tracks (89 previously unreleased) and 57 new remixes; long time Who engineer Jon Astley remastered the original tapes while Steven Wilson completed Atmos and 5.1 surround mixes for the Blu-ray audio disc. Included are demos, singles, studio sessions, two complete concerts, a 100-page hardback book with new liner notes and more. Please note: as the date of this writing, the expansive reissue is currently selling for $285.75 on amazon.com.

Artist: Neil Young 
Title: Before and After (Reprise)

Tell me more: Neil Young's 45th studio album Before and After continues to find the groundbreaking artist revisiting 13 of his beloved classics via solo acoustic versions delivered via a decidedly new approach. According to a news release, Young performs the songs via "one continuous flow."

"Picking from a vast array of his originals, Young chooses favorites from his playbook like a trip into his music history and performs them mostly alone taking a solo acoustic journey to a new place. Each of the songs blend and create one continuous flow, clocking in at a 48-minute pure and intimate listening experience." Songs featured on Before and After include "Comes A Time," "Mr. Soul," "Birds," "I'm The Ocean" and "Mother Earth." Information: neilyoungarchives.com.

Robert Kinsler

2021 Holiday music roundup

What would the season be without new holiday music? A myriad of new releases, as well as highly-anticipated and expanded reissues are available this year.

Artist: Blackmore's Night

Title: Winter Carols (earMUSIC)

You might like if you enjoy: Blackmore's Night, Renaissance music

Tell me more: Originally released in 2006, the newly-remastered and expanded edition of the Blackmore's Night classic Winter Carols is available as a 2CD and digital album. Previous favorites such as the luxurious "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," spectacular "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"/"O Come All Ye Faithful" medley, Baroque-flavored "I Saw Three Ships" and instrumental classical guitar gem "Winter Base Dance)" are here. "Coventry Carol," an English carol dating back to the 16th century, is reworked here with additional lyrics by amazing lead vocalist Candice Night and new arrangement by guitar master Ritchie Blackmore. There are also several other tracks new to the collection, including the shimmering "Here We Come A-Caroling," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" and "Silent Night." The 2CD version includes a wonderful 20-page booklet with photographs, lyrics for all the selections and album credits. Information: blackmoresnight.com.

Artist: Eagles of Death Metal

Title: Eagles of Death Metal Presents A Boots Electric Christmas (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Eagles of Death Metal, holiday music

Tell me more: Leave it to the Palm Desert-spawned Eagles of Death Metal to release one of the most delightful and old-fashioned Christmas music collections of 2021. The six songs on Eagles of Death Metal Presents A Boots Electric Christmas (available on Nov. 19) recall the cheer of the best holiday music-minded sets of the 1960s. There is a warmth, intimacy and authenticity to the group's affecting versions of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Put A Little Love In Your Heart," "O Holy Night," "Little Drummer Boy" and "Little Town Of Bethlehem." The disc's closer is a shining a cappella rendition of "O Holy Night" featuring the tandem vocals of Jesse Hughes and Joshua Homme. Information: EaglesOfDeathMetal.com.

Artist: Goo Goo Dolls

Title: It's Christmas All Over (Warner Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Goo Goo Dolls, Fastball

Tell me more: Celebrated rockers Goo Goo Dolls have released a deluxe edition of It's Christmas All Over, which follows on the heels of the group's latest compilation album titled Rarities. The 12-song "It's Christmas All Over" reintroduces the first-ever holiday music release from John Rzenik and Robby Takac. The collection includes a brand new sentimental original "One Last Song About Christmas" and previously-unreleased cover of "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," the latter a classic made famous by Dean Martin. My other faves on the album include the group's version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and "This Is Christmas." Information: GooGooDolls.com.

Artist: Billy Idol

Title: Happy Holidays (Dark Horse Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Billy Idol, Steve Stevens

Tell me more: Billy Idol's 2006 Christmas studio album Happy Holidays is out now for the first time on vinyl and streaming platforms via Dark Horse Records. This gem features a mix of cool originals ("Happy Holidays," "Christmas Love") and reworked covers ("Frosty the Snowman," "Silver Bells," "Let It Snow," "Blue Christmas"). A new original bonus track also appears on the album; the mid tempo rocker "On Christmas Day" features long-time Idol collaborator Steve Stevens on electric guitar. My favorite on the collection is Idol's rocking cover of Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run." Fans can purchase the LP on black vinyl, audio CD and on limited edition white vinyl. Information: BillyIdol.net.

Artist: Paul Kelly

Title: Paul Kelly's Christmas Train (Gawd Aggie/Cooking Vinyl Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Paul Kelly, Bob Dylan

Tell me more: There is a parade of diverse material on Paul Kelly's first-ever Christmas album (Paul Kelly's Christmas Train). Among the terrific selections on the expansive 22-track double album set is the lovely Americana-styled version of "Silent Night" draped with Hawaiian guitars and ukuleles, a cappella traditional joy "Coventry Carol," rollicking power pop-styled take on the Chris and Wes Harrington cut "Christmas," bewitching "Little Drummer Boy," shining reading of the early 1960s classic "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)" and absolutely stunning version of "O Holy Night" ("Papu Te Pō") sung in English and Māori featuring singer Marlon Williams and the Dhungala Children's Choir. In keeping with the spirit of the season, Kelly even includes a Hanukkah song ("Shalom Aleichem") while Islam is honored when Waleed Aly recites the vivid poetry of Surah Maryam on the collection. Information: CookingVinyl.com.

Photo credit: Gina Binkley 

Artist: Pistol Annies

Title: Hell of a Holiday (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Ashley Monroe, Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley

Tell me more: Celebrated country music trio Pistol Annies has ushered in Christmas with the aptly-titled Hell of a Holiday, a spirited collection of mostly-original tracks that are are as ambitious as they are wonderful. There are some lovely originals to be sure — the '50s-mining "Make You Blue" and poignant "The Only Thing I Wanted" immediately come to mind — there is a plucky attitude across much of the disc. The lively title track features some artful and sublime vocal harmonies. The playful "Snow Globe" is literate and melodic, totally capturing the spirit of the holiday season. "Harlan County Coal" is a bit more irreverent than your average Christmas track, as evidenced by the catchy chorus: "Making decorations out of shotgun shells, making it up as we go / Making something out of nothing so you better straighten up, Or all you're gonna get's a chunk of Harlan County coal." Other standouts on the wonderful album include the jazzy "Come On Christmas Time," gospel jewel "Leanin' on Jesus," soaring "Believing" and acoustic Americana jewel "Joy." In addition to the 10 original tracks on "Hell of a Holiday," Ashley Monroe, Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley make "Sleigh Ride," "Auld Lang Syne" and Merle Haggard's "If We Make It Through December" their own. Information: PistolAnnies.com. 

Artist: Jeremiah Lockwood

Title: A Great Miracle: Jeremiah Lockwood’s Guitar Soli Chanukah Record (Reboot)

You might like if you enjoy: Hanukkah music, "The New Possibility: John Fahey's Guitar Soli Christmas Album," instrumental guitar music, Richard LaForge's "Coloring Trees" album

Tell me more: With the first night of Hanukkah having arrived on Sunday, Nov. 28, there is no time like the present to listen to Jeremiah Lockwood's A Great Miracle: Jeremiah Lockwood’s Guitar Soli Chanukah Record. Released on Nov. 22, A Great Miracle: Jeremiah Lockwood’s Guitar Soli Chanukah Record is a beautiful solo guitar celebration of the Festival of Lights. Inspired in part by the groundbreaking 1968 album The New Possibility: John Fahey's Guitar Soli Christmas Album, Lockwood's new 8-track album delivers a stunning selection for each night of the Chanukah holiday. Spanning from the lovely "Ritual" and more forceful "Al Hanisim" to several pieces centered on the magic of the Dreydl (the bluesy take on Samuel Goldfarb's "Little Dreydel" and original arrangement of Moishe Oysher's "Drey Dreydl") and touching closer "Chanukah Oy Chanukah," this is a wonderful album that will brighten any music lover's holiday season. Information: JeremiahLockwood.com. 

Artist: Ronnie Milsap

Title: Christmas with Ronnie Milsap (Craft Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Ronnie Milsap

Tell me more: Ronnie Milsap's 1986 album Christmas with Ronnie Milsap has returned via a terrific new reissue. Listening to the legendary country music artist's only holiday title it's crazy that it was ever out of print. The performances are terrific and the symphonic approach works as Milsap delivers touching versions of favorites such as the uptempo "Only One Night of the Year," sweeping "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and soaring "O Holy Night." Information: CraftRecordings.com. 

Artist: Carrie Underwood

Title: My Gift: Special Edition (Capitol Nashville)

You might like if you enjoy: Carrie Underwood

Tell me more: Originally released in 2020, Carrie Underwood's My Gift has been released as a Special Edition set that includes all 11 tracks from the original version along with three new tracks ("Favorite Time Of Year," "All Is Well," "Let There Be Peace/Something In The Water") performed on her recent HBO Max television special. Information: CarrieUnderwood.com. 

HOLIDAY SOUNDTRACK CLASSIC

Title: Elf: The Deluxe Edition (Varèse Sarabande Records)

Composer: John Debney's scores for "Iron Man 2" and "The Jungle Book"

You might like if you enjoy: Christmas music

Tell me more: When the holiday movie "Elf" was released in 2003, the film starring Will Farrell became an instant classic. Although the soundtrack was initially released in connection around the time of the movie's arrival in theaters, its enduring popularity made releasing an expanded edition a wonderful idea. Elf: The Deluxe Edition features an expanded score (44 tracks in all!), as well as the alternate and edited tracks from the 2003 audio CD. Liner notes by Tim Grieving feature new interview content with director Jon Favreau, composer John Debney and one of the film's stars, Mary Steenburgen. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Robert Kinsler