Music can be the perfect gift during the holidays: It's entertaining, inexpensive, and oh-so-easy to wrap. But matching the right album to the various people in your life can be a bit of a challenge. So if you're looking for inspiration, Soundcheck producer Katie Bishop has put together a gift guide of albums released during the past year, perfectly tailored to your very specific shopping list.
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For Your Dad, Who Knows Exactly What He Likes And You're Never Going To Change That: John Fogerty, Wrote A Song For Everyone
This duet-filled album is a surefire pops-pleaser. Revisiting Fogerty's CCR hits from the 1960's and ‘70s -- and a couple of new-yet-classic-sounding tracks -- this is something your dad might actually use. Unlike that tie you got him last year.
For Your Mom, AKA A Grown-Ass Woman: Janelle Monáe, The Electric Lady
Your mother gave you the gift of life. The least you can do is give her the gift of an album that blends fierce songwriting with the retro sounds of Motown, classic R&B, and modern day electro-pop.
For Your "We're In It For The Long Haul" Relationship: Inside Llewyn Davis: Original Soundtrack Recording
The Coen brothers and producer T-Bone Burnett have done it again. With turns from Marcus Mumford, the Punch Brothers and lead actor Oscar Isaac -- as well as songs from Bob Dylan and Dave Van Ronk -- there’s so much here to enjoy. Together. Aw.
For The Person You’d Like To… Get To Know Better: The-Dream, IV Play
Is it just me or is it getting hot in here? Warning: This is not subtle.
For Your Parents’ "Happy Accident" -- Who's Still In High School And Hates Everyone: Speedy Ortiz, Major Arcana
Major Arcana has "breakup album" written all over it, so there's plenty of juicy angst to thrash and mope around to. But the band is superbly talented -- they blew us away when they played in our studio this year -- so who knows? Maybe they'll inspire the teen in your life to stop texting and start a band.
For Your Roommate: Lucius, Wildewoman
Finally, something you actually like hearing through the walls.
For Your Friend Who Recently Became A Parent: Valerie June, Pushin’ Against A Stone
Chill enough to not wake the baby. Interesting enough to keep your sleepless friend awake.
For Your Friend Who Started A Band, Put You On Their Listserv, And Really Wants You To “Come On Out!” And “Support The Group!”: Beck, Song Reader
It’s not actually an album (yet) -- it’s a book of sheet music. Maybe this will keep them busy in their basement for awhile?
For The Beyoncé "Stan" In Your Life: Beyoncé, Beyoncé
Got a friend in the Bey-hive? Although the diva's new album is currently just on iTunes, Bey's camp has promised that hard copies will be hitting stores in time for last minute holiday shopping.
For The Person Who You Simply Can’t Afford (Are Too Cheap) To Spend Any Money On: Chance The Rapper, Acid Rap
No money? No problem. Download this (awesome) mixtape for free from the young Chicago rapper, who Rolling Stone recently called the “strongest new voice in hip hop.”
For Your Go-Getter Intern: Vampire Weekend, Modern Vampires Of The City
An album all about navigating through young adulthood in the modern era. Next time your intern asks you for career advice, just quote from the album: “You take your time, young lion.” So wise.
For An Unexpected Gift-Giving Emergency: Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Brooklyn Babylon
Oh noes! Someone got you a gift and you didn’t get them anything. Stash a couple wrapped copies of this genre-crossing concept album in your bag -- crisis averted.
For Your Digital Native Niece Or Nephew: Pentatonix, PTX Vol. II
These Sing-Off winners are crazy YouTube-famous. Your niece or nephew already knows about them. (The real question: Do they know what a CD player is?)