London's Madam Tussauds Wax Museum really caught the Christmas spirit by slightly rearranging some of the wax models to re-enact the manger scene. The ensemble of the Nativity Scene are Posh Spice Victoria Beckham and soccer superstar David Beckham as Mary and Joseph, Kylie Minogue became the guiding angel, Hugh Jackman and Samuel L. Jackson were shepherds and ironically President Bush was one of the three wisemen. The role playing was determined by the voting public and a doll was simply used as the child.
We wade through some unnecessary rush releases pushed under our noses for the Christmas market in dread, while visions of next year's new releases dance in our heads. 2005 will bring us new material from the likes of Erasure, Madonna, Billy Idol, the Pet Shop Boys, Tina Turner, Texas and Mariah Carey.
So you hate holiday shopping as much as I do. That is why I am usually found on my cell phone in the store, so that only one ear has to suffer the annoying carols that seem to follow me everywhere. If you are awful at figuring out what to get people for the holidays, whether as a present for attending a seasonal party, a stocking stuffer or even a thank you present for taking care of your mail while you were out, here are some ideas that will also help cement your indie credibility:
1. Your step mom: a bottle of wine and the Katie Melua's debut CD Call off the Search. As a huge success in Europe, Katie finely finds the middle ground between adult contemporary staples Norah Jones and Eva Cassidy.
2. Your closeted coworker: Robbie Williams' Greatest Hits. The former Take That heartthrob released his first retrospective and of course it has the mandatory two new songs 'Radio' and 'Misunderstood' on top of all of his popular material, the only thing missing is his spot on duet with Nicole Kidman covering 'Somethin' Stupid.'
3. Your flaming coworker who loves all things Colin, Matt and Ben: Ultimate Divas. This Arista collection has all of them at their finest, Judy, Gladys, Tina, Chaka, Annie, Diana, Dionne, Patti, Whitney, and Aretha. You can't go wrong here, especially with the hard-to-find live performance of Aretha Franklin singing the aria 'Nessun Dorma'.
4. Your fun-loving younger sister: The Delays's debut Faded Seaside Glamour, this upbeat CD will remain in her car stereo and she will be singing along to it after two listens.
5. Your gothic neighbor who took care of your plants: Unkle's Never Never Land. This is a perfect mix of Depeche Mode and Primal Scream with haunting and reflective lyrics woven over flawless production.
6. Your lesbian friend who has you over for a holiday feast, but only has three CDs in her apartment: Melissa Etheridge Lucky Live CD & DVD collection. One of the best rock stars performing the songs from her most recent album live from New York, how can this set not be great?
7. Your gym bunny friend who throws great parties: Best of House Volume 4, a dance compilation featuring highlights of this year from club land, like Lola's Theme, Make Your Move and I Like Love, it will keep him going on the stairmaster during those cursed last five minutes.
8. Your friend you haven't seen since she and her husband are trying to conceive: When it Falls by Zero 7. This album is stacked with grooves and inspired, rich love songs.
9. Your uber hip brother who thinks he was born in London circa 1953: Slow Soul Train's debut Illegal Cargo. This one meshes '60s soul with inspiration from Sade, neo-soul and electronica.
10. Your earthy massage therapist: Best of Delerium. Not only does this ethereal collection feature a new remix of their collaboration with Sarah McLachlan 'Silence,' but it has 'Flowers Become Screens,' 'Innocente' and 'Heaven's Earth,' ideal to have in the background during massages.
11. Your friend who is stuck in the '80s: Blondie's Live by Request. I saw Blondie shortly after this was recorded in May and I have never seen Debbie Harry more comfortable with her voice, material and even her own presence, albeit sober. The inclusions of the overlooked song Union City Blue and the medley of Rapture and Rapper's Delight further proves Blondie's genius.
12. Most importantly, for yourself: the latest by Angela McCluskey, Flunk and Jem. Angela McCluskey is the talented Scottish singer-songwriter behind the hits for Deep Forest, 'Will You Be Ready' and Telepopmusik 'Breathe.' Her husky voice and delivery on her first full-length Things We Do have allowed many comparisons to Billie Holiday. She recently toured opening for R.E.M. and the Finn Brothers. Scandinavian trio Flunk's sophomore album Morning Star can soothe any headache with the opening track 'Play,' imagine a teasing, playful Bjork working with Massive Attack or Zero 7. Jem is a talented singer-songwriter, having already worked with Madonna and her debut full-length album Finally Woken earned her universal critical praise, finding a niche among Dido and Beth Orton.
And remember the best part of holiday shopping is buying things for yourself.
— With Tony Peregrin
