Music

6 less popular Christmas gifts for the music lover in your life

by Josiah Hughes

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s sometimes hard to find the perfect gift for the music aficionado in your life. There are no shortage of Christmas gift guides on the web for this very reason, but many of them have been posting the same or similar items. In an effort to bring some variety to your yuletide merriments, we’ve compiled a list of some lesser-known Christmas gifts for the music lover in your life.

 

Gotye! The Complete Series

Though it was unceremoniously cancelled 10 minutes into its first episode, making it another one hit wonder of sorts for the performer, Gotye’s zany musical hidden camera prank variety show Gotye! has been collected in its entirety in this blu ray set. All 72 episodes are here, with musical commentary from Gotye himself (he actually sings with an acoustic guitar through every episode, if you choose that option). Bonus features include an in-depth look at the show’s international casting process and a booklet with 200,000 words of episode recaps from AV Club interns.

 

Creed: The Complete Vinyl Box Set

Finally, your favourite rock band’s entire discography has been pressed on virgin 180-gram vinyl, making it the ultimate must-have box set under every rocker’s Christmas tree. All four albums, from My Own Prison to Full Circle, are housed in a deluxe, embossed box. Each LP is also scented with a different member’s signature cologne scent. There’s also a bonus 45rpm 7-inch featuring Scott Stapp’s original demo for his post-Creed solo single “Slow Suicide.” Don’t expect these ones to last on shelves at your local independent record store.

 

Bad Religion’s Teen Study Bible

Legendary punk crew Bad Religion turned some heads when they released their collection of very Christian unironic Christmas songs. Now, they’ve taken it a step further with their very own teen study bible. In addition to the New International Version translation, this scripture is supplemented with study guides from the band’s Greg Graffin and Brett Gurewitz.

 

Sinead O’Connor’s O’pen Letter Post-It Notes

Famed Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor found the spotlight again this year after posting multiple open letters to pop sensation Miley Cyrus. Now, you can have some of that posting power in your own home with the official Sinead O’Connor’s O’pen Letter Post-It Notes. Someone left a mess in the kitchen at the office, double parked you, or made some decisions about the way they dress that you don’t particularly agree with? Say it with an O’pen Letter Post-It.

 

Mumford & Sons Artisanal Hay Bales

Who knew the folky down-home sounds of acoustic gents Mumford & Sons could be so merchandisable? Following an (admittedly unlicensed) clothing line inspired by the band, the group have put their official stamp on a new product to get them into the houseware game. Mumford & Sons’ Artisanal Hay Bales offer hand-picked straws of hay, bundled together with care at a small, local farm in rural England. The bales are shipped worldwide, and can be used to accent any dorm room or loft with a charming rustic flair.

 

Chad and Avril’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Kama Sutra

Still in the throes of their honeymoon period, newlyweds Chad Kroeger and Avril Lavigne are bringing an “alternative” approach to the world’s most popular sex handbook. Chad and Avril’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Kama Sutra offers the couple’s take on some of the world’s most ancient lovemaking techniques, along with new moves like “Rock Star,” “Sk8r Boi,” “What the Hell” and the hard-to-master “Look at This Photograph.” As the press release explains, “Exploring the facets of your partner’s body through these spiritual, sensual techniques doesn’t have to be so complicated.”