Traditional thought holds Black Friday – that wretchedly busy shopping day following Thanksgiving – as the de facto kickoff to the holiday shopping season. That’s all fine and well, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get a jump on your gift lists before then. And lest you think the stagnant economy gives you license to unload shoddy gifts on your beloved, the lifestyle police at Consumer Reports have just released their annual “Top 100 Products” to re-emphasize that nothing conveys affection like remortgaging your home for a nice present.
We took a look at many of the top electronics and home and personal accessories on the list and have decided - based on those having busy years in 2008 - which musicians and bands we feel would be most deserving of such niceties. Naughty or nice, coal or cookies, tis’ almost the season…
- Product: Apple MacBook Air
Retail: $1,799-2,499
Perfect for: David Byrne. The music legend is out on the road for the foreseeable future touring behind a new album Everything That Happens Will Happen Today. While constantly on the go, how else to keep up with his favorite obsession (blogging) than with this super-sleek and lightweight Mac?
Listen: “Strange Overtones”
- Product: Samsung SPF-83V Wireless Digital Frame
Retail: $208 – 216
Perfect for: Andrew VanWyngarden (the headband dude in MGMT). Why? Isn’t he dating Kirsten Dunst? Wouldn’t it make sense to have a rotating picture gallery of her on display at all times? Isn’t this obvious?
Watch: “Electric Feel”
- Product: Sennheiser MX W1 Wireless Headphones
Retail: $499
Perfect for: Women. This Alberta quartet’s debut album is a pitch-perfect ode to scuzzy lo-fi atmospherics and bleating noise, but maybe it’s time to teach these boys how the other half lives with a pair of the most pristine and crystalline-sounding headphones on the market. It’s time to move on up to hi-fi boys…and they’re wireless!
Listen: “Group Transport Hall”
- Product: Weber Q200 Portable Grill
Retail: $178-199
Perfect for: Vampire Weekend. This portable grill is the go-to accessory for semi-spontaneous grillage, chillage, tailgating and all around brodowns everywhere from college quads to amphitheater parking lots, i.e. wherever you might be hearing VW. It’s about time they get their own Weber, they deserve it.
Listen: “A-Punk”
- Product: Panasonic TH-50PZ800U 50” Plasma TV
Retail: $2499
Perfect for: Daniel Rossen. As a member of both Grizzly Bear and Department of Eagles, Rossen has gotten his share of nationally televised face time and then some in 2008, with two appearances on Conan - one each w/Grizzly and DoE – and another on Letterman (w/Grizzly Bear). Why should he savor his omnipotence on anything less than an absolute kickass television?
Watch: “No One Does It Like You” by Department of Eagles (live on Conan)
- Product: LG Dare cell phone w/versatile screen
Retail: starting at $199
Perfect For: David Berman. Everyone’s favorite reclusive genius blossomed into a social butterfly before our very eyes (and ears) this year, granting unprecedented access and copious amounts of interviews to journalists and media outlets while once again touring extensively (a feat which in itself once seemed impossible). For the newly-crowned popular kid, here’s Consumer Reports’ favorite phone to keep in touch.
- Product: Delsey Helium Fusion 22274 Carry-on Luggage
Retail: $160-180
Perfect For: The Walkmen. In “Donde Esta La Playa”, the first track on this year’s amazing You & Me, Hamilton Leithauser croons “there is still sand in my suitcase, there is still salt in my teeth…” Hey no problem Ham, how about a nice new sand-free piece of luggage, eh? It’s even got wheels too!
Listen: “In The New Year”
- Product: Black & Decker Smart Brew DCM2500
Retail: $27.99-29.99
Perfect For: Crystal Stilts. Like disaffected mannequins on display, Crystal Stilts’ live performances have become notorious for conveying a sense of awesome and graceful power without wielding the slightest hint of expended effort or energy. Imagine what would happen if we hooked up one of these coffee makers backstage and let them get all caffeinated before playing? Beautiful chaos and reckless abandon….
Listen: “Crystal Stilts”
*above pic found HERE
