I’m dancing barefoot
Heading for a spin
Some strange music draws me in
Makes me come on like some heroine
—“Dancing Barefoot” by Patti Smith
Looking for the perfect gift for the musician or music lover in your life? There’s a lot to choose from this year, including music historian Elijah Wald’s book on Bob Dylan going electric in Newport in ‘65 to a prog-rock album from the Pope. And if none of the suggestions below work, there’s always rocker Keith Richards’ autobiography, In His Own Words. Happy Holidays!
Wake Up! — Pope Francis
Devout or not, one could really use the message of hope and unity this season. And that’s just what Pope Francis advocates on his new album Wake Up!, which includes sacred hymns and excerpts from his inspirational speeches (in multiple languages) set to uplifting music from Gregorian chant to prog-rock.
Ol’ blue eyes would have turned 100 on December 12th. Sinatra: The Chairman (Doubleday), the follow-up to James Kaplan’s acclaimed bio Frank: The Voice, is in bookstores. And the crooner’s classic Christmas album is now available on iTunes so fans can celebrate the season (and his centennial) in style.
Dylan Goes Electric!: Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night that Split the Sixties — Elijah Wald
The Classic Christmas 80s Album — Various Artists
M Train — Patti Smith
Related:
Your Beauty and Fashion Gift Guide
Book Gift Guide 2015