Gift Guide: Music

Mos Def: The Ecstatic – Buy It
In addition to production by Madlib and Oh No!, there is a track on here produced by J Dilla, featuring Talib Kweli aptly titled “History”. A must have for any true school hip-hop head.

Flaming Lips: Christmas on Mars – Buy It
A movie/album so weird and awesome that when you place it in any music DVD collection, it will battle all the others and arise as king of the shelf on Christmas morning.

Metro Area: Fabric 43 – Buy It
Sugary dance music is rarely this well-produced. The duo’s last album came out six years ago and I still hear it at parties. If you’re trying to ween your giftee off of the poppy crap on their iPod, sneak this one in there.

Justice: A Cross the Universe (CD/DVD) – Buy It
Just watch the preview and know that these are what rock stars from the future look like. Careful about giving this to any youngins, however. Not exactly PG stuff.

Squarepusher: Just a Souvenir – Buy It
Jazzheads, bass players, fans of musique concrete, and folks into 80s New Wave will totally feel this; an intelligent yet accessible exercise in excellence.

Kid 606: Die Soundboy Die EP – Buy It
Glitchy goodness that packs some heavy metal punch. A good gift for anyone who’s into the chaotic, abstract electronic stuff that’s still pretty danceable.