Steven O'Rourke posted on December 04, 2007 07:05
Ah Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year. That is, of course, if wonderful is defined as stress filled, panic buy inducing madness! Luckily for this Blog, whose agoraphobia appears to increase in direct correlation to the number of people selling sheets of wrapping paper '3 for €2', Mrs. Notes takes care of most of the Christmas shopping in these parts. There are, however, two notable exceptions; Mrs. Notes' gift and any music related gifts that need to be purchased. 
This year has been by far Key Notes' easiest year yet. The fact that the CLUAS 'Shortlist' for the Album of the Year stretches to 40 titles is a testament to the quality of music released this year. Personally, as your resident Irish indie music commentator, Key Notes is especially proud that Irish releases make up almost 25% of the shortlist.
So, if you're still unsure as to what to buy your loved one this Christmas, let Key Notes guide you through its selection of this years 'can't fail'* alternative music gifts.
For Your Dad
You've seen him at weddings with his tie wrapped around his head, head-banging to AC/DC and you know that he has an inner rock god buried deep beneath his Mondeo driving exterior. Yet, every year, without fail, you buy him socks or cufflinks because you can't think of anything else. Not this year though. Raising Sand, the haunting, slightly disturbing, and yet still brilliant collaboration between Robert Plant and Alison Krauss allows him to relive his youth and keep his dinner party guests happy.
For Your Mum
It would be very easy to buy Il Divo or Take That for your mum but really, she gave birth to you, therefore she deserves better. If she was a Prefab Sprout fan in her youth why not give her Neon Bible, Arcade Fire's homage to all things Paddy McAloon. She'll enjoy it much more than Il Divo and it's not nearly half as embarrassing as having to explain to the sales person that it's for your mum, not you.
For Your Siblings
Without a doubt Key Notes favourite album of this year; Nervousystem is the second album from the Future Kings of Spain. Your brother will thank you in years to come for ridding him of his fascination with all things My Chemical Romance while your sister will appreciate Joey Wilsons trademark disinterested drawl; Mrs. Notes certainly does. Alternatively, there's Cathy Davey's Tales of Silversleeve, an album as remarkable as it was unexpected. A work of genius to pleasure the ears of siblings of all ages.
For Your Partner
Finally, the age old dilemma of what to put in his/her Christmas stocking. It should, of course, depend on that persons musical taste. However, you should note that it doesn't matter if they'd appreciate Wilco's Sky Blue Sky more than the Kings of Leon or if they'd prefer Interpol over The Flaming Lips. The real key to choosing an album for your partner is to pick something you like, especially if you're living with this person. Trust Key Notes when it tells you; they're going to make you listen to it!
*Key Notes takes no responsibility should any of these recommendations result in divorce or disownment.
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