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FOR
YOU For you who are ready to ring out this year of tumult and uncertainty; for you who have been through the wringer, over the barrel, under the gun and through the hoops; for you who are ready to celebrate and to enjoy friends, family and loving tokens of the season, we offer you the EW Gift Guide 2003. This year, maybe more than any other, EW hopes you'll shop and buy locally. All of your old favorites are preparing your arrival: The Holiday Market, 5th Street Market, the Meridian Building, The Southtowne Shoppes. And there are so many new, local retailers to check out for fun holiday faire: Modern and Mercado Latino, as well as retailers who may not be brand new, but whom you might not have checked out yet: Big Monkey Cards & Gifts, Big City Gaming and Bambini, to name just a few. Don't forget that loved ones always appreciate gift certificates to Eugene's many fine eateries, bottle shops and performance venues. Or if you want to make something yourself, this town offers a grand selection of textile and craft materials stores that will let you create something special just for that someone special. Enjoy this selection of merchandise from retailers around town. May it inspire you to find just what you're looking for, for someone you love. Happiest holidays from EW!
MUSIC
& MERRIMENT
LONESOME, ON'RY AND MEAN: A TRIBUTE TO WAYLON JENNINGS Dualtone, April 2003. Lonesome, On'ry and Mean is a tribute record you should own. This salute to one of country's superstars reveals the heart of his outlaw talent, and why his songs are sturdy enough to withstand the test of time. These 15 songs are interpreted by an astounding array of musicians, from Jennings contemporary Kris Kristofferson ("I Do Believe") to punk rock legends Henry Rollins ("Lonesome, On'ry and Mean") and John Doe ("Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line"). Nanci Griffith's fragile voice is absolutely perfect for the song "You Asked Me To." Grammy award-winner Norah Jones shines on "Wurlitzer Prize (I Don't Want to Get Over You)." Whether you're a Jennings fan or not, you'll find something to love here.
IT'LL COME TO YOU: THE SONGS OF JOHN HIATT Vanguard Records, May 2003. Since we're on the subject of tributes, here's one that was two years in the making, with 10 tracks personally selected by Hiatt himself. With a career spanning over 25 years and 19 albums, many artists have been influenced and inspired by Hiatt's songs. More than 50 different artists have covered Hiatt's songs, and this release pulls together some of the best and most loved versions. Linda Ronstadt ("When We Ran") and Eric Clapton, together with B.B. King ("Riding With The King"), and Bonnie Raitt ("Thing Called Love") are here, along with Emmylou Harris (Icy Blue Heart") and Freddy Fender ("Across the Borderline"). Three newly recorded tracks are included: Buddy and Julie Miller take care of "Paper Thin," Patty Griffin shines on "Take It Down," and Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise gets funky on "It'll Come To You."
THE ESSENTIAL BYRDS Columbia/Legacy, April 2003. The Byrds' incredible odyssey began in 1964, in the middle of the fertile L.A. folk scene. Over the course of the band's 6-year career, American folk and rock took on a different shape due to the great influence of the individuals in this band, such as Gram Parsons, Roger McGuinn and David Crosby (who were both founding members). The band's first and immediate hit was in 1965, with Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man," and Dylan's subsequent influence on the band was unmistakable. Byrds members went on to form other influential bands, such as Parsons' and founding member Chris Hillman's departure to form the Flying Burrito Brothers. This two-CD set kicks in with "Tambourine," and sees their career through to a live version of 1970's "Lover of the Bayou." All the songs you want are here, along with an informative CD liner and enough songs to flesh out their influential career.
THE TESTORS: COMPLETE RECORDINGS Swami Records, May 2003. The Testors rocked the NYC punk rock world in the mid 1970s, blazing brightly then burning out just as fast, left to smolder in obscurity. Now, their complete recordings have been unearthed for punk rock fans everywhere who feel this band has been overlooked and under-appreciated for too long. Sonny Vincent formed The Testors in New York City in 1975. Vincent snubbed any major label offers for The Testors, while their New York contemporaries like Blondie and the Ramones were loudly taking over the world. Vincent eventually ended up in a psychiatric hospital. This CD is 37 songs recorded between 1976 and 1979, with 10 never-before-heard songs. Vincent still plays today, and while his story might not be in the punk rock history books, thanks to Swami Records, his music can live to inspire another generation.
THE OLIVER MTUKUDZI COLLECTION: THE TUKU YEARS (1998-2002) Putumayo, July 2003. Known as Tuku in his native Zimbabwe, Mtukudzi cuts a legendary figure both here and in his native land. The internationally acclaimed musician sings of the hardships his people face every day in a land of political corruption and social devastation. With gripping melody, Tuku's songs convey a powerful message of hope and dignity for his people. Songs on this CD were culled from a series of recordings done with South African producer Steve Dyer, who created a fresh African sound that became known as "Tuku Music." This collection features several tracks previously unavailable outside of Africa, and two rare live tracks, including "Hear Me Lord," which was recently recorded by Bonnie Raitt. With his distinctive gravelly voice and uplifting messages, Tuku has become a treasure in his homeland and is on his way to getting the recognition he deserves from other countries the world over.
BRUCE COCKBURN: YOU'VE NEVER SEEN EVERYTHING Rounder, June 2003. The Canadian Poet of the Apocalypse has done it again with this release. Twenty-seven years into his career, Cockburn is still experimenting and expanding his sound. On this release, the prized picker sheds his rootsier ways for a more dense soundscape, a feature that may put off some fans of his more straightforward musicianship. Violinist Hugh Marsh lends an otherworldly vibe to this recording, as his electric violin wends its way through most of the CD. Cockburn gets murky on the song "All Our Dark Tomorrows," yet lets hope shine in the triumphant "Open." The senses are further entranced by his continued use of female vocals. Cockburn's simmering socio-political views magically merge with his universal humor in places, creating a new recording that's both stimulating and soothing.
HOWARD WALES & JERRY GARCIA: HOOTEROLL? Evolver Records, April 2003. Out of print for the past five years, this classic "lost" Garcia recording has been re-issued. For fans of the late Jerry Garcia, this is a chance to snap up one of the most collectible recordings of the Garcia oeuvre. Hooteroll? was Garcia's first non-Grateful Dead recording and was a collaboration with organist Howard Wales, who jammed in the San Francisco scene and played on the Dead's American Beauty LP. Hooteroll?, which was originally released in 1972, is awash in '70s psychedelic jazz and rock. The eight songs highlight Garcia's distinctive playing, along with Garcia bandmates bassist John Kahn and drummer Bill Vitt. For any Deadhead, you can't go wrong with this one.
ME FIRST AND THE GIMME GIMMES: TAKE A BREAK, FAT WRECK CHORDS July 2003. The Gimme Gimme guys found their fortune playing with several well-known Fat Wreck Chords bands, namely NOFX, Lagwagon and No Use For A Name. Their recent fame has been due to brilliantly conceived concept records of popular songs done with punk rock aplomb. On Take A Break, the guys cover Lionel Ritchie's "Hello," R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" and Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman." Other albums have them tackling showtunes such as "Tomorrow," the theme from the musical Annie, '60s hit songs such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and '70s and '80s gems "Mandy" and "Uptown Girl." Each CD has its own personality, and while it increases listening pleasure if you are familiar with the originals, it's enough just to participate in the sheer lunacy of the Gimmes. Get one, get them all!
HOOKAH CAFÉ Triloka Records, March 2003. A beautifully seductive introduction to the music of North Africa and the Middle East, Hookah Café would be a much appreciated stocking stuffer for any world music lover on your list. This collection merges the music of Marrakech's smoky opium dens with Athens' ancient dream world and Cairo's heady mysticism. This instrumental CD is mellow enough to provide a delicious background mood, but intriguing enough to take center stage.
ROUGH GUIDES 2003 The Rough Guides to the World of Music are, like the Rough Guide travel books, a way to explore the musical heart of a country or culture from the comfort of your own living room. These intelligent compilations offer an astounding array of musical styles both contemporary and classical that gives the listener an overview of the musical heritage of a region and provides a jumping off point for further exploration of any musician or style which catches one's fancy. Among the titles that have been released just this past year are Guides to the music of the Balkans, Thailand, Europe, South African Gospel, Canada and Delta Blues, songs from the cotton fields of the American Deep South. Another can't-lose gift idea for the discerning world music lover you love.
LEWIS & CLARK: THE JOURNEY OF THE CORPS OF DISCOVERY Soundtrack to the film by Ken Burns, September 2003. Burns' film tells the story of explorers Lewis and Clark as they and their team of 48 men journeyed west in the spring of 1804. Utilizing period music, journal excerpts and spoken word segments from the film, the delightful soundtrack traces the men's steps through the instrumental music of Peter Ostroushko, Bobby Horton, Jacqueline Schwab, Phil Cunningham, and Emmy Duncan. Native American musicians Gary Stroutsos, Epaminondas Trimis and Joseph Fire Crow perform music illustrating encounters with Indian tribes. The combination of world-class musicianship and journal readings makes this soundtrack a pleasure to listen to — for history buffs or anyone who appreciates the timeless beauty of traditional American music.
FOR THOSE IN NEED By Karman Ratliff Sometimes, the best gift isn't the one that comes in the biggest package, but rather the one that makes the biggest impact. Still struggling to find that perfect gift? A donation in someone's name to a special nonprofit organization is always a perfect fit. Here are some of EW's picks, or find one more tailored to your philanthropic needs: The Oregon chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is collecting frequent flier miles to help make travel dreams for more Oregon children come true. You can find information about how to donate your miles, or make a monetary donation, online at www.orwish.org or by calling 1-800-934-WISH. On November 14, the Ken Kesey Memorial statue was unveiled downtown, but Lane Arts Council is still asking for donations to cover the costs. Send checks marked for Ken Kesey Memorial Fund to the Lane Arts Council, 99 W. 10th Suite 100, Eugene OR 97401. Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) uses your donations to provide youth education, advocacy and support to help put an end to sexual assault. Send donations to SASS, 519 W. 19th Ave, Eugene or call 484-9791. The Whitebird Clinic offers assistance with drug and alcohol addiction, counseling and crisis intervention through the CAHOOTS program. Donations can be made online at whitebirdclinic.org or send checks by mail to 342 E. 12th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401. United Way of Lane County is one of the most all-encompassing nonprofits in the area. By making a donation to the Community Solutions fund, your money will be making a difference in many different ways as United Way works with other organizations to ensure that the basic needs of the community are met. Donate online at unitedwaylane.org or send donations to United Way of Lane County, 3171 Gateway Loop, Springfield, OR 97477. Consider making a donation in someone's name to BRING Recycling Center's Capital Campaign, which will raise funds to build the new Planet Improvement facility in Glenwood. For more information, call 746-3023 or visit www.bringrecycling.org With so much at stake in the way of reproductive rights, what better way to show support than to make a donation to Planned Parenthood. Your money goes to providing better care for women's reproductive health and family planning. For more information, contact your local Planned Parenthood office or send an email to donations@pphso.org. Other local organization to consider helping with time or money: HIV Alliance, Food for Lane County, Centro Latino Americano, Greenhill Humane Society, Relief Nursery, Sponsors and St. Vincent de Paul, to name only a few. Check the community service pages in the phone book to contact these organizations. |
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