Everyone likes a treat at Christmas. Mulled wine, turkey with all the trimmings (aren’t the trimmings the whole point, after all), a box of chocs, a new book and and the latest album...what could be better? Time to kick off your chunky work shoes, put on your sheepskin slippers, and just chill out. If you can avoid the family rows, or the heinous washing up duty that is.
The retailers want shopping to be festive fun with all shops dutifully festooned with baubles and tinsel, and tempting offers laid out near the entrances. And isn’t it better to give, rather than receive? No, no, no ...it is not! Present-buying is a fraught and largely unrewarding experience, tainted by the threat of a tearful and disappointed child, partner or parent. No wonder many of us leave our high street shop until last minute. The internet retailers are enjoying yet another increase in year-on-year sales this year as people prefer to minimise the pain by staying out of the crowded high streets and shopping on the internet from their comfortably and toasty living rooms.
But get it right and you are well in with the family. That thoughtful and well-considered present is worth the effort if you can raise a smile from Grumpy Grandad or Truculent Teenager. One gift that never loses its allure, being good value for the buyer AND enjoyable for the recipient, is a really great album. It fits in a Christmas stocking, just about, is easy to wrap and can give pleasure for years. What’s not to like?
For Christmas 2011, the choice is however pretty endless. You can opt for the old favourites that perhaps aren’t already in the CD stack, or be bold and buy some new music that will get feet tapping. Amy Winehouse will be a popular choice this year. Following her tragic death in July, her family have released “Lioness: Hidden Treasures” , a new album of tracks recorded shortly before she dies, with profits being given to the Amy Winehouse Foundation established in her memory. Amy’s singing is electric and her jazz theme will appeal to all ages, although the album itself is somewhat random and uneven in content and delivery, perhaps reflecting her erratic and poignant life.
Another artist to consider is Michael Buble. The Canadian star, who has been described as “an heir to Sinatra” has released an album simply titled “Christmas”. This includes classics such as White Christmas, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The album will undoubtedly add festive cheer to Christmas day.
If you reckon that boy bands may be more the thang, JLS and One Direction both have albums out just now. JLS’s third album Jukebox was released in November and its two singles have already performed well in the charts. This hardworking band’s last album sold over 1.2 million copies and you wouldn’t bet against them repeating this success. One Direction are a more recent band which was formed during the X Factor’s seventh series. Up All Night is One Direction’s debut album, following on from a Number One Single, What Makes You Beautiful, in September. Both albums are good stocking fillers for the younger contingent. Okay, they are not a boy band (a man band?) but consider also the great new album from Coldplay, the unpronounceable but joyful Mylo Xyloto. Coldplay fans in your family would love this gift for sure.
If you’re looking for something sassy from the girls, what about Rihanna’s “Talk That Talk”? Perhaps not for pre-teens though as she’s made of strong stuff, that Rihanna! You can’t beat Florence and The Machine just now, either. The edgy Florence belies her ethereal appearance and girlish speaking voice with her enormously powerful and fiercely individualistic performances in “Ceremonials”. The ubiquitous Kelly Rowland is another possibility with her album “Here I am”. Kelly has been a judge on the X Factor juggernaut this autumn and her profile with the British public has never been higher. She is “of the moment” for sure, so her album may go down a treat with X Factor aficionados.
Talking of X Factor, Susan Boyle just has to be the competition’s most successful winner. Her recent album release “Someone to Watch Over Me” will be a big seller this yuletide and is another possibility to add to your Christmas list.The phenomenal successes of Adele’s debut album 19 and her follow-up album 21 have provided a stellar music news story. With millions of these 2 albums already sold, the only question you need to ask is “Are they already in that CD stack?”. Tread carefully, you don’t want to disappoint. Finally, and let’s deal with this quickly, Justin Bieber’s Mistletoe. Pre-teen girls. Enough said!
The bookmakers have a view on all these albums, worth thinking about if you want to give THE Christmas Number One Album. Bookmaker Ladbrokes reckons that Amy Winehouse’s posthumous albums will reach the Number One slot, offering best betting odds of 5/4, with Michael Buble following her at odds of 6/4. JLS, Rihanna and One Direction share odds of 6/1, with Kelly Rowland and Susan Boyle at odds of 12/1. The other acts are not considered strong contenders to be Album of the Year, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t impress your family. Time to pick your winner!
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