This seven-inch single by George Harrison will be available tomorrow only.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who reads my blog. Even if you’re not located in the U.S., it’s never a bad idea to take a few moments to consider the things you’re grateful for. Even in 2020.
It’s also the time of year when indie newspapers and major publications offer holiday gift guides. Their choices usually align with their readership, and highlight unique items you might want for yourself or to give someone. Options range from brick and mortar stores to websites. The goal is to find something that’s a cut above the usual necktie or a box of candy. With that in mind, here’s the somewhat annual (I’ve missed a few years) Broken Hearted Toy Rock And Roll Holiday Gift Guide.
For the vinyl fanatics in your life, choose from the limited-edition releases coming to record stores tomorrow only for Black Friday Record Store Day. It’s not as massive as the April version, but there are lots of choices in every imaginable genre. Black Friday Record Store Day is still on for 2020, but you should check with your local record store to see if it’s participating. The official RSD site has a very helpful Store Status spreadsheet with state-by-state listings of which stores will be open to foot traffic; offering curbside pickup; local delivery; online sales with shipping; or appointment shopping.
The Retro Rockstar and Lemon Music Store websites are definitely worth a look for anyone into the current music scene in Manchester, England. Both focus on acts like Oasis, Happy Mondays, Joy Division, and The Smiths, with merchandise that’s truly unique.
The Fest For Beatles Fans online shop offers a massive selection of Beatles group and solo recordings, books, t-shirts, toys, and all kinds of other merchandise.
For fans of clever, heartfelt, and at times frightening YA paranormal novels, I recommend the works of author Maureen Johnson. I just finished The Name Of The Star, which is the first of four books in her Shades Of London series. I previously enjoyed her Truly Devious trilogy.
The Winter Made In Chicago Market takes place in virtual format on December 5, with shoppers joining via Instagram. A half-page ad in yesterday’s Chicago Sun-Times promises visitors can connect with local artists and get special deals and giveaways.
Don’t forget to support local bands, music venues, and restaurants when choosing gifts. With a resurgence of COVID-19, there aren’t many options for live entertainment, so check out Bandcamp, as well as individual websites to download music, order a CD, vinyl record, t-shirt, poster, or button.
Support restaurants and cafes by purchasing gift cards now to use when things are back to normal. Have dinners delivered to your home or those of friends or relatives.
The Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL) website has several gifts options, and the proceeds go to support local musicians and the places where they perform. You can make a straight-up donation or purchase t-shirts and prints to help the cause.
Most websites for popular recording artists have online shops. Just the other day, I bought over $50 worth of stuff from The Smithereens website, including a customized COVID-19 mask, a retro t-shirt celebrating the band’s 40th Anniversary, and a CD by The BAR, a power pop trio featuring Smithereens guitarist Jim Babjak, along with Danny Adlerman and Kurt Reil from The Grip Weeds.
The Rolling Stones’ No. 9 Carnaby store is now open in London, and fans can also order clothing and memorabilia online.
The official website for The Doors offers the new Morrison Hotel graphic novel, which combines Leah Moore’s writing with a global selection of illustrators.
Rolling Stone: The Illustrated Portraits book taps into the iconic magazine’s long history of rock star, celebrity, and politician illustrations.
The Franklin Mint has a massive selection of miniature, authentic replicas of the guitars used by Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Brian May, Jerry Garcia, Prince, Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, and many other famous musicians. The selection is unbelievable—think of one of those display boxes of Matchbox cars at Mariano’s grocery stores, but filled with really cool little guitars instead.
Actually, Matchbox cars make good stocking stuffers as well. I’m guessing younger kids prefer the more cartoonish vehicles while older collectors go for vintage sports cars like Mustangs and Stingrays. There are also TV, movie, and rock band cars.
As noted in a recent article by Chicago Sun-Times business and labor reporter David Roeder, there’s a new campaign called Black Shop Friday that encourages Chicagoans to support Black-owned businesses. The website provides informations about stores, salons, art galleries, restaurants, and gift shops.
Record label websites like Bloodshot, Yep Roc, Mega Dodo, American Laundromat, Kool Kat Musik; and Fruits de Mer are always worth shopping, and The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame website has lots of inductee and exhibit memorabilia. Pledge Music, Go Fund Me, Indiegogo, and other crowd funding sites are a good way to support your favorite artists and pick up autographed items. And you never know what rare treasures you’ll discover on eBay.
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