Christmas Wishlist 2004
![[ DVDs, CDs, movie tickets and an iPod. My xmas will almost be complete! ]](http://hooverdust.com/version2/wp-content/images//christmas_wishlist.jpg)
WTF? It’s December already? Damn this year flew by. Happy that it did since next year things are gonna change big time. A new (proper) job, a new place and a new suburb means ultra shifts in the Hooverdust universe too. The site will be redesigned with the music section getting itself ass-kicked, going almost completely with a CSS-based design and more original video and musical content.
Anyway, it’s December and no doubt you’re all thinking “What can I get James for Christmas?”. I figured you’d be glad I reminded you all, so I’ve put together a bunch of useless crap you can get me in the remaining 22 days till Santa sends his fat-ass down my chimney (well through my front door since I don’t have a chimney like they always have in the movies). Or if you can’t possibly get me something (there is no excuse), maybe this guide will give you some thoughts to give others who love pop-culture related gifts. You could be creative and make your own gifts (which I generally do because it’s cheap and personable i.e customisable CDs) but if you don’t have the time (which I don’t this year), I’ll save you the trouble with the following must-haves. You can buy all these on amazon.com if you’re really lazy but buying locally at certain stores may prove cheaper:
The must-have gift for Christmas (if you don’t own a model already that is). The iPod photo looks enticing with better battery life and a 60Gig hard drive but seriously, do you really need to see photos on your iPod when your digital camera will suffice? If it could play video content, then I might change my mind but I think the 40Gig models are the best bet with your money.
Village Cinema gift packs, Astor 10-pack or Moonlight Cinemas (Melbourne)
Go the Astor tickets I reckon. Village pack is not bad value considering. Go the 3 adult tickets. Gold Glass is a rip-off anyway. But the Astor has the atmosphere, the big-screen and the classics. Moonlight cinema will be popular for the summer though. Touch call. Depends on who you’re going with I guess. I’ll take all three thanks ;)
The first 4 seasons of The Sopranos (DVD)
I can’t rave enough about this series. JBHIFI in Melbourne were selling each season for AU$40 a little while ago but I missed out, so they’re back up to AU$90 a season. This US set of the first 4 seasons is reasonably priced over at amazon.com and definitely worth a purchase. I’m currently re-watching season 3 on DVD and although I’ve seen the entire series before, they have excellent repeat value. This episode of Season 3 has to be one of the best and funniest hours of television ever made. Shame the Season 5 DVD box set isn’t due out till March 2 next year (region 4). The final season (6) should premiere on TV late 2005.
Return of the King: Extended Edition (DVD)
Is an introduction necessary? Not really but if you want a sneak peak on what you’re missing bypassing this release, then check out this 6-min preview. You’re sure to buy it for yourself after seeing it!
International visitors might be unfamiliar about this hilarious Aussie comedy but creators and stars Jane Turner and Gina Riley have crafted three great seasons so far. This 3rd season has touched on some repetitiveness, but it’s still leagues above most comedies these days. Comic gold!
Donnie Darko: Director’s Cut (DVD)
I haven’t seen it yet so you MUST buy this for me. Why Kevin Smith appears on the commentary is anyone’s guess but it seems a little like a double dip. You know years down the track there’ll be one definitive version with the theatrical and director’s cuts on the same disc, so maybe save your cash with this one and just buy me a copy.
Still one of Spielberg’s best and available for the first time on DVD. No commentary of course but you can finally see how talented Spielberg once was, when money wasn’t the number one factor. There is a 35 minute convo with Spiely amongst the extras which should please fans and for AU$24, it’s not a bad purchase.
Goodfellas: Special Edition (DVD)
Scorsese’s classic mobster flick gets the special edition treatment with a commentary from the director with cast and crew as well as one from former mobster Henry Hill and former FBI agent Edward McDonald. Documentaries, etc’85 round off this DVD release which goes part-and-parcel with The Godfather trilogy in must-have gangster flicks.
The Futureheads - self titled (CD)
Think The Hives, 80’s band XTC and Franz Ferdinand combined into one and you’ll get the picture. Listened to a few tracks and it’s got me wanting more.
Agaetis Byrjun - Sigur Ros (CD)
If you think of Icelandic music, you immediately think of Bjork. But Sigur Ros are Iceland’s favourite band and you only need to hear this release to know why. Just when you think you’ve heard the most beautiful music in the world, along comes Agaetis Byrjun and your life will change for the better. I used to prefer their later release ( ), but Agaetis Byrjun is more interesting musically. Their new album is due out early next year!
Love is Hell - Ryan Adams (CD)
Okay not really festive for the holiday season but what a fucking great album. Initially released as two EPs, this album was released in 2004 and is Adams best work so far. Dark, brooding but magical.
I saw this 3-piece Australian/New Zealand band of brothers live a couple of months back and they were very good but their debut album exceeded expectations. Think a cross between Coldplay and Muse and you get the picture. They’ve crafted their album as a musical journey and it works for the most part. It’s hard to believe they’re all still until 21, with a musical maturity well beyond their years. The best debut Australian album of the year hands down!
If anyone can think of any other great pop-culture related gifts or gift ideas for x-mas, don’t hesitate to send them my way! ummmmmm I mean, post a comment and inform the rest of us!
5 Responses to “Christmas Wishlist 2004”
I’ll buy you something from work, how’s that?
yo
i can get you ummm dvd’s.
Oh, and I didn’t read all the way down the page, but I’ve heard a handful of Evermore’s tracks and don’t think it’s best Aussie release of the year hands down (although in all fairness I haven’t heard the whole album.) It’s going to be fucking tough to beat “The Sand Pebbles - Ghost Transmissions” though, seeing as how I don’t really think that Coldplay or Muse are all the particularly brilliant.
I remember a time when James got bitten 900 times by mosquitos and I wasn’t touched by 1. Miraculous? Perhaps. You need to do an “I’ve finished my shit!” update, because I’m not buying you any of that stuff.
Oh yeah, Duel is terrific. I am tempted to buy it as well, although because it was made for TV, and it still gets a run every 12-18 months or so, I quite like to watch it during its usual late movie time slot - albeit interrupted with furniture, used car, and porno chat line commercials. Good fun though for the hardcore purist!!