Lainna FaderThere's always that someone in your family or group of friends or entourage (this is LA we're talking about after all) who is a little intimidating come Holidays gift season. They're way into music, but they're into music in an obsessive way that seems to say “you'll never be able to find a music-related gift for me.” Well, West Coast Sound can help: here are 8 last-minute gift ideas for a variety of budgets that will have the music lover (and obsessive) in your life looking at you with renewed respect:
8. Vinyl Record Frame from Turntable Lab
Vinyl Frame (Turntable Lab)
This is an easy and affordable gift suitable for anyone who likes vinyl, from the casual fan to serious collector. These frames from Canada's Records On Walls, available at Turntable Lab on Fairfax Ave, hold single or double LPs and can be installed on any surface. The design of the frames makes it super easy to swap records in and out so you can show off your favorite records without committing them to permanent placement on your wall.
Price: $9.95.
7. Eye Mind: The Saga of Roky Erickson and the 13th Floor Elevators, The Pioneers of Psychedelic Sound
Eye Mind: The Saga of Roky Erickson and The 13th Floor Elevators, The Pioneers of Psychedelic Sound (Barnes & Noble)
Paul Drummond's Eye Mind is the wild story of the original Texas psychedelic band and its legendary singer and is the most well-researched book about rock 'n roll out there.
Price: $16.34.
6. I Hate CD's: Norton Records 45 RPM Singles Collection Vol. 1 and I Still Hate CD's: Norton Records 45 RPM Singles Collection Vol. 2
Norton Records 45 RPM Singles Collection Vol. 1 + 2 (mp3 downloads via Amazon)
This is the perfect gift for lovers of great rock n' roll from the 50s, featuring treasures from the Dictators, Arthur Lee of Love, Charlie Feathers, Mary Weiss, Andre Williams, and tons more. Norton's long been the best place to find obscure 45s, and now they make it easy with two volumes of digital downloads.
Price: Vol. 1 $21.67, Vol. 2 $17.98.
5. Musical Soldering Kit from Machine Project
Musical Soldiering Kit (Machine Project)
Echo Park's Machine Project has produced a build-you-own-synthesizer kit! Now you can put together your own synth in the comfort of your own home or garage, or even on top of your Christmas tree if you're so inclined. Three options are available: Gus (bass pitch), Marcel (middle pitch), and Patricia (Treble Pitch). The kit includes everything you'll need, except for the soldering iron.
Price: $30
4. Live At The Smell DVD from Family Books
Live At The Smell DVD (Family Books)
This DVD features over two hours of footage from L.A.'s all-ages DIY haven the Smell, documenting performances from L.A. staples like No Age, Foot Village, Abe Vigoda, Barr, Ponytail, The Mae Shi, High Places, Gowns, and Health.
Price: $15.
3. Rocket 45 Adaptors from Turntable Lab
Rocket 45 Adaptor (Turntable Lab)
Another cool gift idea from Turntable Lab, these are the highest quality aluminum adaptors on the market, designed for DJs. They are precisely weighed and shaped to ensure perfect contact fit. *Note: sold individually, NOT in pairs!
Price: $15.
2. VTech IS9181 Wi-Fi Internet Radio
VTech IS9181 WiFi Internet Radio (Amazon)
The Vtech IS9181 Wi-Fi Internet Radio is one of the coolest music-related gadgets I discovered this year. You no longer have to be glued to a computer to listen to thousands of internet radio stations worldwide!
Price: $135.54,
1. Vintage turntables from Wombleton
L.A.'s latest and greatest record shop Wombleton just started selling vintage turntables and stereo components.
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