Thursday, December 25, 2014

Christmas Prezzies

Did you get what you want for Christmas?  I hope so.

I'm not going to display stuff I got 'cause that'd be gauche.  Instead, I'm going to discuss three gifts I gave away to others 'cause they're cool.  You might want to consider buying them for yourself.

First up...

This album, which I found on vinyl, is fabulous.  It is Little Richard's first and best record.  Made in 1957, the music is startlingly fresh.  The songs are vibrant, complex and groundbreaking.  28 minutes of the birth of rock 'n roll -- back when that meant something.

If you don't know Little Richard, you're in for a treat.  He's the most exotic, bombastic performer in the history of rock music.  I first saw him on television in the Sixties -- he was dancing on top of a piano wearing a dress.  A dress!  I didn't know that was allowed.  Little Richard broke barriers.  Wearing makeup and women's clothes was one of them.  His personality was so extreme, though, that this wasn't what got the most attention.  He's a singular star in the music universe.

Second gift...


 An ID badge for Dexter Morgan, forensic technician specializing in blood-splatter.  If you watch the terrific show "Dexter," this needs no explanation.  If you don't, I can't describe its appeal.  You wouldn't expect to like a serial-killer but Dexter grabs your heart.

Third up...


Do you like music?  The Beatles?  "Across The Universe" is a great musical made exclusively from Beatles songs, woven together to form a loose story.  What makes the movie so wonderful are the performances.  Brilliant singing from real talents.  Joe Cocker does a song in it and, sadly, he died last week.  Bono and others appear.  The DVD was released a few years ago and makes for a fun night of watching TV.

What'd you get this year?



7 comments:

  1. Hope your Christmas was merry and bright!!!!

    Interesting and thoughtful gifts given by you special one.

    I got a lot of lovely gifts and the best one was a new camera/phone in one ... now I don't have to carry two gadgets with me everywhere I go!

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  2. Presents are amazing. I love Little Richard vinyl - what a great gift! He was indeed superb (he's my number one for cooking).

    here we exchange presents on NY eve so I can't really care what I've got (apart from: these are boxes - one is a little cube, very light, other is around 10 inches x 5 inches x 5 inches a bit heavy and other is very flat but big)))

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  3. Little Richard was a ground breaker for sure. I love his early stuff, so energetic and raw. Hope you have a fabulous Christmas!

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  4. OK I am going to check out Little Richard right now! Merry Christmas X

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  5. *Eeep!* You're a massive Dexter fan, too, that's awesome!!! You've got me wondering now what other series (past or present) we're both gaga for. Aside from the final episode, I truly adored Dexter (I will never, ever be okay with how that series ended) and miss it a lot.

    Thank you for sharing your marvelous Christmas gifts with us. It really looks like you got some fantastic presents, this year!

    ♥ Jessica

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  6. Oh, I've fallen for the Dexter Morgan splatter specialist badge! I just finished watching the last season a few weeks ago so yes, he's in my heart :)
    Y got very few gifts but was totally ok with it. I have yet to wear them!

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  7. I got lots of $ that thankfully went to hosting my brother for three days, plus a family tattoo session (mum escorted this time, but bro and I both got permanent memories). I also got lots of lovely clothes and star related things. Calendars - one of my favorite gifts.

    I had lots more fun giving this year than getting.

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