Rock Music Gift Guide 2009

A model of consistency, Foo Fighters have produced a string of reliably melodic rock hits over their 15-year career. Greatest Hits brings together their popular favorites all on one disc, while offering two new tracks and an acoustic version of “Everlong.” Much of the template for mainstream rock radio can be heard in this collection’s 16 songs, from the arena-ready “Learn to Fly” to the delicious pop of “Big Me.” And for the Foo fan who wants a little extra, you can get the deluxe edition of this album, which includes a DVD and a book of rare photographs of Dave Grohl and the guys.

For fans of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Me and My Friends sounds like a must-have. Photographer Tony Woolliscroft has been snapping photos of the iconic L.A. band since their early days, and he’s now compiled years of pictures into this new coffee-table collectible. But it’s not just a bunch of photos – Woolliscroft also includes behind-the-scenes stories that provide context for the snapshots. But perhaps the most ringing endorsement comes from Peppers drummer Chad Smith, who says in the book’s introduction, “We love Tony and his work so much that he is the only guy we give complete access to for an entire show ... He has captured the essence of our band on film.”

Rhapsody is an online music service that’s essentially an all-you-can-eat buffet of songs. You pay a monthly subscription fee and then you have access to thousands of artists. Rhapsody offers different subscriptions and gift certificates for people who want to sample the newest bands as well as dip into the classics. Serious music fans shouldn’t be without this handy resource.

Early this year, Pearl Jam reissued their breakthrough debut, Ten, in what seemed like a 100 different versions, ranging in price from the cheap to the holy-cow-that’s-expensive. If you want to get an affordable but still impressive edition of this collectible, go with the 2-CD/1-DVD package, which contains the original album, the dynamic remix from producer Brendan O’Brien, some bonus tracks and video of the band’s appearance on MTV’s Unplugged program. Pearl Jam fans know Ten backwards and forwards, but O’Brien’s new mix is different enough to make it feel like a brand new record, and the Unplugged performance captures the group at their grungy best.

Even if you’ve never played Rock Band, this spectacular version of the game is impossible to resist, particularly if you’re a Beatles aficionado. The Fab Four’s songs sound incredible, and as would be expected, the band members and their estates have gone to a lot of trouble to include fun extras, like little-seen photographs and an animated timeline of the group’s history. Plus, this might be the first Rock Band to be as much fun to watch as it is to play – even if you’re not manning an instrument, you can enjoy the graphics the designers have put together to accompany the performances. And c’mon: Who hasn’t wanted to pretend that they’re playing in Shea Stadium with the Beatles?

The most celebrated rock group of the modern era made their name on the seven discs compiled in this box set, which represents Radiohead’s entire recording history with EMI/Capitol. (In other words, 2007’s In Rainbows isn’t included.) For younger folks who are just starting to get into rock music, this is a great introduction to one of the few bands that unquestionably matter, tracing the band’s history from their underrated, embryonic debut, 1993’s Pablo Honey, to the confident craftsmanship and creepy paranoia of 2003’s Hail to the Thief.

Ever wished you dressed as well as Scott Weiland? Now you’ve got the chance – the Stone Temple Pilots frontman has released a clothing line that’s full of the stylish ties, vests, shirts and pants that are reminiscent of what he himself wears on stage. “I’ve always been interested in fashion – it’s a valid art form,” Weiland has said. “And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more interested in sophistication; it lends itself to maturity without sacrificing the rock ‘n’ roll side.” You can find out for yourself by buying his snappy threads.

Do you know someone who loves 3 Doors Down, Lifehouse or Shinedown? Then you might want to consider getting him or her a reservation for VH1 Best Cruise Ever. Running from April 15-19, 2010, Best Cruise Ever will allow rock fans to travel from Tampa to Grand Cayman aboard a Carnival cruise line with members of those bands. Along the way, the groups will perform, and passengers will get to enjoy casino gambling and other amenities. It’s certainly pricey, but it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime events that might make for some good memories.

Whether the person on your list is a newbie or a hardcore rock fanatic, Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp might make the perfect gift. The camp offers people of all ages a chance to receive lessons from professional musicians like Ace Frehley, Vince Neil, Brian Wilson, Steven Tyler and Slash, not to mention the opportunity to form bands, perform at actual concert venues and rehearse at professional recording studios. Fantasy Camps are already schedule for February (in Hollywood) and May 2010 (in London), so you’d better act now if you want to get tickets.