For someone who likes...
BIG BAND JAZZ

Brian Setzer Orchestra, Wolfgang's Big Night Out

As The Big Geez said in his Blogcritics review, the Brian Setzer Orchestra's new CD of jazzed-up classical themes - or classical-themed swing numbers, however you want to look at it - is an "outstanding album from one of today's best practitioners of big band jazz." I thoroughly agree. It's a fabulous big band jazz album consisting of a batch of delightful, inventive, swinging, and often funny settings of famous classical music themes. In other hands, such a project might have turned out - well - kind of stupid, but in Setzer's, it's an inspired good time. Only the most dour classical music fan could possibly find it in poor taste, while it's hard to imagine any fan of big band jazz failing to enjoy Setzer's transmogrifications of Beethoven's Fifth, "Flight of the Bumblebee," Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King," the 1812 Overture, and many other standouts from the classical hit parade. There's even a jazzed-up "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" the lucky recipient can play at his or her Christmas party. Purchase at Amazon.

For someone who likes...
POP-ROCK FOR GROWNUPS

Kim Richey, Chinese Boxes
Elisa Peimer, Pull of the Moon

These two discs will make a great pairing for anyone who insists on the highest quality songs and vocals for their pop-rock and singer-songwriter listening. Kim Richey's spare, alt-country-esque settings contrast nicely with Elisa Peimer's denser, 80s-inspired arrangements, but really it all comes down to great songs that will stick in your head - in a good way! - done with class and flair. Listen to extended samples of the Elisa Peimer CD. Hear two full songs off the new Kim Richey disc. Purchase at Amazon here and here.

For someone who likes...
ALT-ROCK

The Alternate Routes, Good and Reckless and True

Why aren't these guys household names? Maybe it's because they're too good, and none of the other bands want to play with them.* You, however, can make your friend love you forever by buying him or her the Alternate Routes' new CD, with the amazing single "Ordinary" and a bunch of other great tunes like "Time is a Runaway" and "Hollywood." Romantic and rocking at the same time, this disc is bound to impress anyone with an ear for great songs and a heart full of soul. Sample at their website or Myspace page. Purchase at Amazon.

For someone who likes...
TOUGH-GIRL ROCK AND POP

Guards of Metropolis, Alligator

Forget Avril Lavigne. Guards of Metropolis, a California-based band fronted by Norwegian singer Kristin Blix, has real attitude - and a new CD, called Alligator, full of great songs that won't quit. The All Music Guide points out the Guards' "delicate balance between sweet pop hooks and sonic aggression." Isn't a combination of sweet and aggressive just what Dr. Love ordered? Sample at their website or Myspace page. Purchase at Amazon.