2012 Alternative Rock Gift Guide: Mumford & Sons, Rage, the Shins

2012-11-26

Story by Anne Erickson

From Mumford and Sons’ latest album to a Nirvana tee, find gift ideas for the alternative music lover on your Christmas list

The holidays are here, and Christmas shopping season is in full swing. A music-themed gift is always an appropriate option for the alternative music fan on your Christmas list, and this year, you’ll find plenty of options to put a smile on the face of that music-minded friend or family member. Take a peek at our handy 2012 Alternative Rock Gift Guide featuring releases from a variety of alt-rock bands below, and happy shopping.

The Lumineers, Eye Chart T-Shirt. The Lumineers are one of the biggest break-out alternative acts of the year, thanks to their laid-back smash “Ho Hey.” For a friend who wants to sport something just as unique as the Lumineers’ sound, the band has a T-shirt that’s actually laid out in an eye chart design. The shirt is available via the Lumineers’ official merchandise site.

Mumford & Sons, ‘Babel.’ Alternative folk-rockers Mumford & Sons are no doubt one of the biggest bands on alternative radio at the moment. If your buddy doesn’t have the band’s latest album yet, “Babel,” Christmas might be a great time to hook your friend up with the ear candy. “Babel” was the No. 1 rock album of 2012 and second largest debut of the year, according to Nielsen SoundScan, so it’s certainly one of the most popular albums of the year. The album is available in stores and at all the usual online retail outlets.

Nirvana Jump Girls T-Shirt. This one is for the ladies. If there’s a girl on your list who is sick of those huge band T-shirts, Hot Topic is selling a girl tee featuring a live shot of ‘90s grunge pioneers Nirvana. The shirt is available in sizes extra small up to XXL, and it’s a “baby tee” style. To check out the shirt online, head to Hot Topic’s official site.

Rage Against the Machine, ‘Rage Against the Machine XX.’ Rap-rockers Rage Against the Machine broke out during the ‘90s alternative rock explosion, and while the guys don’t plan on releasing a new album at any point soon, they’re reissuing a special 20th anniversary edition of their self-titled debut Tuesday (Nov. 27). The set will offer a few different versions, and the most decked-out one includes two CDs, two DVDs, one 12? 180gm vinyl LP, a 40-page booklet and a two-sided Rage Against the Machine poster. To purchase the collection straight from Rage, head to the band’s official website.

The Shins, ‘No Way Down / Fall of ’82’ Vinyl. The folks behind national Record Store Day always arrange some special releases to unleash on Black Friday, coined “Back to Black,” as part of their initiative to help independently-owned record shops across the U.S. This year, the Shins have released a special 7” vinyl of “No Way Down / Fall of ’82,” two stand-out tracks from their newest album, “Port of Morrow,” available now at participating local record shops. For our Record Store Day Black Friday gift guide, go here, and for a list of participating stores, head to Record Store Day’s official website.

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.