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Esoteric Holiday Gift Ideas for the Cerebral Music Lover |
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Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.
12/02/07
Secrets of the Season |
Esoteric Holiday Gift Ideas for the Cerebral Music Lover
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| Teddybears (courtesy teddybearsrock.com) |
(Portland, Oregon) – It’s not every day that Oregon Coast Beach Connection waxes on about holiday gift ideas. In fact, well, it’s once a year, if that. But this year we opted for something a wee bit different: a guide to interesting music for the lover of tunes in your life who demands something a little different – not the usual poppish drivel that is hawked by execs with only lame-brained teens in mind. We picked a few outstanding albums from various eras to surprise that discerning person close to you – stuff that has stood the test of time, or will soon do so, and will make a great stocking stuffer for the serious audiophile.
A1 Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses – from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces, beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers. Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com. |
Right off the bat, one of the coolest albums of this decade is last year’s “Soft Machine,” by Swedish wacko electro-rockers Teddybears.
Is
it possible to get much cooler than this? Probably not.
Iggy Pop, Neneh Cherry, Mad Cobra, Daddy Boastin’ and others guest on this glittering disc, showing off a broad range of styles and influences, all under the umbrella of the Teddy Bears’ seething, writhing and distinctive electronica. This album makes brilliant use of a wide swath of musical directions - it essentially has something for almost every taste and every age range.
For those over 35, the addition of Iggy Pop slugging it out on the jagged, crunchy “Punkrocker” will not only lift the spirit with its nostalgic nod back to the days we all smoked clove cigarettes outside some hazy club, but it has a wealth of new, sharper edges that makes it pure alt-rock at its best. Cherry’s ditzy pop tune evokes enough retro 80’s vibes to keep the younger and the older audiences entranced as well.
Meanwhile, Jamaican-style rappers Daddy Boastin’ and Mad Cobra lend a musty atmosphere to the otherwise, sleek, non-organic twinklings, while straight ahead electronica rocker tunes like “Automatic Lover” weigh in like erotic songs from an impassioned robot ready to please you all night long.
Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea. |
Then
there’s Manic
Street Preachers’ latest, “Send Away the Tigers.”
The Brits famous for their naughty-but-heady lyrics that cause consternation
among American audiences are in the middle of a sort of comeback, at least
in Britain. They were never a major player in the states – although
God knows why. After years of increasingly sophisticated, arty noodling,
and drifting farther from their gutsy, buttrock-meets-punk roots, British
audiences are apparently embracing them again with this return to the
Manic’s beginnings.
While it is BeachConnection.net’s official position the Manics can do no wrong, and haven’t with the last decade’s experimentations, “Send Away the Tigers’ does kick proverbial ass, with their usual hard, left wing political leanings, highly intense (yet cerebral) lyrics and return to guitar power. Gutsy tunes like “Rendition” (about the USA’s practice of moving terror suspects) and “Patsy” recall the original glory of their 90’s anthem “Motorcycle Emptiness.” The gorgeous “Autumn Song” combines their hard rock nature with a sleek beauty that can best be described as the soaring lines of Bach merged with a modern, serrated edge.
There
is a sense here that Manic Street Preachers are trying a bit too hard
to get back to their roots, and that maybe such a move isn’t pure
inspiration, but perhaps tainted by commercial concerns. The results are
engaging nonetheless, and it is good to feel that sense of combining the
intellectual with that sense of “rock out with your cock out”
that only they can provide.
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.theoceanlodge.com |
English lass Natasha Khan is striking major nerves (and chords) around the world with her band Bat for Lashes. Their debut, “Fur and Gold,” is a goldmine of swirling, shimmering stuff that is often immediately comparable to Kate Bush or Tori Amos. Kahn’s voice even brings that on at times. Most notable is the serene yet unsettling “Prescella,” where you can add Cocteau Twins to the mix of reminders, with its irregular drum line and hazy beauty.
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| Jonah |
A bit closer to home, (in Oregon, that is), Portland band Jonah is one of those amazing talents that never cease to reinvent themselves with dazzling results. In fact, there’s a small Oregon coast tie-in here (since this is an Oregon coast-oriented website): lead singer Henry Curl’s family has a cabin in Yachats. There are also numerous oceanic references that run throughout their Radiohead-meets-Coldplay, often-wispy rock. “The Joy of Drowning” - from their 2007 album “Trust Everyone Before They Break Your Heart” - is an astounding atmospheric work, and is laced with aquatic words and concepts. Plus, the song heaves and slinks along in a manner that is impressionistic of the ocean itself. (We even used it a rather cool video about the Oregon coast).
“Time’s
Up” is a manic, slightly punky yet sophisticated tune, yet with
Jonah’s dreamy vibe in full view, evoking hints of Elvis Costello
with the rhythmic intricacy of Yes. “Welcome Here” is one
of those unforgettable, even tearjerker ballads Jonah excels at –
the perfect precursor to a candlelit, romantic evening. It’s practically
guaranteed to seduce your object of desire.
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Fans of Bat for Lashes should dig Jonah, as well as another Portland band – Oh Darling.
Their untitled EP is only available on I-Tunes, (see Oh Darling’s website). It’s short but sweet, with only three tunes, but you quickly fall in love with these darlings. The first song has an edgy dance vibe, equitable to Shiny Toy Guns, while the last song is a twirling, gauzy cloud of warmth and innovative poppy sensibilities that brings on Bat for Lashes as much as anything else. It’s another happy alt rock moment delivered from Portland, Oregon.
For
those whose tastes are a bit older and/or more esoteric, one classic album
from the 70’s is a must to revisit. Brian
Eno’s “Before and After Science” – released
in 1977 - benefits immensely from today’s digital technology. It
was his last rock-oriented album, before he went on to a mostly ambient
slant, and later to personally handle the sounds of U2, Talking Heads,
Devo, James and such.
This
album is perhaps the most neglected gem of all time, with a who’s
who of anyone who really influenced music appearing on it. King Crimson’s
Robert Fripp, masterful drumming by Phil Collins (before he went horribly
commercial). Fred Frith, and the dazzling bass of Percy Jones grace this
record, as well as contributions by past and future Roxy Music members
Dave Mattacks, Paul Rudolph, Phil Manzanera, Bill MacCormick and Andy
Fraser.
An experimental pop masterpiece, each song is its own invented genre. Sleek, spacey funk, wild electronic punk, quirky Brit rock and numerous ambient pieces that defy categorization all make this an unforgettable, surreal yet catchy romp through delightfully strange and alien territory.
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D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites,
1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people.
Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway
St. |
STARFISH
POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium
lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the
beach. |
Lincoln City Vacation Homes Something for everyone: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All are either oceanfront or just a few steps away – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets allowed in some homes – ask first. Each comes with complete kitchens. Most have seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778. |
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
 Inn
at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south
end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by
the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach
strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering
gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms.
Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly.
Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine
and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At
Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com. |
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