Say it with Music: CD Gift Ideas

Age 13 and up

Youth (Matisyahu, March 7, 2006)
Matthew Miller, a Jewish kid from the suburbs and perennial goof-off at his Hebrew School, became Matisyahu when he embraced Hasidic Judaism as a young man. Not so unusual, you may think, except for the part where he gets into reggae and hip-hop music, finds incredible musicians to work with, and creates this fun CD. The lyrics cover prayer, social justice, and other weighty matters, and the music is heartfelt and sincere. No matter what your faith or religious background, this music will make you feel good!

The Open Door (Evanessence, Oct. 3, 2006)
There's nothing like a breakup to bring out the hits. This follow-up CD to the multi-platinum Fallen was written as singer Amy Lee's romance with bandmate Ben Moody was falling apart. And you can sure tell: it's moody, emotional, and dark. Highlights include the gothy You Belong to Me and the piano ballad, Good Enough.

Sam's Town (The Killers, Oct. 3, 2006)
Recorded in the Palms Hotel recording studio in Vegas (the Killers' hometown), this new release showcases the band's growth since their 2004 Hot Fuss. Tunes range from the fun, Talking Heads-ish Read My Mind to the softer, piano-based Enterlude. Energetic, emotional, and addictive, this band keeps getting better and better.

The Black Parade (My Chemical Romance, Oct. 24, 2006)
This follow-up to the band's 2004 platinum debut, Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, is more dramatic, more theatrical, more…edgy. With tunes celebrating love, death and darkness, highlights include Teenagers, Dead!, and I Don't Love You. Note: This CD has a parental advisory.