Entertainment

brought to you by

Say it with Music: CD Gift Ideas

By Jane Louise Boursaw

In this article

Back to Gift Guide

Dads

U218 Singles (U2, Nov. 21, 2006)
This CD features 16 of the band's best-known songs, as well as two new tracks produced by Rick Rubin at Abbey Road Studios. A limited edition version includes a DVD featuring 10 songs from the band's Vertigo Tour stop in Milan last year.

Stadium Arcadium (Red Hot Chili Peppers, May 5, 2006)
This CD from the Peppers started out as 38 tracks - enough music for three new albums. Edited down to a manageable 25-tune double CD, Stadium Arcadium is alternately catchy, fun, sweet and melodic. It doesn't break any new ground, but that's ok. It's a terrific look at a band whose career has spanned 20-plus years. The lyrics are fairly tame, with nothing stronger than "damn" and "hell," so it's fine to listen to while dad is with the kids.

Once Again (John Legend, Oct. 24, 2006)
Don't expect a mish-mash of nostalgic sounds on this follow-up to the Grammy-winning Get Lifted. This CD features tracks produced by current hitmakers like Kanye West and Raphael Saadig. Highlights include the happy Each Day Gets Better, floaty Save Room, and seductive Heaven. It's…heavenly.

Devil's Got a New Disguise (Aerosmith, Oct. 17, 2006)
Ok, so even if Dude Looks Like a Lady is the dumbest song ever written, it's hard not to get excited about this compilation of the band's long career. It contains 16 classic tracks, like Dream On, Janie's Got a Gun, and Sweet Emotion, along with two new tracks, Sedona Sunrise and Devil's Got a New Disguise.