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Brave Explorer Celluloid Fan Galloping Gourmet This Sporting Life Just for Laughs Up to Date Rock Gods Smooth Guys
LISTEN UP, READ UP
We think books and CDs make great presents, as you can really delve into your other half’s interests and desires, or set the soundtrack for a particular event, or just relive some interesting times from your history together. These are our current top choices for top present giving!
We love: Mondo Enduro
Perfect for: a motorbike lover who fancies heading off on the longest land route in the world. Or at least reading about it!
We're inspired by: Blood River
Perfect for: a thought provoking and solemn moment, but definitely a great read. Some insight into the many factors at play across this huge continent.
We'd like: Unforgettable Walks to Take Before You Die
Perfect for: a keen walker or explorer. Great walks from around the world, everywhere from downtown Boston to the Darjeeling Tea Trek. And even one in the UK!
We love: Pies and Prejudice
Perfect for: exiled Northeners or Southerners with a fascination for distant lands. Love Stuar Maconie's writing, laugh out loud funny!
For the celluloid and google box fan
We love: Bond On Set
Perfect for: Bond lovers who want to see what went on behind the scenes of the Quantum of Solace. Great photos with great style!
Buy it from: Heals
We love: 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die
Perfect for: movie buffs who will love ticking off the ones they have seen, and arguing about the others!
Buy it from: Borders
We love: Blue Peter 50th Anniversary Book
Perfect for: making him come over all nostalgic on Christmas Day. And possibly be reaching for the sticky backed plastic by Boxing Day.
Buy it from: Borders
We love: Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale
Perfect for: anyone who thinks Russell T. Davies is a genius. Even if he is letting David Tennant go.
Buy it from: Blackwells
My Last Supper works on several levels for the foodie in your life. Great chefs tell tales of great food, there are great photos, and it will start endless conversations with his mates down the pub as they compare last wishes!
Nigel Slater is the food writer of choice for many top chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Nigella Lawson. His next book reflects the glory, humour and eccentricities of the eating habits of the British. Truly enjoyable, he will laugh and hang his head in shame in equal measure! We loved it, especially the piece on sprouts!
If he loves simple, modern food, treat him to Bill Granger's new book, Holiday. Never mind the recipes, look at all the photos of the perfect Australian family at play on perfect Australian sunny days. But blimey, he can cook up a storm for us any day of the week. They're healthy but manly and interesting recipes, so no excuses!
They say sport is a metaphor for life, so he might enjoy "What Sport Tells Us About Life". It sounds interesting, complex but never dull. Just like great sporting heroes. Everything from Don Bradman's average to Zidane's kiss, this will keep him turning the pages for quite some time! Not to mention give him some great stuff to talk about down the pub!
This isn't the easiest read, as the events of the Fastnet race in 1979 are harrowing. But this is a gripping book, whether he is a keen sailor or not. Left for Dead is not a book you will easily forget.
If cricket's his thing, then let him relive the glorys of Test Match Special. The title says it all really: Test Match Special - 50 Not Out: The Official History of a National Sporting Treasure. What else can we say?
You've got to admit it, surfing looks good. But before he hurls himself onto a board, treat him to this. A little prep now could save some big problems later as his body wimps out early! Fit to Surf will get him in great shape for his surfer dude moment.
If he's in the depths of despair, and thinks he's never going to get anywhere at anything, then buy him this. Now, a book called How to be a Complete and Utter Failure in Life, Work and Everything might seem a little cruel but we guarantee it will help him see that all is not lost. He might even just laugh, a little.
So, you have some lingering doubts that he is turning into a grumpy old man. In which case he might appreciate Far From the Sodding Crowd, a guide to getting away from everyone else. At least the rest of us will know where to avoid!
Of course, if he really wants to be alone, he's probably hankering after a shed. So buy him Shed Men to give him something to aim for! He can then move up to Allotment Folk!
And then he could take up home brewing perhaps. Put him off for a bit with Man Walks into a Pub. This is the sociable guide to beer's evolution into a nations favourite.
And now, for a little light, or otherwise, listening!
Wait For Me is the debut album from Leeds quintet, The Pigeon Detectives. Fresh from touring with Dirty Pretty Things and Kaiser Chiefs, this is looking like it's going to be their year.
Newton Faulkner's music is pretty much as individual as his style. It's accessible, infectious and down-right feel-good. That's got to make for a good gift!
Dermot O'Leary has brought some of the best live sessions back to a Saturday afternoon. Now he can relive the best of them with this sometimes eclectic, but always amazing collection.
Every Second Counts is the new one from Plain White T's, and we can't wait. Not long to wait now, so get an order in for him quick!
Still rocking after all these years, this is the latest in a long line of albums from Deep Purple. As the name suggests, this was recorded live at their London gigs, so if he turns it up really loud, he'll almost be able to believe he was there.
The rerelease of The Traveling Wilburys was hotly anticipated and has not disappointed fans everywhere. This collection includes two CDs and a DVD, capturing some unique moments from this incredibly unique band.
We think this is the definitive Foo Fighters album, and if he loves them, he'll love this. If he's not sure, then this will make his mind up. This is the 10th anniversary remastered edition, possibly even better than the original.
We're delighted to hear that Fish is rejoining Marillion. Whether it's coincidence or not that the announcement came as his best of album came out, we're not sure, but it's still a cracking album!
For the smooth guy in the lounge
Joe Bonamassa has gone a bit more blues-y on this album but it's still easy to see why he earned such phenomonal reviews for his first album. This is laid back in a smokey, guitar laden way and is perfect for the start of a chilled out weekend as you both start to wind down.
Georgie Fame might be famous for pretty much one hit, but his work is being rediscoverd all over again, and you'll soon find out just how amazing his sound was. This album features tracks previously unreleased on CD, and this makes a great intro to the full scale of his work. Perfect laidback soundtrack!
In our opinion, Dean Martin was always the coolest of the Rat Pack, so it's fitting this album is called Forever Cool. These are amazing new collaborations with some of coolest vocalists and instrumentalists. Pour me a martini, darling, I feel a lounging moment coming on!
For some funky sounds to chill to, try this 2 CD set from Blow Up, the top Swinging Sixties club night. Featuring groovy instrumentals from their dancefloor, you can get down to together, or just lie back and let the sounds wash over you. Bliss either way!
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