May We Help You?

Fact: New Year's eve is two weeks from today.

If that's not enough to induce a momentary jolt of reality, then consider what else that means: Christmas Eve is ONE week away.

So, what do you think? No pressure, but maybe it's time to get that gift list together?

Your VPR music team is here to help with a few suggestions of our favorite music and books from the past year. From sublime opera to classic New Orleans-style piano, and comprehensive Woody Guthrie - you can't go wrong here.

The end of 2009 is also giving list-happy music fans occasion to begin making their picks for "best of the decade". Both Amazon.com and the UK's Guardian have turned their sites on Vermont (!) for their choice; the Belizean singer/songwriter Andy Palacio's release Wátina (I Cry Out) was released in 2007 on the Charlotte-based Cumbancha world music label and it's been cited in several recent articles as one of the decade's best. You'll be able to hear more about that on the December 29th Vermont Edition in the show celebrating world music.

What's your favorite recording of the year, or decade? You can check in with your choices on Vermont Edition's annual Music Show conversation page, and best wishes in finding just the right gifts for the special people in your life this holiday season!