via//chicago

np: "old red eyes is back" - the beautiful south

still working on a rather large end-of-year 2004 recap, but just wanted to pop in and throw a couple thoughts at the proverbial wall here. it was a huge music-related Christmas for me, with the iPod finally making its way into my life. the verdict after having it for a week? fantastic. i've found myself creating excuses just to listen to it... for example - i would usually crank up the old stereo system with the big Pioneers for cleaning around the apartment, but last night i was bopping around to Basement Jaxx pumping through the earphones. yeah yeah, i know - but its the best i can do until i go out and pick up some of the accessories i need. since i'm about 2 years too late for jumping on the iPod revolution, i'll save you all more pointless gushing about its magnificence. in addition, the greatest mom in the world hooked me up with the Nirvana box set. after working my way through it for the first time, here's a couple comments:

- it's much better than i expected it to be, especially after hearing most of the Outcesticide series back in college. it's wonderful to have this stuff all in one easy place (and what a package - props to the designers) and the sound quality is much improved on much of the stuff.

- the DVD is little more than a curio, i would have liked to see some more live footage or even some of the band's videos. hopefully a DVD release of Live! Tonight! Sold Out! will happen soon.

- the Leadbelly sessions are fucking phenomenal.

- kinda disappointed that the final studio versions of compilation songs like "I Hate Myself and Want to Die" or "Sappy" weren't included. i was hoping this box set might eliminate the need to track down worthless shit like the Beavis and Butthead disc.

- i think it's criminal that the studio version of "You Know You're Right" wasn't included on here. which means i'll still have to shell out for the Greatest Hits disc from two years ago. damn.

other music related gifts included the Jay-Z/Linkin Park mash-up disc from the little bro (verdict: meh, but it is Jigga...) and the 3 Imaginary Boys reissue (v: fantabulous, i can't wait for the rest of the reissues) from the girlfriend.