Cool Indie Xmas Gifts at Arhoolie Down Home Records, SF East Bay

Just dropped by Arhoolie Records Down Home Music and did some Xmas shopping. They have a cool new book and CD set out-  "Hear Me Howling! Blues, Ballads and Beyond"... 

If you are a blues fan or have someone on your list who is, this is a great selection. Produced locally, sold by indies and full of great art and music. Love the cover!

"Long time coming. The most exciting documentation of this great music in the last 25 years. And not only will you be able to read and see, you'll be able to hear and see, too. Enjoy!!!" 

-- Taj Mahal 

136 page, 8 1/2 x 11" full color, hardcover book with 4 CDS, 

Over 4 hours and 40 minutes of music, 

72 tracks, including 38 previously unissued. 

Over 150 photographs.

Dennis Fortin of Eclair De Lune

Arhoolie also had in stock - the band's CD who used to rock Eclectix opening receptions regularly - "Eclair De Lune". Many of you wanted to purchase one at the openings and we were sold out. So here's your chance. They play a fantastico mix of gypsy swing jazz. Wonderful tunes to paint by...

Ended up checking off many people on my list in one local stop, which is a great thing. For a good friend I picked up "Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women". Great rockabilly-bluegrass-rock-country combo, you may remember Dave Alvin from The Blasters. He also wrote the wonderful X song, "4th of July", which John Doe sang. We sing it every year around the 4th.

And for a salsa/Latin jazz fan I picked up "Estrellas de Areito, Los Heroes". 

Called the original Buena Vista Social Club, 

a crew of Cuba's best musicians got together in Egrem Studios in Havana and recorded epic sessions. Might have to get this for myself as well. Clever and clean cigar box design on the cover, above...

Arhoolie also has used CDs, vinyl record albums, collectibles, music books and just tons of easy gifts for the peeps on your list. With lots of listening stations it's easy to pick just what you want. They are located in the East Bay, just north of Berkeley in El Cerrito. You can shop online as well... but its mo' fun to finger the covers. Support some musicians! 

LINK.