Holiday Gear Guide: Music

CD – Jay-Z, “Kingdom Come.” HOVA just emerged from retirement with a collection that’s a reminder of why he’s one of the best rappers in the game. Collaborations with his girlfriend, Beyonce, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin are just two of a slew of guest spots on the record, but what’s really got us excited is the special edition, which comes with a cool red sleeve and a backstage-access DVD.

- For more information on Jay-Z's new CD go to Jay-Z's AOL Music Page>

DVD – Ice Cream Skate Team – Yeah, we know you’ve seen skate vids before, but this one’s different: it’s the new team put together by uber-producer Pharrell Williams, who grew up skateboarding in Virginia but wasn’t seeing young minorities taking up the sport – so was inspired to start a team. LAT34.com’s got an insider interview with Pharrell you’ll be seeing here in a bit, but to get prepared check out his team’s tricks. Sick!

CD -- +44, “When The Heart Stops Beating.” Bummed out over Blink-182’s breakup (and how much the Angels & Airwaves album sucked?) Check out this new disk from Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker’s new project, which weaves electronic textures around punk-rock opuses.

- Fore more information on +44's ablum go to their AOL Music Pag>

Movie – “American Hardcore.” If you’ve been a punk-rock fan for years but know little about the genre’s roots, try to find this documentary about, well, American Hardcore. Talking heads like Henry Rollins and Moby (as well as a bunch of less-famous musicians) talk about living in suburban hell during the ‘80s republican regime and playing music to deal with boredom, their parents, and “the man.” Who knows, it could inspire you to pick up that Fender you’ve had your eye on, scream “F*ck You,” and wail ‘til your neighbors call the cops. Again.

DVD – Foo Fighters, “Skin And Bones.” Perpetual songwriting hero Dave Grohl and his band went on a heart-wrenching all-acoustic tour this year, the product of which is this DVD, filmed at a slew of Los Angeles shows. We were at one of those concerts and it was a must-see event: Grohl told stories of writing songs with Kurt Cobain and recording records in Virginia, and we all got to sing along to a cathartic “Everlong.”

Movie – “Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny.” Anything featuring Tenacious D – the Greatest Band In The World – commands our attention. But when it’s an epic battle against Satan for the use of a magical guitar pick – with a plot that somehow includes ex-metal superstar Ronnie James Dio – we’ll give it the benefit of the doubt and call it a modern-day-classic. And we haven’t even seen it yet.

- Jeff Miller