books & music

Give loved ones something to think about (or at least listen to) by shopping at some of PDX's best book and music stores. Some of the usual haunts: Powell's (1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651, and other locations), Annie Bloom's Books (7834 SW Capitol Highway, 246-0053), Reading Frenzy (921 SW Oak St., 274-1449).BRUSH WITH NATURE

The only way our landscape can get more breathtaking is through an artist's interpretation. The Pacific Northwest Landscape: A Painted History, published by Sasquatch Books ($21.95, Powell's), is a collection of paintings that spans 250 years. One theme that emerges is--surprise!--the struggle between landrapers and treehuggers. This book is a nice way to share our picturesque bounty with people trapped in scenery-challenged areas. (SW)

UNDERWHELMED
If Don DeLillo's bestselling mega-novel, Underworld, was simply too fat even to consider reading, take heart. The introduction is now a slim little volume that capitalizes on America's current love affair with baseball. Pafko At The Wall: A Novella ($16, Twenty-third Avenue Books, 1015 NW 23rd Ave., 224-6203) is DeLillo's fictionalized version of the "shot heard round the world" when the New York Giants beat the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1951 playoffs. Ninety pages; bee-yoo-tee-ful! (SW)

LOCALLY KNOWN ON THE MICROPHONE
This year, more than most, it's important to keep dollars circulating in the local economy. What better way than to buy a locally released CD by a local artist at a locally owned record store? Hush Records recently dumped a clutch of new releases by Amy Annelle, Noise for Pretend, Blanket Music, Bobby Birdman and Kind of Like Spitting. Avenue of the Strongest, 31 Knots, Lifesavas (OK, it's not on a local label--but close enough), Doris Dodge and Carpet Musics, among others, have also dropped product lately. Available for a variety of prices at a variety of locally owned stores, including Ozone Records (1036 W Burnside St., 227-1975), Jackpot! Records (3736 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 239-7561) and Viva La Revolution (7227 SE Milwaukie Ave., 234-0258). (ZD)

PUNX KAN READ 2!
We've suffered through innumerable gaseous exhumations of the '60s myth, so it's only fair that a few other youth cultures receive the same treatment. American Hardcore: A Tribal History, by Steven Blush ($19.95, Powell's and Reading Frenzy), aims at a comprehensive history of early hardcore punk, the underground bile eruption of the early Reagan years that produced bands such as Black Flag and Minor Threat. While it's hard to say whether a book can really contain the messy reality of any subcultural epoch, the exhaustive and well-received American Hardcore will undoubtedly thrill literate punk rockers and the people who love them. (ZD)

PRESCHOOL POTTER
Potterheads-in-training need some kind of wizardy, witchy literature with which to prepare themselves for the real thing. Jody Bergsma picture books ($15.95-$16.95, Uncommon Treasures, 3526 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 234-4813) are splendid examples of fantasy for non-adults (ages 4-8, to be precise). Titles include The Little Wizard, Sky Castle, Dreambirds and Dragon, all signed by the author. (SW)

THE JOY OF GLOBAL TRADE
Consort with the Dark Forces of Globalization to land this item: The Waterboys' "lost album," Too Close to Heaven. Mike Scott and his mystic Celtic folk-rock brethren cut these 10 tracks during the monster recording sessions that led to the landmark late-'80s album Fisherman's Blues. Thus, it's a must for fans--the catch is, it hasn't been released domestically yet! Of course, your friendly neighborhood record store might be able to get you a copy from the Continent. Or, you can order it via computer. It lists for $17.49 on CD Now. (ZD)

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
In the words of deep-thinking '70s rockstar Steve Miller, "Time keeps on slippin' into the future." But that forward march can be fun thing. Super-hip wall calendars display a variety of amusing and quirky themes such as Tiki Drinks, Play With Your Food, Duck Tape, Hot Sauce, Dick and Jane--even WW's own Callahan ($12.95, Presents of Mind, 3633 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 230-7740). Local dog guru Jeff Selis has a 2002 calendar based upon his book, Cat Spelled Backwards Doesn't Spell God ($12.95, Rich's Cigar Store, 820 SW Alder St., 228-1700, and other locations). And the venerable materialism-hating satirists Adbusters have their own version of 2002 ($15, Reading Frenzy). (SW)

quick gift ideas

Feel the Rhythm Rattle the day away and have fun with a unique tambourine shaped like praying hands. At 10 inches in diameter, it is not for the faint of heart. $6.50 and up. African Rhythm Traders, 424 NE Broadway, 288-6950.

Visions of Sugarplums Anxious children will drift to sleep listening to the twinkling and tinkling of Michael Allen Harrison's assorted Christmas CDs, including his brand-new release, Snowfall. $15 ($38 with ornament by Betty Gimarelli). Nordstrom, 701 SW Broadway, 224-6666, and other locations; The Space, 1307 SW First Ave., 274-7929; www.mahrecords.com, and other music outlets.

Gift Guide Intro

Stocking Stuffers

Toys

Home/Bath

Food/Kitchen

Gadgets/Gizmos

Outdoors

Cool Stuff

Pets

Accessories

Sex/Bedroom

Last Minute

Toyland

WWeek 2015