Well people, I have waited up to the very last minute -- that is according to my time zone -- to publish the best records of the dreaded year 2008. Not many choice pickings but I managed to pull out at least 20 good records and 5 very good ones.

Enjoy!

Well, from Lapland, or course...
A very long tradition dating back to the 18th century, still going strong today.

Be sure to watch what happens when a Santa Claus is not cared for properly.

If i say the name Danny Elfman, does it ring a bell? I hope it does, he is the creator of the theme songs from The Simpons and many soundtracks. You might not know, though, that he was the singer and leader of the band Oingo Boingo, a hidden gem from the New Wave, and a big favorite of mine when I was only a lad (shameless pun/plug here)...

For your personal enjoyment, a live performance lifted from the quirky but good music documentary URGH! A music war, curated by The Police drummer Miles Copeland. The song is much faster and packs more punch than the studio version.

You can get a more recent performance of the band here.

For those of you still in need of suggestions and to keep them from panicking and making bad decisions, here are a few items sure to leave indelible memories in the minds of the receivers:

The Daddle - a saddle for dads!
The Rocket Fishing Rod - it's both a rocket launcher and a fishing rod!
Deep Flight - fly a plane... in the middle of the ocean!

Remember, desperation comes with a hefty price tag, but unforgiveness can never be repaid...