Martini Rox: Ideas for Black Friday, holiday shopping
Written by Martini Rox | | starmusic@toledofreepress.comThe most wonderful time of the year is here! Stores are opening at record hours this year and Black Friday lines will soon be forming.
I have searched to come up with something for the musically inclined on your list. Assuming tablets, mp3 players and phones are already on there, perhaps you’ll enjoy a couple products listed to expand user enjoyment.
“How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records” by Bill Brewster (paperback), $15
The self-explanatory title should tell where I’m going with this. There are so many DJs sprouting up all over the city and without proper guidance this can lead to equipment liquidation in less than a year. Do your research and know the history of the profession and music genres you will be playing. This book aims to cover the basics and also goes further, offering advice should your budding DJ decide to go pro.
Numark iDJ PRO Premium DJ Controller for iPad 1, 2 & 3, $699
Don’t let the list price scare you away. There are many deals on this item should you find it in time for Christmas. iDJ PRO is the best way to DJ using your iPad and iTunes library and, if you are just starting to DJ, this is a great way begin. There is an 8pad sample player and it has the ability to run a microphone and allow the user to listen to cued music while the other platter spins. Music space/library is limited to the space (gigabytes) provided by your iPad, but you should have enough to DJ a party. The set-up is quick and the interface looks cool. Not bad for the winner of the 2011 Apple Design Award.
“Hip-Hop Dance Experience” (video game), $39.99
I was able to experience this game while attending Comic Con NYC. The lively display was set high up, allowing the crowd to watch and play. The female emcee kept the crowd hyped while choosing from a sea of hands eagerly hoisted in the air. If you are a fan of games like the “Just Dance” franchise, you and your family will love “Hip-Hop Dance Experience.” The track list alone is a dedication to hip-hop music that stretches from Naughty By Nature to Drake. Whether you are a novice or consider yourself the competition, there are three levels of difficulty to help you improve. Available for Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360.
iCraig 2.1 Tower Speaker, $99
The iCraig 2.1 tower speaker works with iPhone, iPod, iPad or other devices, making it perfect for that teenager or college student with limited space. The iCraig joins a group of other towers this season vying for your attention, but its price, versatility and compatibility with multiple devices complete with an FM radio tuner give this tower the edge. Oh yeah, the good reviews help too!
The North Face E-Tips Gloves (Men), $45
A great gift for the guy on the go that doesn’t have time to take off gloves when listening to music and sending/receiving that all-too-important call, text or email. Sleek with a snug fit designed with X-static material at the thumb and index finger, the gloves allow access to all his touchscreen devices while keeping him warm.
If you are dreading the holiday shopping experience, save yourself some time. All items on my list can also be purchased online.
Happy Holidays!
As we continue on…
Left to right: "How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records" by Bill Brewster (Paperback) $15; The North Face E-Tips Gloves (Men) $45; Hip-Hop Dance Experience (Video Game) $39.99; iCraig 2.1 Tower Speaker $99; Numark iDJ PRO Premium DJ Controller for iPad 1, 2, & 3 $699
Tags: Black Friday, DJ, Hip-Hop, Martini Rox
