Last-minute gift ideas for music lovers

December 17, 9:59 AMChicago Rock Music ExaminerFrank Krolicki

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Joey Ramone action figure by NECA

Just over one week left until Christmas, and still no idea what to buy certain people on your list? The good news is that through the magic of expedited shipping and well-stocked stores, there's still time to avoid the boring route of gift cards. If you're buying for any rock 'n' roll fans, there are plenty of ideas at all price levels that are sure to please. Here are some options:

- Box sets - You can't go wrong with a gift that offers a large chunk of an artist's recorded output, including hits, live tracks and rarities, in one package. A few of this year's notable sets include Sony Legacy's "Roy Orbison: The Soul of Rock and Roll" ($25), Epic's 30th anniversary CD/DVD set of "Cheap Trick: Live at Budokan" ($25) and Island's U2 box ($72).

- Rock 'n' roll books - Books not only make you smarter, they come in handy when you have no idea what to buy someone. It seems there are books available for pretty much any major band you can think of, so there's something for everyone. Mona Molarsky, the New York City Life Examiner, makes a great suggestion in "Ramones: An American Band." ($18.95). A few other excellent options include the recently released "John Lennon: The Life" ($20), the story of "The Clash" ($30) and "Blondie: Unseen 1976-1980" ($16.50).

- Vinyl re-releases - Vinyl has long been cherished by the most obsessive music lovers for its warm, unique sound, but now it seems the classic format is back in favor with the mainstream. Now, you can find classic records reissued on vinyl alongside CD shelves at major retailers such as Borders and Best Buy. Examples include "Pet Sounds" by The Beach Boys ($20), "Band of Gypsys" by Jimi Hendrix ($20) and "Appetite for Destruction" by Guns N' Roses ($19).

- Vinyl frames - Vinyl lovers will also need frames to display the most prized records in their collection. You can pick them up for around $15.

- USB turntables and cassette decks - Any hardcore music fan likely has a vinyl or cassette collection that they'd love to hear on an mp3 player or in the car. USB turntables and cassette decks provide a great way to convert records and tapes to digital files and listen on the go. I've had an ION USB turntable for a while, and I can assure you that the price tag of around $100 is well worth it. They're relatively easy to setup and learn, and create excellent sounding transfers. As for tapes, try the ION USB cassette deck, also around $100.

- Concert tickets - Getting tickets to a show is a quick and easy gift idea for music fans, providing you have a good idea of what they're into and what's already on their schedule. A few upcoming local shows to consider are The Pretenders at the Riviera (2/15, $42), Fleetwood Mac at Allstate Arena (3/5, $49.50-$149.50) and The Hold Steady at House of Blues (1/15, $28).

- Rock action figures - Because we all need cool stuff to sit on our desks, you can pick up collectible figures of everyone from Devo (complete with five interchangeable heads, $23) and Johnny Cash ($21) to Joey Ramone ($19) and Johnny Rotten ($15).

- Collectible guitar picks - Novelty guitar picks, like this collectible Kurt Cobain set ($13) or a replica of "The Pick of Destiny" ($7.50) from the Tenacious D film, make fun, inexpensive gifts. You can also order personalized custom picks here (100 picks starting at $49). A perfect companion would be "Picks!" ($13), a colorful book that documents various types of guitar picks throughout the history of rock 'n' roll.