So this is the “new normal?” Or is it a return to the “old normal?” Either way, regardless of how you spent this past year, regardless of your thoughts on the world, politics, and economics of the world, furrowing your eyebrows at this or that or embracing all the necessary and arguably unnecessary changes in the world, one needs a constant personal and universal soundtrack to keep going, to keep sane, to keep grounded and inspired. As the newest round of the holiday season gets ready to dawn upon us, music not only acts as the perfect and always obvious choices for even the most discriminating of tastes, but also something that brings much-needed relief and communion to end another challenging year and brace everyone for what lies ahead in 2022. So as always, here’s my picks for some of the sonic highlights released this year, spanning all genres and tastes.

Check out our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide for Music.

Here are just some of the offerings released this year which will satisfy any music aficionado, young or old, regardless of personal music taste. Music forever remains in perpetuity as not only a great go-to gift, but one that is long lasting and forever. Check out our 2019 Holiday Geek Gift Guide for Music“¦

This month saw the 70th birthday of the late Rory Gallagher, who quite possibly remains one of the greatest guitar players who ever lived, and who most of today’s generation probably never heard of. Born on March 2, 1948, the late Irishman’s down to earth appearance and aw-shucks (in the best way possible) demeanor and attitude almost masked a musical talent that literally and not arguably sometimes stood toe to toe with other heavyweights of the craft like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page, all of whom sang his praises and were in complete awe of his talents, like millions around the globe.

And yet, there still remains a kind of ambiguity and mystery about who the man was if one asks the John Q guitar playing public.