Yes, it's Christmastime, or Hanukkah if you're so inclined. Or Holidaytime, if you're in love with political correctness to the point of militantly pretending traditions don't exist for other people. In any case, you may well be in the middle of an "oh, ****" moment as you realize something like:

a) I need to buy my entire family, my three closest friends and my bail bondsman a present apiece.

b) My checking account consists of an overdraft fee and a deposit of 3 weeks worth of ashtray change that hasn't cleared yet.

Whatever shall you do? Believe it or believe it, 'cause I've got an idea.

Craig_o's MadeLoud.com Gift Guide Spectacular Extravaganza

Let's just make everyone a playlist, shall we? As you've noticed, there is good music here on MadeLoud that can be had for cheap or for free. Why not make the most of it?

I'm not going to pretend to know what your friends and family (and bail bondsman, potentially) like when it comes to anything, so I'll stick with what I know: me. Like any at least occasionally self-righteous music snot, I have an awfully high opinion of the artists I enjoy. I'll throw a few names out there, and even a suggestion or two for what songs I'd recommend. But frankly, I also encourage you to click around and see what fits for you.

So, in no particular order:

Dave Beegle

A large catalog of music available, all of it well done and some of it free. He makes the most of the guitar, and I enjoy listening to it regularly. I particularly like "All The Kings Men," at least in part because it reminds me of Assassin's Creed. Don't judge.

Erin Ivey

I'm a sucker for soothing female voices, which makes me a male. Erin Ivey definitely has one, and "Amelia" is especially excellent in showcasing this.

Aquarium Rocks

These guys are lighter, maybe you'd consider them more "fun." I'd put their tracks as more afternoon or morning music, which might give you a flavor of their sound (at least through my ears). Check out "The Champion."

Tim Briggs

A mere two songs, but both outstanding. I would cautiously call my recommendation, "Chy's Lullaby," as sounding approximately like Dave Beegle on Schedule I narcotics... yes, that's a compliment.

Giascle

One of the two techno artists I'll recommend. All of his songs are free, minus one for a paltry $9,999.00. "Techno Jew Party 3000" is solid, and potentially excellent for any Jewish friends you may have that also posses a certain sense of humor.

DJ Wings

DJ Wings has been one of my personal favorites from the beginning. We seem to see eye-to-eye on what electronica ought to sound like, even if his eye is a frightening, glowing cat eye that looks capable of shooting lasers at the slightest provocation. Look at "Blurtastic" and "Optimus Prime" at the very least.

Fun Nugget Boyz

I cannot emphasize enough that these guys are completely serious in being a giant joke. Every - and I do mean every - song they have is about Tyson Fun Nuggets, which are dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets. If you want to cheer somebody up, this might do it. Or they might look at you like you're completely insane. Or they might get hungry. Check out whichever song you like.