ARTIST: David Bowie & Bing Crosby SONG: Little Drummer Boy (Peace on Earth) ALBUM: Bowie: The Singles Collection (1977, RCA) Believe it or not, the late great Bowie almost turned down the chance to record this adapted version of the popular carol with Bing for his holiday special in the late 1970s. Thank goodness that … Continue reading Christmas Song Advent Calendar 2017: Day 20
ARTIST: Enya SONG: White Is In The Winter Night ALBUM: ...And Winter Came (2008, Warner Music) Enya's Winter/Christmas themed album was long overdue when it appeared in 2008, but boy was it worth the wait. This is the sort of song you want to listen to sipping a mulled wine on an apricious December afternoon, … Continue reading Christmas Song Advent Calendar 2017: Day 19
ARTIST: Annie Lennox SONG: Angels from the Realms of Glory ALBUM: A Christmas Cornucopia (2010, La Lennoxa) Annie has been one of my all time favourite vocalists since I first heard Eurythmics blasting from the bedroom stereo of my sister Fi (of Dear Cat & Fi fame) as a kid. This truly magical version of … Continue reading Christmas Song Advent Calendar 2017: Day 18
ARTIST: John Lennon & Yoko Ono SONG: Happy Xmas (War is Over) ALBUM: Power to the People: The Hits (1971, EMI) This Christmas song holds a great deal of memories for me, in more ways than one. I knew that Christmas was approaching as a kid, when my mum started playing her (now well worn) … Continue reading Christmas Song Advent Calendar 2017: Day 17
ARTIST: Olly Murs SONG: I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday ALBUM: Right Place Right Time: Special Edition (2013, Sony/Epic) We will continue to beg Olly for a Christmas album every year - this year included - until we are blue in the face. And why? Because on the basis of his take on seasonal … Continue reading Christmas Song Advent Calendar 2017: Day 16
So today marks the start of what is by common consent in the UK, the one time of year when the entire nation suddenly takes a vested interest in its singles chart. Because as of midnight last night, the race to be 2017's official UK Christmas number one is under way. If you're a betting … Continue reading #CrazyStupidPlaylist: My Ultimate Christmas Number Ones
ARTIST: Blue SONG: Lonely This Christmas ALBUM: Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word (2002, Innocent/Virgin) Originally recorded for one of the first ever BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge sessions all the way back at the start of their career in 2001, Antony, Duncan, Lee and Simon gave a soulful, stripped back take on Mud's … Continue reading Christmas Song Advent Calendar 2017: Day 15
ARTIST: Mike Oldfield SONG: In Dulci Jubilo ALBUM: Elements - The Best of Mike Oldfield (1975, Virgin) Yes, I do realise that festive snow-y town image isn't one of Mike Oldfield, but that's partly because I couldn't find a flattering one of him. His instrumental, nay almost Celtic take on the classic carol that dates … Continue reading Christmas Song Advent Calendar 2017: Day 14
ARTIST: Steps SONG: Dear Santa ALBUM: Tears on the Dancefloor: Crying at the Disco Deluxe Edition (2017, Steps Music/Fascination) The closest Steps ever got to a Christmas single - again on virtue of video alone - was their million selling 'Heartbeat' in 1998. 19 years later, and as they near the end of their 20th … Continue reading Christmas Song Advent Calendar 2017: Day 13
ARTIST: McFly SONG: Rockin' Robin ALBUM: Sorry's Not Good Enough/Friday Night (2006, Universal Island) OK. So the Michael Jackson classic isn't strictly a Christmas song. But because there is a robin in it - and one that I imagine is perched on a wintry branch, sporting an Elvis quiff and leather jacket with a tiny … Continue reading Christmas Song Advent Calendar 2017: Day 12
