Christmas songs are a funny thing. Have you noticed how many old favourites don't actually have Christmas mentioned in them? It's a bit like films - the Great Escape is very much a festive film in my eyes but that's only because it's always ON at Christmas, not because Steve McQueen is escaping the camp riding Rudolf (that would have had a quite different ending, no? *g*) The other one is Die Hard. It's set at Christmas so therefore, in my eyes at least, it is a Christmas film. I know that's controversial. Heh.
Anyways, back to music. I have three firm festive favourites and only one references Christmas and it's a protest song about war! What else could it be but the wonderful "Stop the Cavalry" by Jona Lewie. (clickety click here for video!) I love singing those trumpety brass parts.
Second on my list isn't a Christmas song but is at least winter themed. The 60'S were a great decade for yuletide songs - the Beach Boys "Little Saint Nick" (run, run reindeeeeeer! ) and Chuck Berry's "Run, Run Rudolf" being two other top tunes for me. But they are all beaten into touch by the squeal inducing "Sleigh Ride" by the Ronettes. (clickety clicksville) I mean, when did "ring-a-ling-alinga ding dong ding" ever sound anything other than ridiculous? And they make it just perfect.
Bringing me to my favourite. Which, again, is not a Christmas song. Or wintery. Or anything remotely seasonal. But it was number 1 just before Christmas (31 years ago!) and has a video re-enacting a traditional nativity so is very much a part of festive tradition and always pops up in Christmas song countdowns. Of course, it's the seminal "Power of Love" by those surprising Nöel stalwarts Frankie Goes to Hollywood. (click)
I was 10 when this hit the top of the charts and I vividly remember them being on Top of the Pops and my mum singing along. I was mesmerised by that video (good old Godley & Creme) and the musicality of the song. It was much later - nearly 20 years - before I really listened to the lyrics while nursing a fretting baby. And, like a lot of songs since motherhood, it took on a whole new meaning. It's a very me refrain, particularly the last spoken lines
I'll protect you from the hooded claw,
keep the vampires from your door.
So c'mon then. Fave Chrimbo tune? I see the numbers, I know you're out there!
Errr...I don't think I have one! No, I must do! I'll have a think and get back to you!
ReplyDeleteOooh loads! I love yours too, good choices, especially the Ronettes!
ReplyDeleteGotta have Tim Wheeler Home for the holidays https://youtu.be/URCNMEbgd_w , Waitresses Christmas Wrapping https://youtu.be/ARq6uYSsUq0, Dylans Must be Santa https://youtu.be/a8qE6WQmNus and if you just cant get in the mood, then Empty Stocking Blues by Floyd Dixon https://youtu.be/OHboRBTSru4
sorry, the links didnt link..
DeleteMy fav is the same as yours. The spoken lines ..... so meaningful. Heard Holly Johnson do a live version on Ken Bruce show pretty special x
ReplyDeleteDon't have a fav but our family loves Mr. Andy Williams! The kids couldn't say Williams...I can't even type how they said it...but his cd was and still is a must play!
ReplyDeleteOh...I got one...his 12 Days of Christmas....enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3AJGQnh0wQ
Umm I dunno. Ask me different days I'd come up with different answers. I love it when Driving home for Christmas comes on someone's car radio and you can literally see them bobbing along as they drive! Never liked the Power of Love but then Frankie was never my thing.
ReplyDeleteUmm I dunno. Ask me different days I'd come up with different answers. I love it when Driving home for Christmas comes on someone's car radio and you can literally see them bobbing along as they drive! Never liked the Power of Love but then Frankie was never my thing.
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