Adam Humphries, the editor of WhatsOn, has compiled this week’s Christmas special songs. There is something magical about music that can revitalize and cure the soul while also igniting new hope. Here is the weekly music selection for you to enjoy and add to your playlist.
The Pogues & Kirsty McColl – Fairytale of New York
Released in 1988 is the ever-infamous Christmas Stewart featuring British singer-songwriter Kirsty McColl and Irish folk punk band The Pogues. The song is the tale of a romance between two lovers whose romance turns sour during which point the song becomes more of a comical argument. The song is as comical as it is entertaining. And years later cause a commotion in the LGBT+ Community with the word ‘Faggot’. The ironic thing is that the word Slut is used yeah no one seems to get all worked up over that one. I’m just going to say here now as a Gay/Autistic man I have no issue with the word faggot being used in the song
Wham – Last Christmas
Originally released in 1983 but then re-belief to get 1986 is the infamous song by British band Wham. The song is more of a milestone achievement for George Michael as his ability as a songwriter comes through here. Last Christmas is about the aftermath of a breakup of a relationship from the previous year. And is told from the man’s perspective. Within the first few lines. It’s about exes who meet up, and its clear there’s still tension, as the man gave the girlfriend his love only for her to cheat on him the next day
“Last Christmas I gave you my heart but the very next day you gave it away/But this year to save me from tears I’ll give it to someone special”
Band Aid (83) – Do They Know it’s Christmas?
Released in 1983 and is still as infamous as ever. Do They Know it’s Christmas is the brainchild of Boomtown Rats frontman Sir Bob Geldof. Geldof made the song in wake of the news footage of the famine in Ethiopia. And he decided to bring together many other artists together to make the now-infamous tune; Bananarama, Duran Duran, Culture Club and U2 to name but a few. The words of the song are a direct reference to the suffering faced by the people of Ethiopia
“Here’s to them under that burning sun, do they know it’s Christmas time at all”
The song was sampled in a Christmas edition of the British sitcom Gavin and Stacey
Slade – Merry Xmas Everybody
Made way back in 1973 and was released as a single-only Merry Christmas Everybody is that sort of song. And which many people will still be along to regardless of whatever age they are. The song is written by Slade frontman Noddy Holder. It is about the ever-typical day in the life of a family on Christmas Day. The writing is as witty as it is genius as nearly everything that is mentioned is pretty much what so many families do every year at Christmas
“Are you waiting for the family to arrive?”
“Does your granny always tell ya that the old songs are the best?”
However, what it is that everyone always waits for is the bit at the end when Noddy shouts “It’s Christmas”
The song was sampled in the 1991 film by Richard Curtis Bernard and the Genie
