5th Of December-Frank Sinatra; Let It Snow!

Frank Sinatra

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

If there ever was a true ‘Christmas classic’ this would be it; A Big orchestral band, simple uplifting lyrics and one smooth yet sensual voice. Frank Sinatra released Let It Snow in 1950 along with the help of The Swanson Quartet who provide some sensational backing vocals here. 

Although this was not the first, nor to be the last cover version of Let It Snow!, it is definitely one of the best. Originally written five years prior in 1945 in California on one of the hottest days of that year, it is lyrically a little optimistic: “Let It Snow/Let It Snow/Let It Snow”. By why not be optimistic? There is a certain joy portrayed through Sinatra brilliant vocals as he plays along with the big brass band behind him. Those trumpets are simply joyous! This is a real Granddaddy of a Christmas song, and will be for many years more. So go on; Let It Snow!

“Long As You Love Me So/Let It Snow!”

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4th Of December-Lady Gaga; Christmas Tree

Lady Gaga

Christmas Tree

Admittedly, this isn’t one of Gaga’s best tracks, and it certainly isn’t the finest Christmas song ever …BUT, it is still brilliantly fabulous!

Released back in 2008 around the time of Poker Face and Just Dance, this is possibly the only festive synth-pop/dance anthem around. Legendary producer Space Cowboy lends his hand as well as his vocals to what can only be described as a ‘sexually charged’ Deck The Halls; complete with cheeky “Rum Pum Pum Pums” too (**Wink Wink**). Its dark and merry all at the same time, with Gaga suggestively explaining “My Christmas Tree’s Delicious”. 

This is not the first foray into the festive world that Gaga has tried having previously released a 4 track mini-EP featuring more ‘classic’ Christmas jingles. But here Gaga has made a cheeky and dirty Christmas song flirting with both the traditional and the modern at the same time. Its oh so naughty, but ever so nice.

“Cherry Cherry Boom Boom”

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Tracey Emin Designed Brits Revealed

The Countdown to Christmas may have only just begun but it is already time to start thinking about next year’s Brit Awards! The biggest night in the British Music calendar continues to get bigger and better and ceremoniously kicks off each year with the unveiling of the most coveted statue in pop. So following in the footsteps of Dame Vivienne Westwood, Damien Hirst and Peter Blake, 2015s trophy has been designed by British artist Tracey Emin. Her most famous works include the controversial unmade bed installation.

The pale pink and cream trophy itself features a patchwork rosette on its back, whilst being covered head to ‘toe’ in Emin’s handwritten message reading:

“Congratulations on your talent on your life. On everything you give to others. Thank You.”

It maybe a little feminine, but the design is bold and striking which will sit perfectly in the palms of the winners as well as the wider Brits 'look'. But ultimately the best description so far has come from Emin herself, who said:

“You don't just want to decorate it. You want to make something that is really Tracey-ish, that is special for the people receiving it”





Although unveiled today, you’ll have to wait to the 25^th of February 2015 to see who will win this coveted piece of art/music history. Hosted by Ant and Dec, the ceremony will be broadcast live from London’s O2 arena on ITV.  

3rd Of December-Darlene Love; Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

Darlene Love
Baby Please Come Home

Synonymous with the old seasonal DFS adverts (When does that place not have a sale?) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) is a true Christmas classic...

Featured on Phil Spector’s A Christmas Gift To You album released back in 1963, 60’s singer Darlene Love provides the silkiest of smooth vocals. Not many other festive songs can match the raw emotion of her singing. Sleigh bells, saxophones and the repeated “Christmas” choral interjections make this a true festive classic/Granddad favorite. But the main appeal of this song is Darlene Love’s sensational voice, with the building “Please/Please/Please/Baby” section exploding with raw power and pain.

“But Its Christmas Day/Baby Please Come Home”

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2nd Of December-Elton John; Step Into Christmas

Elton John

Step In Christmas

In case you’re not quite feeling that ‘festive spirit’ (or found that the 1st of our 25 Songs of Christmas was too restrained for your liking) than whom better to welcome you to the Christmas season than Elton John?

“Welcome to My Christmas Song” he opens with, bounding into the song with great gusto. Instrumentally, this track features nearly everything to create one brilliant backing; from the joyous high pitched piano chords to the odd, yet ‘very-70s’ electronic wah-wahs. There are even some sleigh bells thrown in for good measure! Vocally Elton is at his peak here in this rock’n’roll Christmas number, released back in 1973 just before the Candle in the Wind phase. Its hard not to smile whilst listening to this, with Elton becoming you to “Jump aboard the turntable!”. Its hardly surprising then that this is the 9^th most played Christmas song in the UK! 

“Step into Christmas/The admissions free!”

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1st Of December-Coldplay; Christmas Lights

25 Songs of Christmas

Coldplay

Christmas Lights

This is the first post of out ‘25 Songs of Christmas’ List. (It’s a list not a ranking/countdown; it’s too hard to choose!). 

Many major bands and artists have recorded and released Christmas singles over the years, with the majority opting for the ‘safe option’ of a classic cover. Coldplay however were different, and in 2010 released Christmas Lights. With its soft piano keys and subtle string melodies, its beautiful opening conceals the delights within. An initially husky Chris Martin tells the tale of lost love, pounding the streets of London “Trying to right a wrong”.

The chorus features some classic Coldplay moves, taking inspiration from hits such as Strawberry Swing. The brilliant line of “Still waiting for the snow to fall/Doesn’t even feel like Christmas at all” rings true for many (It is only the 1^st of December after all…) yet as the final chorus jutters and stutters into life, it summons all the festivity you’ll ever need. A truly brilliant, if sadly underrated Christmas tune. Beautiful.

“Oh Christmas Lights keep shining on…”

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