Friday, 3 December 2010

Christmas Songs

I'm quite a fan of Christmas songs, provided that they are played in moderation. But I much prefer to hear new Christmas songs each year, rather than listening to Wham / Mariah Carey / Slade / Band Aid on a month-long loop.

So here's a rundown of some of this years efforts. Are they Christmas crackers, or cold turkeys? (Awful pun. Apols.)

The Killers - Boots

Every year The Killers churn out a festive single, and this year is no different. Even when on a supposed 'hiatus' Brandon Flowers et al put their heads together to put out another song. I suppose I shouldn't criticise too hard, it is for the AIDS charity (RED).

I couldn't find the actual video on YouTube, so its just a case of looking at the artwork. But for those who really want to see it, head to the Starbucks website. The rest of you can thank me for not looking hard enough on YouTube ;)




Coldplay - Christmas Lights

Even their Christmas songs have to sound like some sort of stadium anthem. Can't they just have a laugh? Still, this was a decent enough video, with satisfying shots that could pass for a panto stage, and some fireworks, because that will remind people of New Years Eve

At least they let the video up on YouTube..




Hurts - All I Want For Christmas Is New Years Day

This ticks all of the 'Christmas Single' boxes in my opinion. Sleigh bells in the background, snow in the video, and a middle eight with a piano and candlelight. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the obligaratory Christmas tree rising up out of a grave (Yeah, really!).

Although the video appears to be there, its not really - but only because Sony seemingly don't want people to generate good word of mouth through blog posts. Click here or on the embedded link for the actual video (Do it, its amazing!)



I wish all Christmas singles were this good. What are your favourite Christmas songs (new or old)?

Paul

1 comment:

  1. Interesting post, Paul. I wonder if the "new" Christmas songs (which are promoted to earn money, even if it is for charity) should be compared with the "old" christmas carols? My favourite is "In the Bleak Midwinter", which is actually a musical setting of a very popular poem by Elisabeth Barratt Browning. That or an even older one, "In Dulci Jubilo", which is medieval in origin. Then people were interested in using carols to communicate "with the people" about faith and community. Somehow more uplifting than the re-hash of "Do they know its Christmas"?

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