Lopez Blogs

I'm probably knackered from trawling round Disney World/Universal/International Drive/the shops so I'll keep this short and to the point and introduce you instantly to a more alternative, less poppy musical tribute to the time of year that celebrates the birth of Santa...

An Alternative Christmas Choice #1:

• Luke Leighfield ~ I'm So Confused By Christmas: I've been obsessed with this song ever since I belatedly discovered it earlier this month (it's from 2006!!) and even better, you can download it for zero pence (up to whatever you wish to pay) at the lovely Mr Leighfield's website. Huzzah. Basically it's a tune that acknowledges that this time of year should be a jolly good treat, but asks the question of why are people so sad, moody, miserable, dissatisfied, ungenerous, etc... all set to an appropriately magnificent festive soundtrack. As with all of Luke's tunes, it's incredibly singalong and yet makes you have a darn good think about the real meaning of Christmas. Exemplary.
• Pet Shop Boys ~ It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas 2009: One of my favourite christmas tunes was given a smashingly decent sprucing up in 2009 and made it even better - there was more chiming, more pomp, a deliriously good middle 8 and even more choir (BING CROSBY! Are you listening to me?!). It's a vaguely cynical look at Christmas but made all the better by juxtaposing the Mariah-esque backing track to the lyrics and having a wry "merry Christmas" towards the end. Play loud and play often (see also West End Girls version).
• St Etienne ~ I Was Born On Christmas Day: By the time I get back from Florida, I am hopeful that the all new limited edition Christmas album for the Ett will be sitting on my doorstep. This will be very bonza indeed because I am hoping that it will be full of tunes such as this one. An icy cool, yet engaging shuffling gem of a pop tune that just sparkles and shines from start to finish. Be sure to check out another of their tunes - 21st Century Christmas because it is very marvelous to the power of indeed.
• Kate Bush ~ December Will Be Magic Again: Trust Kate to have produced a tune that is as wild, wilful and slightly magical (and a little bit bonkers) as a disobedient reindeer. It's a runaway snowflake of a song that just takes you along for the ride - kind of like a musical version of The Box Of Delights. Utterly nutty but utterly brilliant. Always makes December magic for me.
• The Feeling ~ Feels Like Christmas: Essentially just Dan running his fingers over a piano keyboard (oh to be that keyboard) to create a yearning, sombre ballad that strips back the tune to the bare basics and is still as beautiful as a stark, frost covered twig on a chilly Christmas eve. God I'm so excited for their return in 2011... (see also their thrilling version of the amazing Stop The Cavalry)...
• (see also The Hives and Hurts)

Back on Friday with part 2 of this list and my weekly chart countdown!