Tag Archives: christmas

The Beatles Seven records of Christmas

beatles

The Beatles Seven records of Christmas

From 1963 to 1969, the Beatles recorded and released seven special Christmas singles through their fan club. These were closer to “Monty Pythonesque”-comedy than their normal releases. The first ones are whimsical, cheery and thankful for their success, but later records are more esoteric. They reflect their development as a unit, the 1969 recording is four separate pieces.

Each recording was pressed onto a 7″ flexi disc and mailed free to the British members of the Fan Club.

beatles yule copy

The results are interesting curiosities for all  Beatles fans. A compilation album (with all the 7 singles) was released in 1971 and available from the fan club between 1970 and 1972. It was never released commercially, and most  copies are bootlegs.

Continue reading The Beatles Seven records of Christmas

The 5 best christmas songs according to Hallgeir

Christmas-Songs

Ok, Egil  just released his list of christmas songs, well, at least he got one song right. Here are the 5 best christmas songs:

1. The Band- Christmas must be tonight

2.The Pogues Featuring Kirsty MacColl – Fairytale Of New York

3. Steve Earle – Nothing but a child

4. Neko Case – Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis

5. Smith & Burrows – When the Thames froze

Happy X-mas!

– Hallgeir

Great Christmas song: When the Thames Froze by Smith & Burrows


When The Thames Froze
Today we give you a new Christmas song (well, it’s about one year old) and what a gem it is!

Former Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows and Editors frontman Tom Smith  released their record Funny Looking Angels  under the name Smith & Burrows. One of the best songs on the album is, When The Thames Froze .
Smith & Burrows gives us a wonderful Christmas Carol with a darker undertone. A song fit for the recent economic resessions.

Q Magazine described the song as ”a Christmas anthem for modern times”.

We have chosen two version, first the official video, and second, an acoustic live version (Smith & Burrows performing ‘When The Thames Froze’ at The Station Sessions as part of the Secret Season supporting Shelter):

And Spotify:

Beautiful!

– Hallgeir

Free Christmas music 6: My Morning Jacket live on WFPK 21 Dec 2001

a mmj christmas

My Morning Jacket, the best live band in the world,  love Christmas music and they have a couple of original releases (EPs) available on iTunes.

But they have also played a wonderful Christmas radio concert and they do not mind sharing live music as long as no payments are involved.

My Mornin Jacket to archive.org:

“…were always cool with fans/friends sharing shows with eachother. So long as the person sharing is not bootlegging and trying to turn a profit.

Again, thanks for your interest and spreading the music its all good by us…”

So today we’re posting their beautiful “My Morning Jacket Xmas Special” they did way back in 2001 for local Louisville radio station WFPK.

Tracklisting:

01 Introduction
02 Santa Claus is Back in Town
03 X-mas Curtain (jazzed up)
04 O Holy Night (shoes interruption)
05 Interview – Jim “Son” James
06 Christmas Time Is Here Again (Bring Out the Joy!)
07 Old Sept Blues
08 I Will Sing You Songs
09 Interview – Jim
10 Silent Night
11 Come Closer

ZIP file

You can also stream it at The Internet Archive, a great site for free music!

If you like it you should definitly buy their official Christmas releases

– Hallgeir

Free Christmas music 5: The 2012 Paste Holiday Sampler

Our fifth offering is from the nice people  at Paste Magazine, and it’s a fine compilation they are giving us.

 From Paste:

“Fortunately, some of our favorite Paste artists have chosen to freshen the genre with new releases, whether they’re original compositions or unique takes on old holiday favorites. If you’re looking for the perfect playlist for that tired office Christmas party or just hoping to amp up your holiday spirit in a new way, look no further than the Paste Holiday Sampler.” (read more)

 

Thank you Paste!

– Hallgeir