When we celebrate 50 years of 'Merry Xmas Everybody' (see yesterday), we must also glorify to that other glam rock Christmas classic. Released in the same month as Slade, this track went head-to-head for the number one spot. But lost to 'Merry Xmas Everybody' (it got to #4). Still, Roy Wood (founding member of ELO) and his merry band of Wizzard wrote a classic, that's being covered to this day.
We go to the covers later, first about the song. There are two versions, one recorded and released in 1973, and one in 1981. The latter is the one you hear most on the radio. The full story on why the song was re-recorded (hint; lost tapes) is HERE. To be honest, I can't tell the difference. THIS is definitely the 1973 version.
So there are two quite legendary performances for British music show Top of the Pops. This is the first:
And this is the second one:
There's also this raucous version from 1984:
Now, to the covers. Unlike the Slade song, most covers of IWICBCE stay close to the original. Metal and punk bands turn up the volume (example), there are of course ballad versions (example), but all 'n all the rhythm and vibe don't change. Here are a few versions that stick out:
Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets, love this live version (studio version HERE):
Pop reggae version:
A capella:
Leona Lewis Mariah-fied it (this is live on the radio):
Kylie, in a tad more girlgroup vibe:
Lo-fi punk cover, very fun:
From 1993, even more fun:
Brass band version, a bit out of tune:
Saxophones only:
Japanese version from the 80s, really cool:
In Icelandic:
In Swedish:
If it's more Glam Xmas you want, check out this post, and this one.
We go to the covers later, first about the song. There are two versions, one recorded and released in 1973, and one in 1981. The latter is the one you hear most on the radio. The full story on why the song was re-recorded (hint; lost tapes) is HERE. To be honest, I can't tell the difference. THIS is definitely the 1973 version.
So there are two quite legendary performances for British music show Top of the Pops. This is the first:
And this is the second one:
There's also this raucous version from 1984:
Now, to the covers. Unlike the Slade song, most covers of IWICBCE stay close to the original. Metal and punk bands turn up the volume (example), there are of course ballad versions (example), but all 'n all the rhythm and vibe don't change. Here are a few versions that stick out:
Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets, love this live version (studio version HERE):
Pop reggae version:
A capella:
Leona Lewis Mariah-fied it (this is live on the radio):
Kylie, in a tad more girlgroup vibe:
Lo-fi punk cover, very fun:
From 1993, even more fun:
Brass band version, a bit out of tune:
Saxophones only:
Japanese version from the 80s, really cool:
In Icelandic:
In Swedish:
If it's more Glam Xmas you want, check out this post, and this one.
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