The Big Day is Nearly Here!!

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Let your heart be light. From now on your troubles will be out of sight.”

Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane

So, it’s that time of the year that no matter where you go you’re sure to be blasted with Christmas tunes past and present – a bad thing…… OMG no, I LOVE it! Every year either via the John Lewis or M&S advert we get a new tune but it’s those stalwarts of the past that still manage to find their way into my Christmas Playlist, here’s my top 10;

Number Ten – “Golden Slumbers” – Elbow

The John Lewis advert is always guaranteed to churn out a real Ear Worm every Christmas! This hotly anticipated even has produced some real classics, there’s another one further down. This year though they have surpassed them selves bringing together the wonderful Elbow and the classic track from the Beatles Abbey Rod album!

Number Nine – “Dominick the Donkey” – Lou Monte

I dare you to listen to this and not join in! Recorded in 1960 it saw a resurgence thanks to the Chris Moyles breakfast show in reference to Dominick Byrne, who was the newsreader on the show at the time. I’ve been caught singing along on the bus a couple of times which has attracted the odd stare or two!

Number Eight – “Christmas Wrapping” – The Waitresses

This bouncy new-wave gem reminds us to resist the impulse to scream ‘bah, humbug’ and simply go with it. It may be the end of a tiring year, you may even be facing the possibility of a Christmas dinner for one, but, one way or another, the festive spirit will see you through. And if this song’s stomping disco rhythm section doesn’t make you smile, nothing will!

Number Seven – “Driving Home for Christmas” – Chris Rea

This cheesy number about being stuck in Christmas traffic from Chris Rea has had surprisingly lasting appeal. Not only has it charted twice in the UK (reaching 53 in 1988 and 33 in 2007) but it even cracked Norway’s Top Three a few years ago. Clearly people of all generations and nationalities are able to enjoy this harmless slice of Christmas cheese. For me though, it’s the tune that I love to hear when I’m traveling back to Ireland.

Number Six – “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” – Slow Moving Millie

A rework of the classic Smiths song commissioned by John Lewis in 2011, not really intended to be a Christmas song but in this context, it’s perfect – remember the advert, the little boy trying to be patient as Christmas approaches then on the big day he walks into mum and dad’s bedroom with the gift he’s been keeping secret from them for weeks – You so did cry when you saw that!

Number Five – “Last Christmas” – Wham!

A ballad of doomed romance, “Last Christmas” features sleighbells and synths, plus some truly memorable knitwear in the video. But what really sets ‘Last Christmas’ apart is George Michael’s heart-on-sleeve delivery; his genuine heartbreak horror (‘My God! I thought you were someone to rely on’) and wistful, sexy whispers. The words ‘Merry Christmas’ never sounded so sultry – Particularly poignant this year on the 12 month anniversary of his passing – We miss you George!

Number Four – “Christmas Lights” – Coldplay

A relatively recent addition but a keeper! A lament that describes many a familiar Christmas! Slated by the critics when it came out who expected so much more from their beloved Coldplay but I loved it from first hearing it, maybe it was the reference to Oxford Street?

Number Three – “Wonderful Christmas Time” – Paul McCartney

Good old Sir Paul. Whereas Lennon could be relied upon to make impressive political statements (when he wasn't laying about in bed all day), McCartney is the master of the charmingly naïve pop opus. This little ditty isn't going to shake up your festive paradigm, but it’s the biggest Christmas Ear Worm ever!!

Number Two – “White Christmas” – Bing Crosby

The power of Christmas nostalgia itself is greater than real memories. Hence, all of us can hark back with Bing on this Irving Berlin-penned ’40s number to a white Christmas just like the ones we used to know, even if our true past is full of crushing disappointments (December 25, 1984 – Cabbage Patch Doll, they were sooooo last year!!).

Number One – “Fairytale of New York” – The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl

When was the last time you properly listened to Kirsty MacColl and The Pogues’ epic Big Apple-set fable? Shut your eyes and give it a go, and if you aren’t a nervous wreck by the fade-out, your heart (like that jumper from your nan) is two sizes too small. ‘Fairytale…’ is a perfect four-minute narrative of hope, despair and heartbreak – and, despite the profanity, it ends with love.