It's Christmas season.
(I know. You come here for all the latest-breaking news, don't you?)
The reason I know it's Christmas season is because I heard a song on the radio this morning for the first time this year that always serves as my alarm.
For some, the first shopping mall Santa they see kicks off the season, or a makeshift forest of Christmas trees for sale, or a store parking lot with one lone available space, seven-tenths of a mile away from the store entrance.
For me, it's a song. My favorite Christmas song. (I promise it's not, "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer.")
"Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid, was probably shuffled into many radio stations' rotations bright and early on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but my season officially began this morning.
Written by Sir Bob Geldof to raise money for Ethiopian famine relief, it was released in November 1984, and has sold 50 million copies.
Aside from being a catchy song with a Who's Who of UK recording artists...Sting, Phil Collins, Duran Duran, George Michael, Paul Young, Culture Club, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, U2 and others...it makes you realize how fortunate you are during the holidays and throughout the year. Roof over your head, food in the refrigerator, job, car, a few toys.
I have the song on a mix disc, too, but I like to wait until I hear it on the radio before I pop in the CD for a couple back-to-back-to-back-to-back plays during December.
Happy holiday season, everyone. May you not forget that you are a have, and lend a hand to those who have not.
(I know. You come here for all the latest-breaking news, don't you?)
The reason I know it's Christmas season is because I heard a song on the radio this morning for the first time this year that always serves as my alarm.
For some, the first shopping mall Santa they see kicks off the season, or a makeshift forest of Christmas trees for sale, or a store parking lot with one lone available space, seven-tenths of a mile away from the store entrance.
For me, it's a song. My favorite Christmas song. (I promise it's not, "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer.")
"Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid, was probably shuffled into many radio stations' rotations bright and early on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but my season officially began this morning.
Written by Sir Bob Geldof to raise money for Ethiopian famine relief, it was released in November 1984, and has sold 50 million copies.
Aside from being a catchy song with a Who's Who of UK recording artists...Sting, Phil Collins, Duran Duran, George Michael, Paul Young, Culture Club, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, U2 and others...it makes you realize how fortunate you are during the holidays and throughout the year. Roof over your head, food in the refrigerator, job, car, a few toys.
I have the song on a mix disc, too, but I like to wait until I hear it on the radio before I pop in the CD for a couple back-to-back-to-back-to-back plays during December.
Happy holiday season, everyone. May you not forget that you are a have, and lend a hand to those who have not.
"And in our world of plenty,
we can spread a smile of joy.
Throw your arms around the world
at Christmas time."
—Band Aid
That is a pleasant song and was for a good cause, no doubt..........BUT (come one, it's me whadayou expect?),
ReplyDeleteThere was a similar effort for African famine back in '85 piloted by Ronnie James Dio that doesn't get as much (read: any) play and didn't get the public love that Band Aid got...that effort, Hear 'n Aid (and to be fair, Band Aid did it first).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7eqxg92YG0
It is a who's who of THE KID's metal rock hero's of the 80's!!! And if you take a peek at the video, you'll notice not a minute in when the chorus starts a strapping young Dave Menikiti from your favorite band that played in Schaumburg last month!!!
Among others, it's got THE KID's essentials: Y&T, Iron Maiden, Dokken, Dio, Queensryche, Judas Priest & Whitesnake (not sure how members of Night Ranger & Journey snuck in there...???...). Even Uncle Teddy was in on this.
Yes the 80's metal scene could be cheesy...but it was ours!!!
I can't decide what my favorite Christmas song is, but your post is reminding me to listen to something Christmassy.
ReplyDeleteTheKid...I think it's great when any group uses their celebrity like that for a charitable cause.
ReplyDeleteAnd the metal scene certainly has its niche, but...did you really expect Ronnie James Dio to compete with.....Boy George?? :O)
(cool to see Eddie Ojeda in the middle there somewhere. Twisted Sister was a fun band.)
Tab...You could listen to The 12 Pains of Christmas, but that might not get you in the mood. There's always..um..Silent Night.