Not everyone enjoys Christmas; for some people it's the most lousy time of the year. While we're all subjected to the same infuriating pap from Macca, Shakey, Slade and Wizzard every freaking year, all happy jolly ditties celebrating what a wonderful time everybody has, Gruff Rhys approached the subject from a completely different perspective.
In 2011, he released his 'Atheist Xmas' EP which included this tragic tale. “Sad things happen at Christmas as well you know, it’s like any other day," he told the BBC at the time of release. “It’s a song based on true events and things that have happened to my friends over the years. So I hope it’s not too crass, you know. It’s a crass title, but it’s just a really sad song."
Recording it wasn't exactly easy either; there was certainly no Christmassing up the studio. In fact there was a riot going on outside while Gruff sweltered in the basement space in Bristol. Somehow though, he makes it sound as charming as all his work, yet terribly upsetting too
So while you're opening your expensive presents, overindulging in sumptuous foods and alcoholic beverages and generally being cheerful and merry, spare a thought for those poor souls who have little to look forward to at this time of year. Merry Christmas...
(I'm taking some time off for the holiday period, so this is the last post of 2015. Back on 2nd January.)
Merry Christmas, Sir, and thanks VERY much indeed for all of the glorious tunes you pointed me to within 2015! Also I hope 2016 will turn out to be just fabulous for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteTake good care!
As Dirk said.Seasons greetings to you and the Robster family.Have a good one
ReplyDeleteA happy Christmas to you and yours Robster. Thanks for all the tunes in the past 12 months. Here's to another year of fun and musical discovery in 2016.
ReplyDeleteMerry Seasonals and all that.
ReplyDeleteGruff should get the last word on this year's Welsh Wednesdays.... Can't get much better in my book. Have a wonderful holiday, Robster!
ReplyDeleteBuon Natale to you and your family, Robster.
ReplyDeleteSorry I didn't visit as often as I should have done in 2015 but plans are afooot, thanks to a new laptop, to sort that out for 2016.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on another fantastic year of first-rate writing and observations. And as others have said, cheers for all the great music. This track is a new one to me....and it's magnifique or however you say that in Welsh.