National treasures Ed and Elton v acid-tongued Craig Revel Horwood for the 2021 Christmas number one. That is not a wild flight of imagination. They hope to insert themselves into the nation’s festive heart with their brand new ditties. Like sprouts, some will love, some hate both. BUT it is a good opportunity to re-visit the quirkily brilliant RH playlist, compiled in 2020 Take a listen to Ed v Craig first and compare to the classics of Christmas past.
MERRY CHRISTMAS – ED AND ELTON
IT’S CHRISTMAS. MERRY CHRISTMAS! – CRAIG & RIETTA
Craig sports a splendid Christmas jumper whilst performing some unique twirls and trills.
Some hidden gems, hiding under the RB Write Christmas tree.
DONNA AND BLITZEN – BADLY DRAWN BOY
From the soundtrack to the 1990s film About A Boy. This is underrated, containing all the joy and melancholy required in a true festive tune. Available on Spotify
FAIRYTALE OF STORNAWAY – PEAT AND DIESEL,
Sacrilegious to some, but I have heard Fairytale of New York so often that i had grown weary of Kirsty and bored of Shane. (I blame Sainsbury’s for including the clean version on their instore playlists) It was a delight to stumble across Peat and Diesel’s re-working: Fairytale of Stornaway. Includes the immortal line: you took my sheep from me. Some will be familiar with Peat and Diseal from The misadventures of Ramesh Ranganathan.
MERRY CHRISTMAS (I DONT WANT TO FIGHT) – THE RAMONES.
A rocking throwback to the late 1980s from The Ramones, for many it encapsulates the true meaning of a family Christmas – those fights and rows that break out over the turkey or a badly executed board game. Turn it up loud and sing along. Where is Sa-aa-nn-ta.. On his Sl-ei-ei-gh.
This leads nicely on to The Darkness and possibly the highest pitched squawk contained on any Christmas hit. Don’t let those bells ever end.
DECEMBER SONG (I DREAMED OF CHRISTMAS) – GEORGE MICHAEL
Forget Last Christmas, this is the much missed George’s perfect Christmas moment. A yearning melancholy masterpiece.
DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS – CHRIS REA
More of a fixture in popular Christmas playlists than others, but it is a favourite of many. How could we leave it out?
DON’T SHOOT ME SANTA – THE KILLERS
Brandon Flowers in a Christmas jumper and 2021 us redeemed. It’s been a real hard year alright Santa.
STEP INTO CHRISTMAS – ELTON JOHN
If you like a mad Christmas dance around the kitchen, Elton is far better than Mariah . Step into Christmas with a feather boa draped around your person.
STOP THE CAVALRY – JONA LEWIE
Because it is not Christmas until you have heard this.
BING CROSBY AND DAVID BOWIE – THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
Before Micky Bubbles, there was Bing Crosby. Something very touching about these two legends coming together. Peace on Earth.
BIG CYNTHIA – I GOT YOUR COOKIES AND MILK
A joyful infectious hunk of a song that is guaranteed to get you dancing around the kitchen as you prepare the dinner and neck down a babycham or 3.
AND FINALLY
This, for many is their one true love of a Christmas song. Shakin Stevens who resembles Vernon Kay the more I look was number one for ages with this.Try and do the dance. I dare you.
All tunes are available on Spotify, YoutubeMusic and Deezer.
Reigate and Banstead Writes hosts an annual creative writing competition for young people aged 10-14. We review local events, happenings and features. #Tales from our Town.
