Catching Up With The Campbells

Twelfth Tune of Christmas: Don't Let The Bells End - The Darkness

Sort of out of left field, I know. But be honest, it is fab. Even the maverick ass-less chap wearing boys get into the festive spirit and thats what is the best thing about the holiday.

Those high notes too. What a performance. The children's choir. Wowee.

It's the 25th day of the 12th month. Don't let the bells end.

Eleventh Tune of Christmas: Merry Christmas Everybody - Slade

There's something about this one. I can't put my finger on it. They are right though the old ones are the best. I think it's because my Dad always sings this one but I just love it. The tune. The words. The fashion. The passion.

So here it is. Christmas Eve. Tomorrow my No.1. Look to the future.

Merry Christmas Everybody

Tenth Tune of Christmas: Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth - Bing Crosby & David Bowie

Into the Top 3 now!!!

This is fabulous. The interaction beforehand is phenomenal. Then come the duet.. pa rum pum pum pum. Then the break into the meaty stuff. So powerful. Plus I'm a massive Bowie fan so it's just fabulous.

Ninth Tune of Christmas: White Christmas - Bing Crosby

Bing. Bang. Boom.

This is the epitome of the season. That voice. We're all dreaming of it.

Eighth Tune of Christmas: Last Christmas - Wham

Wham is right. This smacks you right in the kisser. Heartfelt, delicate and wonderful. With this one George really wrapped it up and sent us Christmas. We won't ever give it away.

Seventh Tune of Christmas: Jingle Bell Rock - Billy Idol

Phwoar. What a tune. This man is definitely not I.D.L.E. but he is I.D.E.A.L.

Much like a mother I know this puts the Rock'n'Roll into Christmas. It also has the honour of being in the fabulous Mean Girls (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h81UOjlFmMs).

That's the jingle bell rock!

Sixth Tune of Christmas: Step Into Christmas - Elton John

Elton is the man. He's so casual about making music video he lets out an almighty yawn before this one. Also how nice of him to welcome us. Not enough artists welcome people to their songs these days. That out fit. BOMB. The shades the jacket. Rockin'.

We haven't even got to the tune yet. Perfectly encapsulates the upbeat joyous nature of the season. Loving it. This 1973 piece is still a favourite of mine.

Another great fact is the B Side to this was "Ho Ho Ho (Who'd be a Turkey at Christmas)".

Fifth Tune of Christmas: All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

Firstly I'd just like to say she can be quoted in the song saying she doesn't want much for Christmas. Nice Mariah, nobody likes a greedy guts. WAIT. You want a whole person?! What? That is a lot. If any kid asked for another human being there'd be a few eyebrows raised by parents.. thats practically slavery, I think.

I will, however, let you away with it as this is a great song. From those opening tinkles to the wave high notes. What a set of pipes. Nice and upbeat, bells ringing throughout. Great Stuff.

No socks for you Ms. Carey. You're getting a person and a surprise.

Fourth Tune of Christmas: Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen

Firstly this tune is a classic. Every person who was ever a child, that's all of us, knows the tune and words to this. This is proven by the fact the audience in this video who probably don't have english as their first language sing along PERFECTLY.

The guy who does the "Ho, Ho, Ho" also needs to be recognised as very talent. Sir you are talented at that "Ho, Ho, Ho".

Now that Saxophone. WOWEE

Bruce's hat and passion. Unbelievable. Merci Beaucoup to you Bruce.

Third Tune of Christmas: Please Come Home for Christmas - The Eagles.

Partly because The Eagles are immense. Partly because not many Christmas songs have a guitar solo. Mainly because a friend of mine, who is a self proclaimed Christmas aficionado, said I should. He was right. It is worthy. Released in 1978 and still a good 'un.

Second Tune of Christmas: Sleigh Ride - Spice Girls.

Bastions of all things 1990s, here are the girls really adding some spice to the mulled wine that is this list of songs with their version of Sleigh Ride.

The song was originally a light orchestral piece composed by Leroy Anderson but I think we'll all agree the world's favourite girl band really turned it up with this version. The song is characterised by some hilarious opening remarks by the girls. I sometimes wonder whether they are better than the song itself. They do make some valid points though. At least the footie is on.

Remember to go asleep on Christmas eve and if you can't be good be careful...

First Tune of Christmas: Carol of the Bells.

Carol of the Bells is a festive belter. There is no denying that. Harmonies galore and what not. It was composed by Mykola Leontovych in 1904 with lyrics by Peter J. Wilhousky. The song is based on a folk chant known in Ukrainian as “Shchedryk”.

In more recent time it has featured in Christmas Ads by Garmin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcPk6KKyfVE), The NBA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isPm79xTzM4), this house (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F44d2IzCrKo) and most importantly The Muppets (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysIzPF3BfpQ). On a slight side note I love The Muppets. A lot.

Anyway this is a great Christmas song. Especially because I can whistle along and my sister can play the piano to accompany my whistling. It is sucha powerful display of musical excellence and prowess. Oh the bell work. The video that is not my sister and I.

DING DONG

I've always wanted to do this, so I am. I will be releasing a song a day on the 12 days leading up to Christmas. And by releasing I mean just showing you on my blog a Christmas song you've probably already heard.

They are ranked in order of preference because you just have to have favourites so you do. The first song will be 12th in rank and the 12th song will be first in rank. Its all very confusing but just listen to the songs and enjoy them. OK?

Robx