Christmas music time!

[regshoe]

Watch on YouTube

(I am usually loyal to the Steeleye Span version, but I've recently learnt of the existence of this one, and I love it.)

Comments

[sovay]

(I am usually loyal to the Steeleye Span version, but I've recently learnt of the existence of this one, and I love it.)

I've never heard it by anyone other than Steeleye Span!

[regshoe]

There are various more 'classic choral carol'-type recordings—I like those, and I like this sort of modern take on it too, but I do really like that Steeleye's version is both very good and not really either of those styles.

[sovay]

There are various more 'classic choral carol'-type recordings—I like those, and I like this sort of modern take on it too, but I do really like that Steeleye's version is both very good and not really either of those styles.

It's very much in the same spirit as the opening of their "Boys of Bedlam," which sounds genuinely out of time and weird before the rest of the band kicks in.

Anyway, because of this video, I meant to ask if you'd encountered Annie Lennox doing "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen."

[theseatheseatheopensea]

That's such a great version! I mentioned Erasure's cover of In the bleak midwinter in a comment below, so it's only fair to mention Annie's version too, which is also lovely! <3

[regshoe]

I love their stacked harmonies, and that's another good one!

I meant to ask if you'd encountered Annie Lennox doing "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen."

I had not! Thank you for the rec—who knew 'people who contributed to the Kidnapped soundtrack record Christmas carols' was such a good theme :D

[sovay]

Thank you for the rec—who knew 'people who contributed to the Kidnapped soundtrack record Christmas carols' was such a good theme

I should obviously look up the Kidnapped soundtrack.

[regshoe]

To be clear, 'the Kidnapped soundtrack' is not, like, an official thing, it's just the set of songs they used in the play. But there's a list here, if you'd like to have a look :D

[garonne]

I am usually loyal to the Steeleye Span version

Me too, but that Erasure version is pretty cool. Thanks for introducing me to it!

[regshoe]

It is cool, isn't it! Cool weird video, too.

[dr_zook]

Thank you for introducing me to the Steeleye Span version! I'm a bit lagging behind here, don't mind me. :D

[regshoe]

Not at all, it's always a good time to discover Steeleye Span :D

[dr_zook]

I actually discovered them when I stumbled over 2010's Golden Shroud by outstanding musician and singer Rose Kemp, daughter of Maddy Prior and Rick Kemp. :D

[regshoe]

Well, it's always a good time to discover new-to-you Steeleye songs, then :D I knew of Rose Kemp's existence but I don't think I've listened to any of her music—I should check it out at some point.

[theseatheseatheopensea]

Erasure can do no wrong, and this is just one example why! <3 They also did this song in a cappella style, and a really nice version of "In the bleak midwinter" too!

[regshoe]

Oh, thank you for all the recs! 'In the Bleak Midwinter' is one of my favourite carols, and while that version sounds very different from most of the takes I like, I do like it a lot too. What a good thing.

...and to bring things full circle, Steeleye Span also do a lovely version of 'In the Bleak Midwinter' :D

[starshipfox]

omg this version is incredible! thank you for linking to it.

what is the screenshot from?

[regshoe]

It's great, isn't it :D

The screenshot is from last year's Doctor Who Christmas special, a one-line character whom I immediately found very relatable.