Tinsel, turkeys and TV talent: The race for the Christmas Number One - page 2

10 months ago 20th Dec 08:15

Among those looking to reach the hallowed number one spot are veteran TV and radio presenter Sir Terry Wogan and Aled Jones, whose Christmas single 'Walking In The Air' reached the number five spot in 1985, with their cover of 'Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth' - most famously recorded by Bing Crosby and David Bowie - with profits going to Children in Need."Terry and I recorded it at the Abbey Road studios and couldn't stop laughing, as there was something so surreal about the whole thing," Aled said.Proving the sceptics wrong, winner of 'The X Factor' 2006 Leona Lewis has carved out a successful career and is also in the running, with her emotional take on Snow Patrol's 'Run' - not originally intended for release until a successful newspaper campaign forced record company bosses to make the decision to put out the single.British comedian Peter Kay is vying for the top spot with his TV talent show spoof 'Once Upon A Christmas Song', which he sings as fictional contestant Geraldine McQueen. At wacky as the idea sounds, Geraldine - who performs on the track alongside its co-writer, Take That's Gary Barlow - is actually the second favourite to top the charts in the run up to the big day."This is a proper old fashioned gamble, the likes of which we have not seen for many years. The song ticks all the boxes, it is a Christmas novelty song backed by one of the best loved comedians in the UK and at a time when the country needs something to laugh about. 'The Christmas Song' has to be a certainty to be the Christmas number two and dare I say it, it could do the unthinkable and beat 'The X Factor'," a spokesman from betting shop William Hill said.This claim is not as outlandish as it first seems - it's often the musical underdogs who achieve surprise chart success at Christmas. In 2003, instead of cheerful or novelty records Michael Andrews and Gary Jules' cover of Tears for Fears' 'Mad World' took the title, after it featured on the soundtrack to cult teen film 'Donnie Darko' and movie fans campaigned to make sure it won the top spot.Wrinkly rockers Status Quo have also decided to have a shot with 'It's Christmas Time', while veteran newscaster John Sargent - the undisputed star of 'The X Factor' rival 'Strictly Come Dancing' this year - showcases his vocal talents on 'Let's Not Fight This Christmas'.If that's not enough to get your festive juices flowing, fear not! Christmas would not be complete without The Pogues' 'Fairytale of New York' blaring out of every pub, shop and restaurant and this year is no different. As always the archetypal Christmas song has been wheeled out, as always there are cries of how vital it is to see it make number one, and as always, it will fail. Indie outfit The Wombats have had a bash with 'Is This Christmas' - but let's be honest, no-one expects it to make the Yuletide top spot. There are also efforts from Take That with 'Greatest Day', Rolf Harris with 'Two Little Boys', Katie Melua with 'Two Bare Feet' and Welsh male choir Only Men Allowed! with 'All By Myself'.The race for the UK Christmas number one is a uniquely British festive tradition, much like the Queen's Speech or arguing with the family over charades. Over the last five decades a huge variety of singles ranging from novelty one-hit wonders to seasonal ballads, festive party tunes to slick pop tracks have claimed the coveted top-spot.But what is it that makes the British public obsessed with Yuletide hits?It seems from the beginning of December until New Year's Day record-buyers forget about trends, good songwriting and even taste in many cases and embrace festive feel-good hits insisting, 'It's just a bit of fun'.Over the years, the charts have been graced with a bevy of seasonal tracks that have woven themselves into the fabric of British society. Recently, the festive top spot has been dominated by talent show winners. Last year saw 'The X Factor' champion Leon Jackson's cover of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston's duet 'When You Believe' soar to the top, while 2006 saw Leona Lewis from the same show clinch number one with 'A Moment Like This'. The trend for TV show winners to top the Yuletide chart began in 2005, when Shayne Ward beat off competition from heavyweight music stars like Eminem and Coldplay to take the top spot in the Christmas charts with 'That's My Goal'.In 2004, 'Band Aid 20' won the festive race, becoming the biggest selling single of the year in the process.Despite mixed reviews, the song - which was released to raise money for famine victims in Sudan, Africa - captured the imagination of the British public and went on to easily surpass the £8 million raised by the original Band Aid record in 1984.Originally the brainchild of The Sun newspaper and organised and recorded by original Band Aid founders and trustees Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the record - which was also penned by Bob and Midge - was made to mark 20 years since the first Band Aid went ahead.Featuring a galaxy of music stars, including Coldplay's Chris Martin, former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, Bono, Joss Stone, Robbie Williams, Will Young, Keane and Radiohead singer Thom Yorke, the recording of the song took place in a single day, before it was rushed to be pressed and distributed to radio stations around the country.In keeping with the tradition of Christmas singles, the quality of the music was secondary to the purpose of the track - Geldof, Martin and Bono all took swipes at critics who heaped criticism upon the song - which was to save lives.The success of the single ultimately inspired the Live8 charity concerts - featuring many of the artists who appeared on the record - which took place across the globe on July 2 2005, drawing attention to the plight of the population of the Third World.However, the cult of the Christmas number one is not just a noughties phenomenon. Think back to the 90s and you may reminisce about the dirty hair and dirtier clothes of grunge bands or the Oasis vs Blur fight which epitomised the Britpop movement, the decade was not without its fair share of cheesy Christmas classics.'Saviour's Day', released by the king of festive records Cliff Richard, and Whitney Houston's 1992 hit 'I Will Always Love You' - although not a festive song, the single holds the record for the longest-running Christmas number one after it topped the charts in November 1992 and stayed there for 10 weeks until February the next year - both soared to the yuletide top spot in the 90s.The highlight of the 90s, however, was the all-conquering girl group the Spice Girls, who became the first band since The Beatles to score three consecutive Christmas Number Ones from 1996 to 1998.Their 1998 winner 'Goodbye' was recorded without 'Ginger Spice' Geri Halliwell, who had quit the band earlier that year.British glam rockers Queen hit the top spot in 1991 with their re-release of 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.Released in the wake of Freddie Mercury's tragic death after a long battle with AIDS-related illnesses, the track was re-packaged as one half of a double A-side along with 'These Are The Days Of Our Lives'.Interestingly, the track going straight to the top of the charts means Queen are blessed as the only band to have landed the coveted Christmas Number One spot on two separate occasions with the same song. The first time it was a festive hit was in 1975.The 80s spawned just as many catchy but ultimately irritating festive number ones. The most famous has to be the original Christmas classic 'Do They Know It's Christmas?', which shot to the top spot in 1984, beating Wham's festive fare 'Last Christmas' into second place.Unlike 2004's re-working, the original Band Aid was a spontaneous affair and saw organisers Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure assemble a host of top musicians including Duran Duran, Freddie Mercury, Phil Collins, U2 and Paul Weller to record the track in order to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. As the story goes, Bob pulled out his little black book of pop star phone numbers and called as many of his friends as possible to get them to take part - that's not to say he called just anyone, Bob only bothered with the super famous in order to maximise interest in the record. Each performer agreed to give up their free time to make the track.Band Aid was given a British recording studio to use on November 25 but were allowed no more than 24 hours to record and mix the song, with recording taking place from 11am - 7pm. Director Nigel Dick was on hand to video what was taking place, with initial footage being sent to news rooms to be aired while the rest of the recording took place.Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley was the first to lay down his vocal, while a part sung by Status Quo was deemed unusable. It was replaced by a part sung by Paul Weller, Sting and Heaven 17 star Glenn Gregory.Paul Young has since revealed his opening lines were actually meant to be sung by David Bowie - who couldn't make the recording - while Boy George did not arrive until 6pm, after Bob woke him up by phoning him to have him flown from New York - his band Culture Club were in the middle of a US tour - on Concorde to record his solo.The next morning Bob appeared on the BBC Radio 1 breakfast show to promote the record and promised that every penny it raised would go to the cause. His comments sparked a furious stand off with the British government who refused to waive the VAT on sales. Bob publicly criticised the decision, and the government eventually relented. The single was released on November 29 and debuted at number one before going on to become the fastest-selling single of all time, hitting the top of the charts in 12 other countries, raising over £8 million in aid for famine victims in Ethiopia.Although easily being the biggest-selling Christmas single of the decade, the 80s was littered with several musical Christmas crackers.1985 saw Shakin' Stevens claim the top spot with 'Merry Christmas Everyone' and pensioners across the UK felt a warm glow when Sir Cliff was crowned the winner of 1988's race with 'Mistletoe and Wine'.However, it was the 70s where the true Christmas record - and not just a big-selling pop song - was born. Ridiculous costumes, songs about the season and the novelty factor reigned in what was a vintage era for fans of merry music.It also saw one of the most hotly contested races for the top spot in 1973, with two goliaths of Christmas singles battling it out for the prestigious title.Slade's 'Merry Christmas Everybody' and Wizzard's 'I Wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday' went head-to-head for the top spot.Wizzard, fronted by Roy Wood, recorded their single in the summer in a darkened studio, bedecked with tinsel and baubles, to create the appropriate atmosphere. Unlike modern pop singles, the record made its chart debut on December 1, entering at number 19 and slowly building momentum to claim pole-position.Although the single was hotly tipped to be that year's number one upon its release, it was eventually beaten by Slade's offering. The glam rockers - headed by singer Noddy Holder - had been riding on the crest of a wave after achieving phenomenal success with their unique brand of rock and gatecrashed the charts, going straight in at number one.The track stayed at the top for the next five weeks beating Wizzard into fourth spot in the process, the highlight of its reign being a memorable performance on BBC music show 'Top of the Pops' which saw the crowd invade the stage to join the band to deliver their raucous Christmas message.The festive single ultimately became the biggest-selling record of the whole decade in the UK.In contrast, not one Christmas number one in the entire 1960s had anything remotely to do with the season. The Beatles claimed three consecutive number ones but none of them mentioned, Jesus, crackers, stockings or mistletoe. There was one Beatles Christmas song, 'Christmas Time is Here Again', made in 1967, but it was only available for members of their fan club and so was not chart eligible.Although a groundbreaking decade for music, fans of genuine Christmas hits are better off skipping to the 70s or 80s for their Yuletide tunes.So there you have in all their glory the best of the best of UK Christmas number ones. Whether you love them or loathe them, you will have heard them before and, in the next few days, you will no doubt be hearing them again.So enjoy because, as Noddy would say: "It's Christmassssssssss!"Full list of UK Christmas number ones:(1) 1952 Al Martino 'Here In My Heart'(2) 1953 Frankie Laine 'Answer Me'(3) 1954 Winifred Atwell 'Let's Have Another Party'(4) 1955 Dickie Valentine 'Christmas Alphabet'(5) 1956 Johnnie Ray 'Just Walkin' In The Rain'(6) 1957 Harry Belafonte 'Mary's Boy Child'(7) 1958 Conway Twitty 'It's Only Make Believe'(8) 1959 Emile Ford and The Checkmates 'What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For'(9) 1960 Cliff Richard and The Shadows 'I Love You'(10) 1961 Danny Williams 'Moon River'(11) 1962 Elvis Presley 'Return To Sender'(12) 1963 The Beatles 'I Want To Hold Your Hand'(13) 1964 The Beatles 'I Feel Fine'(14) 1965 The Beatles 'Day Tripper / We Can Work It Out'(15) 1966 Tom Jones 'The Green Grass Of Home'(16) 1967 The Beatles Hello Goodbye(17) 1968 Scaffold 'Lily The Pink'(18) 1969 Rolf Harris 'Two Little Boys'(19) 1970 Dave Edmunds 'I Hear You Knockin'(20) 1971 Benny Hill 'Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West)'(21) 1972 Little Jimmy Osmond 'Long Haired Lover From Liverpoo'l(22) 1973 Slade 'Merry Xmas Everybody'(23) 1974 Mud 'Lonely This Christmas'(24) 1975 Queen 'Bohemian Rhapsody'(25) 1976 Johnny Mathis 'When A Child Is Born ('Soleado')(26) 1977 Wings 'Mull Of Kintyre' / 'Girls' School'(27) 1978 Boney M 'Mary's Boy Child-Oh My Lord'(28) 1979 Pink Floyd 'Another Brick In The Wall'(29) 1980 St Winifred's School Choir 'There's No One Quite Like Grandma'(30) 1981 The Human League 'Don't You Want Me'(31) 1982 Renee and Renato 'Save Your Love'(32) 1983 The Flying Pickets 'Only You'(33) 1984 Band Aid 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'(34) 1985 Shakin' Stevens 'Merry Christmas Everyone'(35) 1986 Jackie Wilson 'Reet Petite'(36) 1987 The Pet Shop Boys 'Always On My Mind'(37) 1988 Cliff Richard 'Mistletoe and Wine'(38) 1989 Band Aid II 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'(39) 1990 Cliff Richard 'Saviour's Day'(40) 1991 Queen 'Bohemian Rhapsody' / 'These Are The Days Of Our Lives'(41) 1992 Whitney Houston 'I Will Always Love You'(42) 1993 Mr Blobby 'Mr Blobby'(43) 1994 East 17 'Stay Another Day'(44) 1995 Michael Jackson 'Earth Song'(45) 1996 Spice Girls '2 Become 1'(46) 1997 Spice Girls 'Too Much'(47) 1998 Spice Girls 'Goodbye'(48) 1999 Westlife 'I Have A Dream' / 'Seasons In The Sun'(49) 2000 Bob The Builder 'Can We Fix It?'(50) 2001 Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman 'Somethin' Stupid'(51) 2002 Girls Aloud 'Sound of the Underground'(52) 2003 Michael Andrews featuring Gary Jules 'Mad World'(53) 2004 Band Aid 20 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'(54) 2005 Shayne Ward 'That's My Goal'(55) 2006 Leona Lewis 'A Moment Like This'(56) 2007 Leon Jackson 'When You Believe'By Hannah Ferrett