The Christmas number one: where charity songs and novelty acts are regarded as the cream of the crop for one week only. It is here the weird, wacky, wonderful and what the f- all congregate for the traditional Christmas sermon of tackiness from Sir Cliff.
The first Christmas number one actually on the subject of Christmas came in 1955, in the fourth year of the charts’ existence, with “Christmas Alphabet” by pop singer Dickie Valentine. However, it was only really in 1973 when the idea of Christmas songs gunning for number one was established, when Slade released their timeless “Merry Xmas Everybody” in a deliberate (and successful) ploy, beating out the other big song of the year; Wizzard’s wondrous “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday”. The following year saw Mud’s “Lonely This Christmas” and two years after that we had “When A Child Is Born” from Johnny Mathis. A...
The first Christmas number one actually on the subject of Christmas came in 1955, in the fourth year of the charts’ existence, with “Christmas Alphabet” by pop singer Dickie Valentine. However, it was only really in 1973 when the idea of Christmas songs gunning for number one was established, when Slade released their timeless “Merry Xmas Everybody” in a deliberate (and successful) ploy, beating out the other big song of the year; Wizzard’s wondrous “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday”. The following year saw Mud’s “Lonely This Christmas” and two years after that we had “When A Child Is Born” from Johnny Mathis. A...
- 12/7/2012
- by Andrew Edkins
- Obsessed with Film
In 1963, the Beatles became the biggest band in Britain. Here are some authentic slices of the hysteria that greeted their concerts, courtesy of the British Pathé newsreel archive
Along with much of the mainstream British media, Pathé came to the Beatles comparatively late in 1963. Its October feature Tribute to Disc Stars is the first clip I've found that mentions the group, and that's in the context of a Variety Club bash at the Savoy – a 60s equivalent of today's BPI awards.
Here is the British music establishment of the day. The run-down of the guests gives you an idea of what the Beatles were up against in 1963: Frank Ifield, Joe Brown, Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson, Acker Bilk, Cyril Stapleton, Anne Shelton, Eddie Calvert, Charlie Drake, Dickie Valentine. Apart from Joe Brown and Frank Ifield, nary a hint of pop flash among the lot of them.
The point of...
Along with much of the mainstream British media, Pathé came to the Beatles comparatively late in 1963. Its October feature Tribute to Disc Stars is the first clip I've found that mentions the group, and that's in the context of a Variety Club bash at the Savoy – a 60s equivalent of today's BPI awards.
Here is the British music establishment of the day. The run-down of the guests gives you an idea of what the Beatles were up against in 1963: Frank Ifield, Joe Brown, Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson, Acker Bilk, Cyril Stapleton, Anne Shelton, Eddie Calvert, Charlie Drake, Dickie Valentine. Apart from Joe Brown and Frank Ifield, nary a hint of pop flash among the lot of them.
The point of...
- 11/28/2012
- by Jon Savage
- The Guardian - Film News
Sam Taylor-Wood’s feature-film debut Nowhere Boy, is a thoroughly engaging biopic of John Lennon’s teenage years, chronicling his journey as a musician from his first guitar purchase to the formation of his first band, The Quarrymen, and their eventual evolution into The Beatles. That is what you’d expect from a John Lennon biopic, and undoubtedly a reason why many will go see the film, but what really gives the film depth and soul is the focus it gives to his early home life with two mother figures- his Aunt Mimi and his mother Julia.
John (played by Kick Ass lead Aaron Johnson) has spent much of his childhood living with his Uncle George and Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas). George is loving and playful, often horsing around with young John, while Mimi is stern and emotionally reserved. When George unexpected passes away, John finds himself feeling lost, making...
John (played by Kick Ass lead Aaron Johnson) has spent much of his childhood living with his Uncle George and Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas). George is loving and playful, often horsing around with young John, while Mimi is stern and emotionally reserved. When George unexpected passes away, John finds himself feeling lost, making...
- 10/8/2010
- by Kristen Coates
- The Film Stage
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