Holly and the Ivys - Christmas on 45
One would not associate the frontmen of Pink Floyd and The Dream Academy with a Yuletide take on Stars on 45, but that's precisely what David Gilmour and Nick Laird-Clowes did with Christmas on 45, recorded under the moniker of Holly And The Ivys. Laird-Clowes had gotten to know Gilmour in the 1970s through being an assistant with counter-culture figure Jeff Dexter, and even recruited Gilmour's brother Mark as guitarist for his band The Act. That friendship led to the creation of this record, a medley comprising O Come, All Ye Faithful, Once In Royal David’s City, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Ding Dong Merrily On High, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Away In A Manger, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Interestingly, although Laird-Clowes is credited as the writer of the B-side Have Mercy On The Child, Gilmour is not credited at all, and the nearest thing to a production credit was "Arranged by Rock Music Co. Ltd". That said, those in the know would recognise Gilmour's trademark guitar playing on the A-side. Whilst the record has a similar syncopated rhythm to the Stars on 45 records popular that same year, the inclusion of an orchestra and a choir gives it a lush, seasonal feel, reinforced all the more by the focus on traditional Christmas carols. It is probably one of the better examples of the Christmas medley, and certainly one that conveys the spirit of the season. Even with handclaps.
Written by: Rev GW Woodward / Traditional
Produced by: David Gilmour and Nick Laird-Clowes (uncredited)
Santa Records SANTA 1 / #40
From the Kindle book "80s UK Christmas Singles" -- a bargain at 99p!
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