The elves & I here at 360 Degrees of Alternative have been very busy during the past 2 weeks. Between putting the finishing touches on our 1st annual Christmas CD and drinking way too much spiked eggnog, someone finally noticed that the blog hasn't been touched in a few weeks. We will dispense with the wrapping and bows, so you open this "gift" right now - Happy Holidays!!
First off, there's been quite a buzz on the net recently about the new Coldplay release. More details are starting to surface, so here's what we have so far: Chris Marting has informed the BBC that Coldplay’s next release will be a concept album. He explained it as being “from the point of view of two people who are a bit lost, two like-minded outsiders who meet in a very difficult environment and therefore have a journey together.” He said, “It’s a concept album but it's supposed to be very personal within a big framework. Does that make sense?" I don't know - I'm still back at the two lost people section... I also know that Brian Eno will produce this next album.
Here's a link to your 1st Christmas present: Click here to watch the "Christmas Lights" video.
The 2011 version of the annual three-day Bamboozle Festival will run April 29th, 30th and
I've been making a lot of mention as of late about all the new albums / releases that are due to hit the open market between January and the Summer 2011, with a big push in the Spring. Now, we're getting word of a great deal of tour announcements and dates. The following bands have scheduled tours for next year:
- Jimmy Eat World
- Foo Fighters
- My Chemical Romance
- Radiohead
- The Flaming Lips
- Cage The Elephant
... and that's just for starters.
The latest issue of "Rolling Stone" is doing a feature on the top 15 Christmas songs of all time. It is definitely a list for discussion. We here at 360 Degrees aren't going to get too wrapped (pardon the pun) in this, we are offering two things: our own list as well as our own CD... gift #2 to you!
In my book, here are some of the biggest alternative Christmas songs in history:
1). "Do They Know It's Christmas" by Band Aid.
Yeah, I know we've all heard this song a great many number of times over the past 26 years. But it's importance lies in the fact of the amount of charity that came out of it and the events like Live Aid that happened the following summer.
2). "Baby Please Come Home" by U2.
A one shot deal by the boys from Ireland. A fantastic remake of the 1963 Darlene Love classic. To add credibility, it's also on the 1st CD release for charity in conjunction with Special Olympics.
3). "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses.
One of the few Christmas songs I know that not only appeared on groups' greatest hits collection, but may have defined the band more than their staple, "I Know What Boys Want". When this song came out, alternative and rock in general, was way overdue for an original Christmas song. This track fit the bill in spades and is still widely played.
4). "Christmastime" by Smashing Pumpkins.
This song, which only appeared on the 3rd CD charitable release for Special Olympics, was also completely "out of character" for this group - which was a good thing. Many people, at first, thought this was a lead vocalist Bill Corgan solo project as there wasn't an electric guitar or drums or anything heavy to be found within 100 miles. The song showed just how versatile and talented the group could actually be.
5). "Merry Christmas Eve" by Better Than Ezra.
Another original song written and released a few years ago. It mostly gets played on rock and "modern" stations, but to this day, I cannot figure out why more stations don't play this song. It is very well written and composed - in fact, EVERY person who listens to this song for the first time, wants me to burn a copy for them or they go out and buy the song... it's THAT good.
Now, (attention: sales pitch ahead), all these songs (except for the
1st one) are on our 1st annual Christmas CD "360 Degrees Of Alternative Christmas". We have a few left if you would like one. 20 songs in all - no digital remastering, no BS... just great tunes. Something for everyone. Just drop us an email at alternatv@midcoast.com. Allow us a week or so to get you one in the mail.Another part in the blog title is "Christmas Madness Through The Years". This is the history part of the blog as I went back in time (pre-1983) & found some cool (and hysterical) alternative Christmas moments;
- 1982: New Order provides their fans with special 7" record containing "Rocking Carol". The B-side contains their version of Beethoven's "Song Of Joy". Only 4,400 are produced and all were given away in a rubber-stamped bag that also contained a party hat, a whistle, some streamers, and a bit of candy.
- 1982: On the opposite end of the spectrum, Fear also releases a holiday offering called "Fuck Christmas" - a song that clocks in at only 45 seconds long.
- 1980: The Police play a pair of Christmas concerts in a huge tent on Tooting Bec Common. The 5,000 capacity tent has it's own heating system, but no seats. Just as well though, their fans will have a chance to dance to keep warm.
- 1979: Elvis Costello was part of a huge Christmas concert that featured Paul McCartney & Wings, as well as Rockpile. I still find it ironic that at this juncture in music history, Wings were on their last legs and Costello was just starting to hit his prime...
- 1978: Ian Dury fans had that "sinking feeling" at his concert at the Ilford Odeon. The over-excited fans were midway through the show when the floorboards gave way under excessive pogo dancing and caved in. The only thing that saved the punters from a quick trip to the basement was a sagging carpet. Wow...
- 1977: How's this for a Christmas bash? The infamous NME Christmas party was underway at Dingwalls on the 24th. Music was provided by Dave Edmunds and The Flaming Groovies. Attending the party are members of The Clash, The Ramones, Motorhead, Thin Lizzy, Squeeze and many more!
Well, that's about all the time I have for today. The elves are screaming to use the stations' computer. Think I'll get them their own for Christmas...
Til next time, happy holidays & keep listening!
Peace out,
Dave
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