A Christmas heart-breaker
I don’t know what the consensus is these days on Phil Spector’s A Christmas Gift To You - is he now as vilified as Gary Glitter? I don’t believe so, though I offer no defence for his actions. Whatever the man may have been like, there was some great music and that famous ‘Wall Of Sound.’
One of the best known songs from A Christmas Gift To You is ‘Christmas (Baby Plase Come Home),’ as performed by darlene Love.This has been covered on numerous occasions, some of them almost as old as the original, which is now 46 years old.
Darlene Love is still performing live. Another song recorded in 1992 ‘All Alone On Christmas’ turned up on the soundtrack to both Home Alone 2 and Love, Actually. She is due to be inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame next year. About time.
So here are her original, and some notable covers:
Darlene Love -’Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).’ mp3
U2 -’Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).’ mp3
Arab Strap -’Xmas (Baby please Come Home).’ mp3
Death Cab For Cutie -’Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).’ mp3
Slow Club -’Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).’ mp3
I think this was always my favourite track on the album, but like any Christmas song which gets significant airtime, it has lost its edge for me. So it goes. Many of your other posts have been new to me, so keep ‘em coming!
Will do…the covers all have their charms, particularly the Arab Strap one…
My all time favourite Christmas track. Can’t believe that fucking Bonzo and the other three covered it, just the latest in a long line of grievances I have against the self righteous cunt. Thank god I have never heard it, is it as bad as I imagine?
Love the Arab Strap and Slow Club versions.
Obviously I’m a big fan of the Arab Strap one.
As for the original album, Spector hate seems to be a bit more restrained, but either way I still think it is the most perfect collection of Christmas songs anyone has ever, or possibly will ever, put together.
Drew - it’s ok, but if you don’t like U2, it’s probably not going to change your mind!
Jim - you’re right, I think Spector hate has been more restrained. It is an excellent compilation of songs.