Thanks for Christmas
"Thanks for Christmas" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by the Three Wise Men | ||||
B-side | "Countdown to Christmas Party Time" | |||
Released | 1983 | |||
Recorded | 1983 | |||
Studio | Crescent Studios, Bath | |||
Genre | Christmas | |||
Length | 3:52 | |||
Label | Virgin | |||
Songwriter(s) | Andy Partridge | |||
Producer(s) | The Three Wise Men, The Good Lord | |||
XTC singles chronology | ||||
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"Thanks for Christmas" is a song by the English band XTC, credited as "the Three Wise Men" and written by Andy Partridge It was released by Virgin Records in late 1983 as a holiday single backed with "Countdown to Christmas Party Time". The song made its first album appearance on the 1990 compilation album Rag and Bone Buffet: Rare Cuts and Leftovers.
Overview
"Thanks for Christmas" was a novelty song recorded to test Crescent Studios owner David Lord's potential as a producer for XTC. It was recorded in late 1983, shortly before sessions commenced for the album The Big Express (1984).[1] Originally, the group wanted to be credited as "the Virgin Marys" for the single, but the record label objected.[2] According to Partridge, "I like the idea of anonymous music, and I thought I'd put together a song and then find an act to do it."[2] It is the only instance in the band's catalog where Partridge and Moulding share lead vocals.[2]
Another song, "Countdown to Christmas Party Time", was recorded as the single's B-side. Partridge described the song as "all-out stupid funky" and "ersatz Michael Jackson or something". Erica Wexler contributed backing vocals and David Lord is credited as "The Good Lord" on the record sleeve.[2]
Personnel
XTC
- Andy Partridge
- Colin Moulding
- Dave Gregory
Cover versions
In December 2022 american alternative rock band Lazlo Bane released a music video for the song.[3]
References
- ^ Twomey, Chris (1992). XTC: Chalkhills and Children. London: Omnibus Press. p. 136. ISBN 9780711927582.
- ^ a b c d Bernhardt, Todd; Partridge, Andy. "Andy discusses 'Thanks for Christmas'". Chalkhills.
- ^ "Thanks For Christmas (Lazlo Bane)". youtube.com. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
External links
- "Thanks for Christmas" on Chalkhills
- v
- t
- e
- Andy Partridge
- Colin Moulding
- Terry Chambers
- Barry Andrews
- Dave Gregory
- White Music
- Go 2
- Drums and Wires
- Black Sea
- English Settlement
- Mummer
- The Big Express
- 25 O'Clock
- Skylarking
- Psonic Psunspot
- Oranges & Lemons
- Nonsuch
- Apple Venus Volume 1
- Wasp Star (Apple Venus Volume 2)
- Live in Concert
- Waxworks: Some Singles 1977–1982
- Beeswax: Some B-Sides 1977–1982
- The Compact XTC
- Chips from the Chocolate Fireball
- Explode Together: The Dub Experiments 78-80
- Rag and Bone Buffet: Rare Cuts and Leftovers
- Drums and Wireless: BBC Radio Sessions 77–89
- Fossil Fuel: The XTC Singles 1977–92
- Upsy Daisy Assortment
- Transistor Blast: The Best of the BBC Sessions
- Coat of Many Cupboards
- Apple Box
- Psurroundabout Ride
- "Statue of Liberty"
- "This Is Pop?"
- "Life Begins at the Hop"
- "Making Plans for Nigel"
- "Generals and Majors"
- "Towers of London"
- "Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)"
- "Respectable Street"
- "Senses Working Overtime"
- "Ball and Chain"
- "Great Fire
- "Wonderland"
- "Love on a Farmboy's Wages"
- "Thanks for Christmas"
- "All You Pretty Girls"
- "This World Over"
- "Wake Up"
- "Grass"
- "The Meeting Place"
- "Dear God"
- "Mayor of Simpleton"
- "King for a Day"
- "The Loving"
- "The Disappointed"
- "The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead"
- "Easter Theatre"
- A Testimonial Dinner: The Songs of XTC
- Fuzzy Warbles
- Great Aspirations
- Homespun
- Homegrown
- Instruvenus
- Take Away / The Lure of Salvage
- Waspstrumental
- XTC: This Is Pop
- Planet England