Merry Chris-mix 2025

As usual I've trawled through You Tube (which now seems to be awash with AI generated crap) to find a genuine funk and soul mix to make your yule extra cool and this year's winner is courtesy of Onze Rayons. 

As is also usual I'm off for my annual digital detox now, so have yourselves a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

I'm Free - The Who

 For those of us lucky enough to have a little bit of time off over Christmas...

Lazy Day - Spanky & Our Gang

Another random CD I picked up recently, this time by the delightfully named Spanky & Our Gang, purveyors of classic sunshine pop...and we could all do with a whole heap of that right now. Play this 10 times in a row and I'll guarantee you'll feel at least 38% better. 

T Shirt - David Byrne

Been meaning to post this new one from David Byrne for a few weeks now, the video's well worth a watch too. You can't beat an amusing/inspirational t-shirt can you eh? 

Welcome to Burning-By-Sea - Joe Jackson

Tribal sea shanty anyone? Joe Jackson's chameleon career continues with what appears to be a love hate anthem for the good old British seaside and, quite possibly, Britain itself. It's a catchy bugger too. 

La Vie en Rose presents...volume one

Feeling that pre Christmas lull? Cop a listen to this then. I picked it up on CD last weekend for just 20p and it's hi-nrg-tastic from start to finish. 

Hairstyle Of The Devil - Momus

Picked up yet another of those 100 tracks from the 80s 5 CD compilations at the weekend and amongst all of the usual suspects was this Momus tracks. I do love a bit of Momus and it never ceases to amaze me that he never really made it when you listen to stuff like this. If you like Pet Shop Boys you'll love it. 

I Didn't Come Here For Art - Lynks

Blimey, where's the time going eh? If your pre-Christmas wind down is turning into a festive wind-up give this track a spin and have a dance around your office/kitchen/prison cell (I know my audience). 

Steve Cropper RIP

Another musical genius joins that great gig in the sky. If all Steve Cropper had done was to co-write (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay that'd be enough, but he played on some of the greatest soul songs of all time too. Oh hang on...he also co-wrote Knock On Wood and In The Midnight Hour too?! Not too shabby eh? Here are just three other tracks that Cropper added a little magic to...

Dr. Ice Cold - Room Service

Another instant classic from Room Service. Drop this at the Christmas party and you're guaranteed to pull. Hell yeah. 

Gemini Rising - New Orleans Saxophone Ensemble

Managed to limit myself to just the two CDs over the weekend, one of them a compilation of New Orleans music entitled Jockomo Jockomo (you can pick it up online for less than a fiver). It's a cracking comp featuring, amongst other gems, this track. Cool eh?