William's Song a Day Blog - est. September 2007

From: Happy X-Mas (War Is Over) (single); Year: 1971; Genre: Pop/Rock Well, Christmas Day has arrived, so here's another wish for a Merry Christmas. I had this track running through my mind this morning; thought I would do as I always do, especially with the day it is. As with a lot of Lennon's post-Beatles material this holiday favourite is rife with activism. Hear Happy X-Mas (War Is Over) on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Midnight Clear My song pick two years ago today: Jethro Tull - A Winter Snowscape My song pick three years ago today: Elvis Presley - Blue Christmas My song pick four years ago today: Steeleye Span - Gaudete My song pick five years ago today: Ian Anderson - A Birthday Card At Christmas My song pick six years ago today: Jethro Tull - Another Christmas Song My song pick seven years ago today: Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Wish Liszt (Toy Shop Madness)

A few weeks ago this song, as well as others from this album, were all over the place. Later, I found out that it was because of John Lennon's birthday that these songs had so much play. This album in my opinion is fantastic; it often gets unfairly maligned because it was one of the first offerings from John Lennon after the break-up of the Beatles. Plus Yoko Ono, who bore much of the brunt of the break-up from fans, was involved with this project as well. I love the dynamic that Klaus Voorman's bass playing brings to this song, as well as the rest on the album; he blends quite well into the group. I love the way the chords that he plays on the bass fit so well. Here is the studio version on YouTube. +