Band Aid 20

[BadCoverVersion]

So, here's all the news just in case you're interested...

Line-up

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/04/entertainment_enl_1100527005/img/1.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40527000/gif/_40527827_band_aid_inf416.gif

Front row (left to right)

* 1. Matt Jay (Busted)
* 2. Charlie Simpson (Busted)
* 3. James Bourne (Busted)
* 4. Lemar
* 5. Rachel Stevens
* 6. Estelle
* 7. Will Young
* 8. Jamelia
* 9. Natasha Bedingfield
* 10. Olly Knights (Turin Brakes)
* 11. Gale Paridjanian (Turin Brakes)
* 12. Tim Wheeler (Ash)

Second row

* 13. Damon Albarn (Blur/Gorillaz)
* 14. Shaznay Lewis
* 15. Midge Ure
* 16. Ms Dynamite
* 17. Joss Stone
* 18. Beverley Knight
* 19. Daniel Bedingfield
* 20. Mutya Buena (Sugababes)
* 21. Heidi Range (Sugababes)
* 22. Keisha Buchanan (Sugababes)

Third row

* 23. Katie Melua
* 24. Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy)
* 25. Skye Gordon (Morcheeba)
* 26. Tom Chaplin (Keane)
* 27. Tim Rice-Oxley (Keane)
* 28. Roisin Murphy (Moloko)
* 29. Fran Healy (Travis)
* 30. Dougie Payne (Travis)
* 31. Andy Dunlop (Travis)
* 32. Nigel Godrich (producer)
* 33. Bob Geldof
* 34. Grant Nicholas (Feeder)

Back row

* 35. Padraic McMahon (The Thrills)
* 36. Kevin Horan (The Thrills)
* 37. Daniel Ryan (The Thrills)
* 38. Ben Carrigan (The Thrills)
* 39. Conor Deasy (The Thrills)
* 40. Gary Lightbody (Snow Patrol)
* 41. Nathan Connolly (Snow Patrol)
* 42. Mark McClelland (Snow Patrol)
* 43. Jonathan Quinn (Snow Patrol)
* 44. Tom Simpson (Snow Patrol)
* 45. Justin Hawkins (The Darkness)
* 46. Dan Hawkins (The Darkness)
* 47. Frankie Poullain (The Darkness)
* 48. Ed Graham (The Darkness)

Missing in action

* Bono
* Robbie Williams
* Dizzee Rascal
* Paul McCartney

[BadCoverVersion]

From BBC News (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4015231.stm)

The new Band Aid single has received its world premiere on BBC Radio 1.

Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid 20, was broadcast at 0800 GMT during the Chris Moyles Breakfast show on Tuesday.

The song, featuring artists including Bono, Coldplay's Chris Martin and Dido, is a remake of the 1984 original.

The new version features a reworked chorus, rapping from Dizzee Rascal, guitar riffs from The Darkness, and Martin on the piano.

The single will raise money for food aid in Darfur, Sudan, when it is commercially released on 29 November.

Bono was persuaded by Bob Geldof to perform the powerful line "Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you" after singing it on the 1984 original.

The U2 frontman returned from Ireland to record the new rendition and said he took a different approach to his first "raw" contribution.

His version was used instead of one recorded by Justin Hawkins from The Darkness.

Will Young, who duetted with R&B star Jamelia on the single, told the Chris Moyles Breakfast Show recording the song had been an "emotional" experience.

He said: "We all got into the studio and it was slightly overwhelming to see everyone in there together.

"But then Bob Geldof showed us a video of what it was like 20 years ago for children and their parents in Africa.

"Everyone was in tears but it focussed us on why we were there. Suddenly we realised there was a point to it all."

The video, which premieres on BBC One this Thursday, features stars including Joss Stone, Jamelia, and Busted, who also took part in the recording sessions at the weekend.

The single will be titled Band Aid 20 to mark the 20th anniversary of the original song, which involved stars such as George Michael, Duran Duran and Phil Collins.

It was organised by Geldof after he saw news footage of the starving in Ethiopia, and sold more than 3.5 million copies in the UK alone.

The funds from Band Aid 20 will mainly go to fighting famine in Africa, particularly in the war-ravaged Sudanese region of Darfur.

But the World Development Movement - which campaigns for international development - said many of the song lyrics were "patronising, false and out of date".

The organisation condemned the "negative stereotypes" depicted in the song and regretted it did not "provide a more accurate reflection of Africa and its problems".

Director of WDM, Mark Curtis, said: "The song perpetuates the myth that Africa's problems can somehow be blamed on lack of rainfall and failed harvests.

"It conjures up an image of a continent inhabited entirely by starving children with flies on their faces sitting in the sunbaked bed of a dried up stream."

But the organisation added that it did not want to discourage people from buying the record.

Sold on CD for £3.99 and also available as a download, the new version is hot favourite to be Christmas number one in the UK this year.

Retailers expect to sell about 500,000 copies in its first week on sale.

Woolworths and Virgin Megastores will give their proceeds to the Band Aid Trust charity.

Band Aid 20 - Who sings what

Chris Martin (Coldplay) - It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid. At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade

Dido - And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy. Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time.

Robbie Williams - But say a prayer, Pray for the other ones. At Christmas time it's hard, but when you're having fun.

Sugababes - There's a world outside your window, and it's a world of dread and fear.

Fran Healy (Travis) - Where the only water flowing

Fran Healy and the Sugababes - Is the bitter sting of tears

Fran Healy and Justin Hawkins (The Darkness) - And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom

Bono - Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you

Will Young and Jamelia - And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time. The greatest gift they'll get this year is life

Ms Dynamite and Beverly Knight - (Oooh) Where nothing ever grows, no rain nor rivers flow

Group of 10 and Joss Stone - Do they know it's Christmas time at all?

Tom Chaplin (Keane) - Here's to you

Justin Hawkins - Raise a glass for everyone

Dizzee Rascal - Spare a thought this yuletide for the deprived, if the table was turned would you survive

Busted - Here's to them

Justin Hawkins - Underneath that burning sun

Dizzee Rascal - You ain't gotta feel guilt just selfless, give a little help to the helpless

Joss Stone and Justin Hawkins - Do they know it's Christmas time at all?

Tom Chaplin - Feed the world

Tom Chaplin and Chris Martin - Feed the world

Tom Chaplin, Chris Martin and Sugababes - Feed the world

Everyone - Feed the world, let them know it's Christmas time again (repeated)

Fran Healy - Wooo

Group of 10 - Feed the world

Everyone - Feed the world (repeated to end)

Joss Stone - Ad-libs over outro

[BadCoverVersion]

***Apologies for the multiple posts, but it just makes it all a little easier to read***

Anyway...opinions anyone?

I personally like the new fangled version. I've heard it about 5 times today and it's a definite grower. It doesn't quite pack the same emotional punch as the original...it's more sombre in tone, and the vocals take a backseat to the moody music and Queen-esque guitars smattered throughout.

But it's no carbon copy of the 1984 classic...and that's just grand in my humble opinion.

My favourite vocals come courtesy of Will & Jamelia, Tom Chaplin, Bono and Dizzee Rascal. Chris Martin and Dido sound like they can't really be arsed and The Sugababes sound quite horrible if truth be told.

It all goes a wee bit pear-shaped at the end with noisy instuments, random chimes and Joss Stones' insipid ad-libbing. But aside from that...um, I like!

:D

I also think it'll improve with each listen.

BUY IT!

[Voodoodoll]

Damn I haven't heard this yet! I'm really looking forward to it though. I love the original and any song with Will, Jamelia and Joss Stone is cool with me. It's a super cause to boot.

:)

[jeo4]

I loved the first one. I'll listen to the second one and save my opinion until I hear it a couple of times.

[BorderEevilIII]

I have yet to hear this new lineup. Is it gonna be better than B.A. 2? I didn't like their version. And hmmmmmmmmmm not much representation of USA artists here or am I overlooking the lineup. The only one I think is the group Travis or are they Canadian? :confused:

[SAI]

i don't think its a particularly good record, but thats hardly the point. I'll buy a copy.

[Raymond Babbit]

They need to find bigger people for that. I only recognized like, 5 names on there

[The Heart Collector]

Dizzee Rascal? HAHAHA.

[notchreturns]

It's all over the place, seems kinda rushed...errrrr.

[PrettyInPink]

I like it. So im buying it. :p

No really, I think it's actually great. They have changed it and worked it in a whole new way which is always good with such a big song.

It's got Will in it so what more do I need. Will was on Radio 1 with Chris Moyles the other morning talking about it, what a laugh they have together. It was a great interview and sounded like it was a lot of fun doing the record with everyone.

Im sure it's gonna be a winner anyway and if it can help people all the better.

God bless Bob Geldoff. :)

[scottish-movie-freak]

I despise more than half the acts so I'm wary of picking it up. Yeah, it's for a good cause but I'm not so sure if I want to further Rachel Stevens pop career, even if all the money is going to charity.

[scottish-movie-freak]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
Fran Healy - Wooo[/B]

Don't know why but this made me laugh.

[scottish-movie-freak]

Originally posted by BorderEevilIII
I have yet to hear this new lineup. Is it gonna be better than B.A. 2? I didn't like their version. And hmmmmmmmmmm not much representation of USA artists here or am I overlooking the lineup. The only one I think is the group Travis or are they Canadian? :confused:

Travis are Scottish!

[BorderEevilIII]

Originally posted by scottish-movie-freak
Travis are Scottish!

they are?
well whoopsies on me... :D

[Korny]

hm.........Bland.

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by PrettyInPink
God bless Bob Geldoff. :)

Hear, hear to that!

With knobs on...

Originally posted by BorderEevilIII
I have yet to hear this new lineup. Is it gonna be better than B.A. 2? I didn't like their version. And hmmmmmmmmmm not much representation of USA artists here or am I overlooking the lineup. The only one I think is the group Travis or are they Canadian.

To be fair Band Aid is a distinctly British concept (Bob is a national treasure)...and I can't actually think of one American artiste involved in the previous line-ups right now (not straight off the bat anyway). I believe I'm right in thinking that "We Are The World" was the American alternative to "Do They Know".

An updated American anthem would be a grand idea...as long as they forget to invite Norah Jones.

Anyway, I'm still loving this new single. Unlike most I reckon Dizzee's rap is a stroke of genius.

Thumbs all the way up.

[BorderEevilIII]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
Hear, hear to that!

With knobs on...



To be fair Band Aid is a distinctly British concept (Bob is a national treasure)...and I can't actually think of one American artiste involved in the previous line-ups right now (not straight off the bat anyway). I believe I'm right in thinking that "We Are The World" was the American alternative to "Do They Know".



Well I googled "Band AId" and found this link that had listings of artists from the original Band AId. I dunno if its a complete list but here it is.....


Bananarama
Bob Geldof
Culture Club
David Bowie
Duran Duran
Eurythmics
Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Heaven 17
Human League
Kool and the Gang <---- hmmmmm American.....
Midge Urge
Paul McCartney
Paul Young
Phil Collins
Spandau Ballet
Status Quo
Sting
The Style Council
U2
Wham!

Also, I know Jody Watley was there too.... :D

[Bullet Tooth Tony]

The first time I heard it was the premiere of the vid at 5.50 didnt really like it but I will buy it.

[Voodoodoll]

I just bought this from the official site. The Dizzee Rascal rap? Absolute magic :D I really like the new version. I think it's some nice work from everyone involved.

I still like the original best. Mostly because I don't like Dido and Chris Martin's voices and there's no Boy George in this one! I had real problems telling Bono, Justin and Fran apart :confused:

[Bullet Tooth Tony]

Originally posted by Bullet Tooth Tony
The first time I heard it was the premiere of the vid at 5.50 didnt really like it but I will buy it.

Bought it.

[Psychocandy]

Originally posted by Bullet Tooth Tony
Bought it.

Me too. Still haven't listened to it though.

[Spacey_Norton21]

I coulda swore that Thom Yorke (playing piano) and Jonny Greenwood (playing guitar), members of Radiohead, were in this thing. I'm almost positive. But no mention of them?

Am I wrong or misinformed?

Here is a link. http://www.greenplastic.com/ (http://)

It's the fourth or fifth news bulletin down...

[Indiana Sev]

What a truly stupid idea this was. That song should not have been messed with, it was perfect as is.

Are they so lazy and unoriginal that they can't compose a new Christmas song in order to raise money?

Shame on all of them! I would be angry about this even if the remake was decent, which it isn't even close to being. It's completely ruined and tainted the wholesome and pleasant feeling I got from the original Band Aid and its song. What's next, Band Aid 40 in another 20 years? Yeah, let's keep doing this until we completely forget how and when this started and who was involved in the original. I'm a big fan of Bob Geldof but I am really disappointed that he approved this fiasco.

And the video made me want to fling my TV out the window of my apartment building.

Once again, shame on them!!

This is a big joke!

It's always commendable to be charitable this time of year, heck any time of the year really, I have no problem with that, but this is one of the most uninspired ways of doing it I have ever heard of.

I pray to God that the reason they only got a bunch of mostly lackluster bands and artists is because the real famous and renowned Brit artists didn't want to be a part of this despicable undertaking.

[Psychocandy]

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
What a truly stupid idea this was. That song should not have been messed with, it was perfect as is.

Are they so lazy and unoriginal that they can't compose a new Christmas song in order to raise money?

Shame on all of them! I would be angry about this even if the remake was decent, which it isn't even close to being. It's completely ruined and tainted the wholesome and pleasant feeling I got from the original Band Aid and its song. What's next, Band Aid 40 in another 20 years? Yeah, let's keep doing this until we completely forget how and when this started and who was involved in the original. I'm a big fan of Bob Geldof but I am really disappointed that he approved this fiasco.

And the video made me want to fling my TV out the window of my apartment building.

Once again, shame on them!!

This is a big joke!

It's always commendable to be charitable this time of year, heck any time of the year really, I have no problem with that, but this is one of the most uninspired ways of doing it I have ever heard of.

I pray to God that the reason they only got a bunch of mostly lackluster bands and artists is because the real famous and renowned Brit artists didn't want to be a part of this despicable undertaking.

I think you're missing the point. The song doesn't matter. I actually think the original is shit and the new song a complete travesty. Didn't stop me from buying it though. Frankly if the success of the earlier version lends itself to the new version selling a couple of hundred thousand copies more than it might have had it been a new composition then kudos to all involved.

[42ndStreetFreak]

Lame song made worse.

Just drop some money in a collecting tin if you feel the need and get the 'stars' on this to donate a 10th of their yearly earnings.

Do us all a favour.

[Indiana Sev]

Originally posted by Psychocandy
I think you're missing the point. The song doesn't matter. I actually think the original is shit and the new song a complete travesty. Didn't stop me from buying it though. Frankly if the success of the earlier version lends itself to the new version selling a couple of hundred thousand copies more than it might have had it been a new composition then kudos to all involved.

I guess we'll never know now how much a new composition would have sold. I'm willing to bet that if they had come out with a new song that was of great quality, it would have helped even more. It's plain laziness, that's all it is.

And the song does matter to a lot of people who have special memories of it and liked it. Like me, those people see this as an opportunistic way these guys found to take a short cut to raise money this year.

Again, I have no problem with their goal and intentions, it's the way they went about it that leaves a really bad taste in my mouth.

I'd venture to guess that they would have raised almost as much for the cause if they re-released the original single and pleaded for people to buy that instead. That, I would've had no problem with.

Don't even get me started on the 'rap' section on the new single. Brrr.....

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
What a truly stupid idea this was. That song should not have been messed with, it was perfect as is.

Do They Know It's Christmas is a successful 'charidee' record...perhaps the only one I actually enjoy listening to. The song has not been 'messed with', the original still exists as its own separate entity. Band Aid 20 have simply injected new life into 'the project' and introduced a landmark song to a whole new generation of children and young adults whom would quite frankly stare at you with empty-eyed dumbfoundment if you were to mention the names Heaven 17, Status Quo and The Style Council to them.

Lest we forget Sir Bob and Co. are also raising countless millions for a significant cause in the process. That is, after all what Band Aid is all about.

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
Are they so lazy and unoriginal that they can't compose a new Christmas song in order to raise money?

"Lazy and unoriginal" are the last words I'd associate with great men like Sir Bob and Midge. I don't think you quite appreciate the effort that has actually gone into getting this project up and on the road for the THIRD time running!

The concept of Band Aid 20 came about only mere weeks ago when proposed by a popular British tabloid newspaper. Bob and Midge have barely had time to scratch their own arses, never mind compose a new track.

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
Shame on all of them! I would be angry about this even if the remake was decent, which it isn't even close to being. It's completely ruined and tainted the wholesome and pleasant feeling I got from the original Band Aid and its song. What's next, Band Aid 40 in another 20 years? Yeah, let's keep doing this until we completely forget how and when this started and who was involved in the original. I'm a big fan of Bob Geldof but I am really disappointed that he approved this fiasco.

Shame on them for what exactly? For donating their time, money and skills in order to generate aid for starving Africans...AGAIN!

Of course Bob is going to "approve the fiasco", he's a passionate man, dedicated to his cause. He not only approved it, he orchestrated it and ensured the involvement of all the popular/talented* young British artistes present on the record...and I take my hat off to him, once again.

*delete as applicable

You are offended by this record for all the wrong reasons. You forget what the song can achieve and your judgement appears to be marred by a heady dose of rose-tinted nostalgia. It isn't 1984 anymore, and 'the kids' have a right to hear this record sung THEIR way, i.e by a whole new generation of young performers relevant to THEM. You have your version already, so go listen to it you old fucking fogey ;). The song works, even in it's updated form...look at the sales figures, it IS working.

Oh, and for the record...I'm hip and with it and I heartily dig the new version. Only The Sugababes make my blood curdle a tad.

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
Once again, shame on them!!

Shame on who? I've lost the plot.

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
I pray to God that the reason they only got a bunch of mostly lackluster bands and artists is because the real famous and renowned Brit artists didn't want to be a part of this despicable undertaking.

Steady on.

You believe Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Coldplay, Keane, Bono, Snow Patrol, Dizzee Rascal and more to be "lacklustre"? Bananarama, Status Quo, Paul Young, Wham! and Duran, Duran were present at the original recording for the love of Jebus! Who exactly was so "renowned" from the original recording besides Macca and Bono!? Who? I mean, the old farts are back for seconds so you really can't really cite them as examples. Francis Rossi and Dave Stewart don't exactly weep credibility.

Oh, and for the record, David Bowie sang at Live Aid...as far as I'm aware his inimitable warble didn't even grace the tune in original record form.

The fact is, the US and Canada are no longer buying into British music...and that would explain why a substantial portion of the artistes present on this take are probably complete strangers to you. The beauty of Band Aid is that it doesn't discriminate...pop fodder, credible artistes and classic musicians are all present and correct, and that's just fucking GRAND as far as I'm concerned!

I'd also like to add that Dido and Will Young are the two biggest selling artists in the UK at this present moment, simple as.

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
I guess we'll never know now how much a new composition would have sold. I'm willing to bet that if they had come out with a new song that was of great quality, it would have helped even more. It's plain laziness, that's all it is.

I've explained this already...so I won't go into too much detail. I'll just re-iterate. The Sun newspaper was solely responsible for the notion...and Sir Bob jumped on board without a moments hesitation, gawd love him. The whole shebang happened within mere weeks, with all manner of British acts more than prompt to offer their services.

Do They Know It's Christmas is a magical record, but one only people 'of an age' are aware of. If it aint broke, don't fix it...just inject it with life once again, tug a few knobs, tweek a few nipples and let the kids jump aboard.

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
And the song does matter to a lot of people who have special memories of it and liked it. Like me, those people see this as an opportunistic way these guys found to take a short cut to raise money this year.

I'm not entirely sure you know enough about Geldof to make this assumption. Let's just say that he is the only man I see fit to be called a SAINT! You're not seeing the project for what it is...and I believe a lot of this is down to the fact that you're of another generation. The original recording was no "Let It Be", it just conjures up sweet-yet-hazy memories of a nicer time, a time without dentures and tena lady...a time when you could climb the stairs without your legs aching...a time when you didn't have to lock your doors in order to protect your person from the 'yoof' of today...;) :D

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
I'd venture to guess that they would have raised almost as much for the cause if they re-released the original single and pleaded for people to buy that instead. That, I would've had no problem with.

I don't believe that for a moment...and I don't quite get how you consider the updated version of the single to be lazy and uninspired but you would have no qualms with them flogging a shedload of stodgy old stock. That's just friggin' silly.

The original Band Aid recording and the Live Aid version are both available on the single.

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
Don't even get me started on the 'rap' section on the new single. Brrr.....

In all seriousness, back off Grandad!

:D

[Indiana Sev]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
It isn't 1984 anymore

And it's a damn fuckin' shame! :(

I stand by my original rant. I'm happy as a pig in shit that they raised more cash for the starving kiddies in Africa but I'm mad as hell that they had to cover the song to do it.

As I said in my original post, I'm a big fan of Geldof, his Boomtown Rats, charitable undertakings and of his performance as Pink in THE WALL; but I'm a little saddened that he approved Band Aid 20.

The reason the record sold so well, in my opinion, is because it was for a very good cause, period.

Now shut up and Merry Christmas!! ;)



Rap music and Christmas songs don't mix. Harrumph!

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
And it's a damn fuckin' shame! :(

I stand by my original rant. I'm happy as a pig in shit that they raised more cash for the starving kiddies in Africa but I'm mad as hell that they had to cover the song to do it.

As I said in my original post, I'm a big fan of Geldof, his Boomtown Rats, charitable undertakings and of his performance as Pink in THE WALL; but I'm a little saddened that he approved Band Aid 20.

The reason the record sold so well, in my opinion, is because it was for a very good cause, period.

Now shut up and Merry Christmas!! ;)



Rap music and Christmas songs don't mix. Harrumph!

Blam!

I just wasted about 25 minutes of my life composing that post and you offer me 5 puny paragraphs. I should whoop you bee-hind (verbally you understand).

Give me one good reason why Sir Bob shouldn't have gone ahead with the new version without first acquiring the powerhouse girl trio that is Bananarama!?

One good reason other than "because I don't like it".

I think you'll find that's rap music and old people that don't mix

[Indiana Sev]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
Blam!

I just wasted about 25 minutes of my life composing that post and you offer me 5 puny paragraphs. I should whoop you bee-hind (verbally you understand).

Give me one good reason why Sir Bob shouldn't have gone ahead with the new version without first acquiring the powerhouse girl trio that is Bananarama!?

One good reason other than "because I don't like it".

I think you'll find that's rap music and old people that don't mix

It's Christmastime, I'm too full and groggy from turkey and eggnog to write as much as you did as a retort. :D

I think we're at complete polar opposites here.

I have very fond memories of Bananarama, Wham!, the original Band Aid and DURAN DURAN. I'd even go so far as to say that everything went downhill for me after that blessed year of 1984. So, you see, I'm working out my own shit here. :D

It is to note that 90% of the bands and artists in the original Band Aid had at least one major hit on this side of the Atlantic, The new grouping does not even come close to that. This is something that they should have considered when they put together this new group. It might've helped boost sales on this side of the Atlantic even more...since it's all for a good cause and the more money they raise, the better.

As far as the one good reason you asked for, here it is:

We now live in a world where everything from classic TV shows to classic movies to classic songs are being pillaged and plundered and remade and reworked in order to turn a profit. I was hoping for one man to stand up and say: "Hell no!" when it came time to re-use one of his sacred recordings. This is one reason why this should not have been touched.

In my opinion, Geldof is genius enough, even in the very short time he had, to have come up with another way, another song maybe to help the starving kids in Africa. I was just disappointed that's all. What's to stop radio stations from playing this sh*t new version every year now instead of the one we all know and love? You see what I mean now? It's basically sabotaged the first song with this newer version. If it ain't broken, don't FIX it!!!!

I thought that maybe, Do They Know It's Christmas could be left alone.

I was dead wrong.

Sue me but I'm old school and I don't see any silver lining when I keep witnessing the recycling of stuff that I'd hoped would be left untouched by time. Especially a song many people have come to love and that evokes a special X-mas feeling from them...

I need a time machine because this really sucks! :)


You'll sing a different tune my dear when the words "bitches" and "hoes" begin infiltrating your beloved holiday tunes.

[Indiana Sev]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
Do They Know It's Christmas is a successful 'charidee' record...perhaps the only one I actually enjoy listening to. The song has not been 'messed with', the original still exists as its own separate entity. Band Aid 20 have simply injected new life into 'the project' and introduced a landmark song to a whole new generation of children and young adults whom would quite frankly stare at you with empty-eyed dumbfoundment if you were to mention the names Heaven 17, Status Quo and The Style Council to them.

Lest we forget Sir Bob and Co. are also raising countless millions for a significant cause in the process. That is, after all what Band Aid is all about.

Injecting new life into something is almost never necessary and often causes younger kids to not discover the original product. The remake of Pyscho being a good example of this and this cover song being another. You say they included the original song as well? That's the only good thing that's come from this. It will show everyone had badly they reworked this song.

I mentioned in my original posts that I realize it's for a good cause, so that isn't lost on me. It doesn't mean I have to like the way they went about it.

"Lazy and unoriginal" are the last words I'd associate with great men like Sir Bob and Midge. I don't think you quite appreciate the effort that has actually gone into getting this project up and on the road for the THIRD time running!

The concept of Band Aid 20 came about only mere weeks ago when proposed by a popular British tabloid newspaper. Bob and Midge have barely had time to scratch their own arses, never mind compose a new track.

Just because they had little time to put it together does not mean I should accept this shortcut happily. They hadn't even thought of doing this, it's a tabloid newspaper that had the idea so I wouldn't have held it against them if they'd put all their energy together to write the best new song that they could in the limited time they had. Then, they could have packaged this brand new song with the original Band Aid single and that would been an even more novel approach to it all.

Shame on them for what exactly? For donating their time, money and skills in order to generate aid for starving Africans...AGAIN!

Of course Bob is going to "approve the fiasco", he's a passionate man, dedicated to his cause. He not only approved it, he orchestrated it and ensured the involvement of all the popular/talented* young British artistes present on the record...and I take my hat off to him, once again.

*delete as applicable

"Shame on him" is a little too harsh but I don't look at Bob quite the same way after he accepted to re-record the song. He is a great humanitarian and I admire the hard work he put into this and the money he raised but covering that song was a big mistake.

It isn't 1984 anymore, and 'the kids' have a right to hear this record sung THEIR way, i.e by a whole new generation of young performers relevant to THEM. You have your version already, so go listen to it you old fucking fogey ;). The song works, even in it's updated form...look at the sales figures, it IS working.

Pardon my French, but why the FUCK do we have to appease this new generation by reworking a classic X-mas song so it's to their liking??? If they can't appreciate the original version, too fuckin' bad!! Let them come up with their own X-mas charity song that they could hold close to their hearts. You say they have a "right." Please tell me why they have a "right" to have us pander to them with a new version of a classic X-mas song.

You also use the word relevant. I could give a shit if kids today don't find Led Zeppelin or The Beatles or the artists in the original Band Aid relevant. Again, it's not up to us to appease these kids. Just because they don't find these artists relevant does not mean we have to bend over backwards to make it right for them.

I also have to totally disagree with your contention that the song "works" because it's making money. The only reason they're buying it is because it's for a great cause and it's the holiday season and all that jazz. Oh, I'm sure many people do actually prefer this version, but I'll NEVER believe that the majority of people like this version over the one in 1984.

[Indiana Sev]

http://rds.yahoo.com/S=96062883/K=band+aid+1984/v=2/SID=e/TID=I012_76/l=IVI/SIG=12839e92m/*-http%3A//www.yogtimeline.com/facts/1984/bandaid_recording_reduced.jpg

[CheekyShepherd]

While it's incredibly charitable that all profits and proceeds go to the starving masses in Sudan, I just don't like the new version of this song.
I am not going to buy it, I refuse to listen to it on the radio. Does this make me an uncharitable person? No, it does not. I contribute monthly to a plethora of registered charities and often contribute to my local Oxfam.

It's just that the "modernised" version of DTKIC seems forced, unemotional and unsympathetic. Don't get me wrong, I love the original 1984 version, with which I can actually feel the soul of their voices penetrating through me and filling me with the proverbial Christmas spirit. I'm just not feeling the love with "Band Aid 20", personally I think the version sang by a group of 20 single drunken lasses on their hen-night on Saturday belted out a better rendition on a karaoke.

I don't care for Dizzee Rascal's contribution to the single. But, I personally don't have a penchant for rap, so it'd be obvious where I stood on that.

It's not the song or what's been done to it that really bothers me. It's the concept of the likes of Rachel Stevens, Robbie Williams and Busted telling me how to spend my money. I'm sorry, but it's too rich a cake to swallow.

I purchased the original version in 1984, and if they were to re-release that version. I'd gladly put my hand in my pocket to purchase it again. While it can be argued that 1984 version would not reach out to the younger generation, I think that's a lame excuse for stamping on a classic. Have the younger generation not watched The Wizard Of Oz? Quoted from Shakespeare? Read the bible? These works are almost as old as the hills, yet today's children are taught them via a system of education that relies on routine.

The original Band Aid song is played on your local station each and every Christmas. I'm sure if the original were re-released it would make #1.

I just think "cover versions" are a sneaky way of convincing the public to buy songs that they already own...

:mad:

On a lighter note, it's a shame that Victoria Beckham didn't contribute. It'd be her only chance of a #1 hit.

[Indiana Sev]

^^^^^^^
You put it better than I ever could. Those are my feelings exactly. Especially the part about it feeling "forced", "unemotional" and "unsympathetic." Something a Christmas song should never feel like...

[BadCoverVersion]

Fucking nora, am I the ONLY person actually digging the new version? And has everybody wiped the piss-poor late 80's re-hash from their memories?

It's lonely out here on this limb.

[jeo4]

I agree with Indiana on this one. I really like the original. And I think I'm just feeling stung by all the remakes lately.

[Indiana Sev]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
And has everybody wiped the piss-poor late 80's re-hash from their memories?

I never heard of this one. You mean they've commited this crime before?!

[CheekyShepherd]

Originally posted by Indiana Sev
I never heard of this one. You mean they've commited this crime before?!


I'm afraid BCV's right on this one. All the "talent" from the Stock Aitken Waterman stable pumped their lungs to it in '89.

It didn't have the same magic as the original, but at least it carried a little bit of soul.


I was discussing this Band Aid 20 business down the pub last night and I wondered why they didn't reunite the members who contributed to the original line-up. Would that not have worked as a re-issue? Seeing as it's 20 years later, I'm sure it would've hit #1 like a Granny hitting the pavement on a cold morning.

What do you warring masses think?

[jeo4]

Originally posted by CheekyShepherd
Seeing as it's 20 years later, I'm sure it would've hit #1 like a Granny hitting the pavement on a cold morning.

What do you warring masses think?

I think I'm gonna use that line about granny hitting the pavement. :D

And you're right. If they wanted to be cool about it, they would have called the original group and brought them in on the project. I'm betting it would have sold millions.

[PrettyInPink]

It HAS sold millions anyway. The original and this one. The reason being it is for a great cause.

I love the original Band Aid, it was and is a great record with a great feeling to it. Nobody has or is trying to take that away. I also really like this version, the guys who are on Band Aid 20 have worked just as hard to do their bit for charity. I see no harm in Sir Geldoff backing this venture 100% and giving the guys their chance to make this record a great hit once more. It will never take away the original glory from anybody, all it does is make a great record a hit for today. Just because todays artists havn't sat down in a little huddle and wrote a line each or composed any music doesn't make it CRAP, or USELESS. They have taken something special and given it back to us with their little personal touch on it. It feels right to me and not because I love the guys singing on it (with the exception of Will of course), but because today's music is very different and sometimes not the greatest, imo. But if I can sit down with my kids and tell them all about Band Aid and what it was about, then they have Band Aid 20 and know the whole story and see their idols doing a song that meant a lot to my generation, then for me thats good.

The great thing about this record is that all these people have nothing to gain from it. Geldoff, Midge Ure, Bowie, Bono and on and on, had nothing to prove to anybody by doing this. They did it because they cared. They did it to make a difference, and they did. And if it takes another 20 years to do it again to make another difference, then so be it. I certainly won't sit there with my pipe and slippers droning on about how we did it so much better and who the hell do they think they are. I couldn't give a toss if Apple fucking Martin and Brookyn shitting Beckham are screaming it out. I will always remember Band Aid and be proud of that, but equally proud of every other time any of our artists can make somebodys life a little bit better.

For me if they would have done the song and tried to sound exactly the same it would have been silly. They have done a grand job with it, it's todays voices, todays singers. Lets give them a break, im sure if any of them would have been asked to write a song (im speaking of Will now ;) ), then they could have. Maybe they weren't asked, maybe Sir Geldoff asked them to do this little venture. WOULD YOU SAY NO.
Maybe ole Bob was sat one night and an angel came down from above, he has that golden touch with music and I personally think he got it right AGAIN.

So bugger off Sev, ;) or you'll be hearing from me posse!!!!!! :D

[someguy]

Say there's a song that will make you have a seizure when you listen to it. All the money from the sales of this song will go to a charity. Does that make it alright to have a song like that?