I love the Band Aid song. I love it so much I played it at my wedding (in August) and have a self-proclaimed “Band Aid Season” (day after Thanksgiving to January 6). I have it on a 45 and it’s the first track on every single cd I have ever burned for myself or anyone else. Although I love the original the most because it’s so amazing, I enjoy the new versions and am excited about the 30th Anniversary version that came out on Monday. Before I give you my thoughts, here’s a little backstory on the song:
“Do They Know It’s Christmastime” was first recorded in 1984 to raise money to fight famine in Africa and included some of the biggest names in music at the time, including Bono, George Michael, Boy George, Sting, and many more (you can see the list and find out what they are up to here). When Bob Geldof found out from the United Nations that an across the board increase of 20% is needed to fight Ebola in Africa, he decided to take action. The new recording has some of the original artists (like Bono) and brings in some fresh faces, including One Direction.
So how is the new single, you ask? Well, let me tell you. First, it turns out it wasn’t a “re-recording” but a completely new recording. The lyrics changed (see them here) and are, admittedly, much more politically correct but it just isn’t the same (bonus points if you know what line I’m talking about without looking it up). Second, the new version is much “softer” and has less of the amazing yell-singing that the 80’s are known for and it has a more poppy feel, overall. Even the bells in the beginning are a bit more subdued. Needless to say, as a huge fan of the original, I don’t love the new version. Then again, I don’t like any of the versions that came out after 1984. Regardless, the proceeds go to charity and it’s part of the Band Aid brand so I have to wholeheartedly recommend that you go buy it. Now.
