The Book Wheel

Books, Politics, & More

  • Genres
    • Sortable Archive
      • Reviews by Author
      • Reviews by Genre
      • Reviews by Title
    • #30Authors
      • #30Authors Reviews
      • Lineup
    • Fiction
      • Historical Fiction
      • Mystery/Thriller
    • Non-Fiction
      • Biography
      • Economic
      • Memoir
      • Science/Tech/Psychology
      • True Crime
    • Political
    • More Options
      • 1001 List
      • Classics
      • Diverse
  • Book Club Picks
  • Politics
    • Book Reviews
    • Political Discussions
  • Lists
  • Other
    • Blogging
    • Career
    • Discussions
    • Lifestyle
    • Productivity
  • About
    • Accolades
    • Advertising
    • Policies
    • Resources
      • Authors
      • Contributors
    • What is a ‘Book Wheel’?
  • City Council

Band Aid Tackles Ebola

November 19, 2014 by Allison Hiltz 4 Comments

band_aid_peter_blake_cover_do_they_know_its_christmasI 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.

Buy your copy of the single on iTunes now and help fight Ebola!

Then, tell me which version you like best in the comments!

Related Posts

  • Star Books
8 Surprising Celebrity Authors
Why Shopping Black Friday is Just As Bad As Shopping on Thanksgiving
The Contenders – Books by Presidential Hopefuls
Visitors and Mount Evans
Team Vegan
Team Vegan – Thanks for the Donations!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Snapchat
  • Twitter

Upcoming Reviews

Upcoming Reviews

How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life
How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life
by Massimo Pigliucci
The Order of Time
The Order of Time
by Carlo Rovelli

goodreads.com

Subscribe

Get posts straight to your inbox the day they go live!

Trending Now

On the consequences of fear-driven hate: Black Earth Two Years Later

‘Lives of Wives’ is Lukewarm

Ten Letters That Feel Familiar

The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer

A Small Indiscretion by Jan Ellison

Content may not be reposted in full or without permission. This site includes affiliate links.

Copyright © 2019 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in