Christmas 2011 ~ An alternative guide to my proposed Christmas number one competitors...

For years now, the Christmas number one has been dominated by the x-factor winner (or, whichever novelty/alternative track there is a facebook campaign to promote). It wasn't always this way, and acts would go out of their way to release a single that gave them the best chance for that all important and prestigious festive number one. It would often be a real surprise hearing who had taken the top spot and solidified their place in history. Sadly that doesn't seem to happen any more, but that doesn't mean I don't imagine what songs would have a good shot if a) the world had my taste in music and b) we lived in a world where the x in xmas didn't stand for X Factor, but the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Santa. here are some alternative tracks for your approval if you don't fancy all the seasonal stuff I've been pushing on you :)

THE FIZZYPOP CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE CONTENDERS:

• The Great Tribulations ~ Go Back To The Beginning Of The End: Ooo, new act alert! The Great Tribulations are from Denmark, brothers, nerds by day and superheroes of music by night. Their debut track, presented for your listening pleasure above, is a weirdly off kilter, but ultimately enticing blend of sparkly gothic pop that blends elements of acts as diverse as The Killers & A-ha. It's racing, pulsing disco beat is the heart of the song that stacattos & stutters (purposely) in parts, only to spring back into life, ever more essential than before. The vocals are deliciously hypnotic, pulling you into the story the song tells, making it so you don't want the experience to end. A fine debut, can't wait for more...
• The Feeling ~ Leave Me Out Of It/Rocket Man: They may not be the multi platinum artists they formally were, but that doesn't mean that Dan & the lads aren't capable of producing lovely radio fodder that deserves to be heard by as wide an audience as possible. If I were them, I'd have this out as a new single (it's a lovely duet with foxy Richard's missus Sophie EB-J that is beautifully delivered and reminds me of a modern day Don't Give Up) with their new, faithful version of Rocket Man as a double A side (buy the latter here, it's a giddy little treat). Their album remains one of my faves this year and I'm just dying to go to their festive show on Dec 20th in Bath...
• Simon Curtis ~ How To Start A War: I haven't spent nearly as much time on Simon's latest album RA this year as I have his previous efforts in days of yonder. I did however fall in love with the filthy Flesh (I'm now picturing the video as an homage to Rubber Man from American Horror Story!) and his ace of base-ish duet with Ro Danishei (Wicked Baby) is one of my top songs of the year. This is a more studied, careful effort from Simon - and for me out of everything on RA best demonstrates his singing ability and songwriting skills. It's a tune that even 6 months after initially hearing it I'm not tired of and indeed stands alongside any of his idol Darren Hayes' recent work. Exquisite and exquisitely sad...

• Nelson Clemente ~ Champagne: I have criminally not been aware of Aussie singer, Mr Clemente in the past, though I was aware of his sparkling contribution to the Ballroom Remixed project earlier this year. His new single, Champagne, wins on both pleasing cover art and an absorbing, ingratiating tune that shines from start to finish. Set over a perky disco/dance beat (though his fine vocals are given a chance to blossom in the verses), it's a tale of looking on the brightside, a tale of optimism and hope with clever lyrics, insightful bon mots and a chorus that just won't quit. Because it's 2 legit. 2 legit to quit. in other words, it's a smashing party anthem that will benefit any office Christmas party this coming season :) More please, Nelson...
• The Overtones ~ Whoops/Forget You: I know, I know any bloody chance to write about my beloved Overtones. Frankly with Westlife imploding just before splitting up, they are my go to group for style tips, catchy songs and witty twitters. Whoops would make a brilliant single - awash with seductive horns, pertinent & sharp piano chords and a huge big band feel that enhances the song from it's vocally central acoustic version to a soaring, jazz infused party that just refuses to end. Throw their finger snapping charity cover of Forget You on the flip side and it's an out and out winning combination. Grand!