Video du Jour: “I Believe in Father Christmas,” by Greg Lake

I was never a big Emerson, Lake & Palmer fan, but this little ditty by bassist Greg Lake is, in my opinion, one of the greatest Christmas songs of all time. Check out the song above and the interview below.

Christmas Song of the Day: “I Believe in Father Christmas” by U2

This song was released last Christmas as part of Bono’s (RED) WIRE project to fight AIDS in Africa. While it is not as good as Greg Lake’s original, it’s not bad. Enjoy

(RED) WIRE Official Website

U2 Official Website

New Video Alert! – “I Believe in Father Christmas,” U2

The new U2 album isn’t due until sometime next year, so consider this a Christmas bonus. The band has just released a video for the excellent Greg Lake Christmas tune “I Believe in Father Christmas.” As usual, it kicks ass. It’s U2’s first contribution to Bono’s (RED)WIRE, a new download service that will help African children stricken with HIV and AIDS. It will feature exclusive tracks from artists like Elvis Costello, REM, Sheryl Crow and Bob Dylan just to name a few.

Video: “I Believe in Father Christmas” – U2

(RED)WIRE Official Website

Lost Classics! King Crimson

Just about every so-called “progressive rock” band – no matter how great or how annoying you think they are – must bow in the direction of King Crimson.  Everyone from the Moody Blues, Yes, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd and even the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and metalheads Iron Maiden owe a debt of gratitude to these British trailblazers.

Prog rock really started with the release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band but the Beatles, ever the restless artistes, would move quickly away from the doors they threw open.  Using novel instruments, science-fiction sound effects and elements of jazz and classical music, the prog rock banner was picked up by guitarist Robert Fripp after his initial efforts to form a band bombed.  Fripp and drummer Michael Giles (along with his brother) tried a trio format that didn’t work, so they recruited multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald to play keyboards and singer Greg Lake, who also played bass.  Peter Sinfield played a little synthesizer, but he was mainly the band’s lyricist.