Rope Store - Never Had Christmas 7"
I do love a Christmas single. Songs like Merry Xmas Everybody, I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, and of course The Fairytale of New York may now seem like timeless classics, but I still remember lovingly buying each one on original 7” vinyl.
Keeping that spirit alive in 2016 is Norwich band Rope Store who have written and recorded Never Had Christmas b/w a cover of David Essex's 1983 classic A Winter's Tale. Part of this year's Snowflakes Christmas Singles Club collection, those lucky enough to purchase the physical version will have their hands on a beautiful snowflake-white vinyl 7” complete with sleeve photo of Gemma and Jason tobogganing down the Alpine equivalent of Ketts Hill.
As you would expect, Never Had Christmas has a distinctly retro feel that brings back the magic of the early Seventies. With an opening that is pure Bay City Rollers, before launching into full Wizzard-Slade-Showaddywaddy mode, this is a feel-good belter that warms quicker than an egg-nog fondue. Lots of snow and mistletoe, mentions of family and friends, and a couple of curveball references to bananas and spaghetti together make this the best new Christmas song that I've heard in years.
8/10
Buy your copy here: have a listen to Side A, Never Had Christmas, and Side B, A Winter's Tale.
