Tag Archives: Do They Know It’s Christmas?

Music Monday: March 10, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Another of my favorite songs just hit a milestone anniversary. It was written by blue-eyed soul master Daryl Hall and included by he & John Oates on their 1980 album, Voices. Another singer with a smooth R&B sound released it 40 years ago on February 25, 1985 as the first single from his second album, The Secret Of Association. The track reached the #4 spot in the UK a month later and the #1 spot in the U.S. for one week in July of the same year.

British singer, songwriter & musician Paul Young followed that hit with “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down” which reached #13, also in 1985. Young first broke into the U.S. Top 40 in February 1984 with “Come Back And Stay” which peaked at #22 off his 1983 debut solo album, No Parlez. Later that year he was chosen as one of the lead voices (and the first one heard) on the charity single by Band Aid, “Do They Know It’s Christmas”. He also performed at Live Aid in London in 1985.

In 1990, Young reached the #8 spot in the U.S with a cover of The Chi-Lites #1 hit from May 1972, “Oh Girl”. Another cover-this one of Jimmy Ruffin’s 1966 classic, “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted”-peaked at #22 for Young in 1992. A year later, he joined Elton John on his Duets album for a cover of “I’m Your Puppet”. To date Young has released 10 albums including 2023’s Behind The Lens.

Paul Young circa 2019. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Paul Young: “Everytime You Go Away” (1985, written by Daryl Hall).

Stay safe & well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 94

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Kerouac

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

When U2 burst on to the music scene in 1980, it was clear from their song lyrics this was not an ordinary band.  The stories they told were wrought with detail, emotion and meaning.  But I don’t think anyone could have predicted what a humanitarian Bono would go on to become.  He has been trying to end hunger and poverty around the world ever since he recorded the charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in 1984.  He has met with  everyone from world leaders to the heads of charitable organizations to the Pope himself.  And throughout all this work, he never took the eye off the ball with the band and continued to make great music.  It also did not affect his impossibly good looks, either.  Today’s song is my favorite from U2’s extraordinary catalog.

U2
U2 circa 2000: Adam Clayton (bass), Bono (lead vocals & guitar) the Edge (lead guitar & backing vocals) & Larry Mullen Jr. (drums).  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

U2:  “One” (1991, written by U2:  Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge, & Larry Mullen Jr.)

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

25 Days Of Christmas Songs: Day 4

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Hello, Vixens!!!  Welcome back to the countdown.

robin

(original source unknown)

Once upon a time, there was an era when music was not about reality shows, auto-tune,  lip-syncing or selling a perfume line.  There was a time when music had a conscience.  No, I am not referring to the 1960’s.  I am referring to the 1980’s.

Despite being known as the “Me Decade”, it was also the decade of music trying to save, or at the very least, help the world.  USA For Africa, Live Aid, Farm Aid, the Human Rights Now! Tour in benefit of Amnesty International, Artists United Against Apartheid (Sun City), etc.  Total aside-Who could forget the video for the latter in which Bruce Springsteen is singing arm in arm with David Ruffin & Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations?  SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!  But I digress.

Band Aid 1984

(original source unknown)

The one that started all those relief songs was Band Aid which was formed in 1984 by Irish musician Bob Geldoff of the Boomtown Rats.  Not long after participating in the recording of this song, U2’s Bono went to Ethiopia to see the conditions for himself and has been on a crusade to save the world ever since.  Over 30 years is one heck of a commitment.

Band Aid:  “Do they Know it’s Christmas?”

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you   🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!