Wonderland On New Year's Day
Well, it's that time of year again, comes round fast doesn't it! This is the last post for 2022 and getting it in early. To be honest this year in quite a few ways has been a bit of a repeat sh*t-show💩 much the same as previous years in recent times, partly thanks to some wonderful government mismanagement, strikes everywhere, cost of living crisis, people who are having to decide the choice to be able to afford to eat or heat their homes, I guess at least we seem to be out of 'lockdown' positions as has been the case over previous years.
All Is Quiet On New Year's Day
Got to admit I am not a fan of New Year, even as a kid it seemed to fall flat after the excitement of Christmas celebrations and there is always that 'nothing' period that I refer to as the 'long dark tea-time of the soul' between Christmas and the New Year. The usual 'tradition' here seems to be on New Year's Eve here is going out for something to eat, coming back home, watching the Fireworks crack off from the loft room and calming our dog down from all the loud bangs then watching Jools Holland do his whole 'Hootenanny' music thing on the television, but enough of my curmudgeonly grumpy old man ramblings 👴...
This track, although sooooo predictable always does it for me on New Years Day, still sends a chill through me listening to it. I brought the album when it first came out and what a wonderful sound! Have to say more of a fan of their earlier stuff, I kind of lost interest in them after The Joshua Tree in '87 or around about when they disappeared up their own rectums, but their earlier more raw material was something I sank my teeth into.
But as per the lyrics...
"Nothing Changes On New Year's Day"
It's not as if the world suddenly seems to change or miraculous things happen on New Year's Day as such, in truth it is just another day, I guess on a more positive note to a new and exciting year ahead though.
War Track List
- Sunday Bloody Sunday
- Seconds
- New Year's Day
- Like A Song
- Drowning Man
- The Refugee
- Two Hearts Beat As One
- Red Light
- Surrender
- "40"
To be honest the whole album is pretty good I especially like Sunday Bloody Sunday and Two Hearts, both are at the youtube links above.
Wonderland
Another favourite song of mine at this time of year is by Big Country with their track Wonderland which I must say fills me with some optimism. A band that were a little overshadowed by U2, but nonetheless equally as important. I believe upon Stuart Adamson's passing 'The Edge' was to say something to the effect that Big Country write the songs we wished we could have been good enough to, quite a tribute! U2 and Green Day also performed The Skids track 'The Saints Are Coming' for the Hurricane Katrina appeal so I guess both bands appreciated Mr Adamson's work. The original version by The Skids on Top Of The Pops all the way back in 1978 at the youtube link, the stage 'flamboyance' belonging to Richard Jobson, but the quiet almost side line (but equally excellent) guitar presence belonging to the late and great Stuart Adamson. In The Skids almost the 'side man' whilst in Big Country the 'main man' showing his guitar skills to great effect.
Although it doesn't have the reference to New Year in the title it was released in the UK on the Phonogram Label in the early part of New Year '84 and I remember buying it, the track for me has lasted the test of time and I still enjoy hearing it today, mind you I am a Big Country fan. You can catch my post about them and The Skids at the link The Crossing Into A Big Country.
I'm not expecting to grow flowers in a desert,But I can live and breathe,And see the sun in wintertime
Another track I brought when it originally came out and like the U2 album in my record collection.
I guess the difference between the two tracks is that U2 offer a 'quiet' 'nothing ever changes' and in some ways a hauntingly bleak New Year lyrically, whilst the Big Country track for me evokes a New Year of optimism and feels more uplifting. I love both tracks and for me they to me represent New Year.
Hogmanay
I guess from a Scottish perspective New Years Eve and New Years Day are a bit more special in celebrating the last day of the old year and the welcoming in of a new year. 'First Footing' (the first person over the threshold of one's house) by friends and neighbours bringing gifts e.g. coal, whiskey, fruit cake etc intended to bring 'good luck' and is returned with gifts of food or drink. Check out some more information about Hogmanay at the Visit Scotland web site.
Finally playing out with a concert of Big Country at Reading Hexagon, I caught them in the same year at Southend Cliffs Pavilion. The concert shows the whole 'upbeat' vibe. One of the best gigs I have ever been to. Have a look at 'Fields of Fire' the 'Scratch Mix' at the end at approx. 49 mins, it kind of shows what a great guitarist he was and how to grab and audience and immerse them in a wonderful sound and make a concert such a joyous occasion, they were f**king awesome live! Catch the Featured Post for more Big Country/The Skids.
"The shining eye will never cry.The beating heart will never die".
I think quite a positive and meaningful description of music and all it's powers is stated by Mr. Adamson and is at the concert clip on youtube with the track 'Chance'.
Keep it real, keep good, and hope your New Year is full of good positive energy and brings you a 'Wonderland' of everything you ever hoped and dreamed of! Stay Alive!
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Happy 2023!🙂🎆🥳🍾
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Video Thanks
squishyclatter@dailymotionscom
Picture Sources
Photo by Kostiantyn Li on Unsplash
Photo by Chris Flexen on Unsplash