That Christmassy sounding bit of classical music used in the song, is from Prokofiev's ballet "Lieutenant Kijé".It's called Troika, and it's the Russian name for a sleigh.
Hi Tony, might I offer a small correction? The Russian word for sleigh is actually "сани" pronounced sah-ni. Troika means a group of three things. In this case, it refers to the team of three horses used to pull the sleigh. Merry Christmas.
There is also a very very old black and white Russian film with the same name on youtube. It is funny in a dated sort of way, and the scene with the troika ride and the Prokofiev music is lovely. The sound track is all Prokoviev music I believe.
@@Kriegsgefangener31 Thanks for the correction. I appreciate it and I am always glad to learn something. I shouldn't believe all I read on Wikipedia! Merry Christmas to you, too.
I read in an interview Greg gave several years ago that this was the most lucrative song he ever wrote. The composer royalties earned him £250,000 per year. The song also contains several extracts from "Troika" from "Lieutenant Kijé" by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. It seems that Keith Emerson wanted to use this on an album when he played with The Nice in the late 60s but permission was refused by the publisher, Boosey and Hawkes. A version of Troika was made by the band Sky.
Christmas songs in the UK particularly get constant replay value on radio, TV and streaming. There's a reason every major artist/band of the 70s, 80s and 90s tried for at least one big Xmas-themed hit, and why some are often ONLY remembered for said hit.
It’s my favourite Xmas song. But you should check out a live version he does in a church with Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull. Ian’s flute adds a real magic to it.
This Will Always Be My Favorite (Rock n Roll) Christmas Song ! Don’t recall when I first heard this song but I Obviously Love Hearing It Around Christmas Time each Year !
Greg Lake grew up where I live, Parkstone near Poole, and was taught guitar by Don Strike of nearby Westbourne, whose music store is still trading. The B-side was an almost-instrumental called Humbug which I listened to all year round when I was a child until the grooves wore away and it no longer plays properly. The music video that went with it was interspersed with news footage of the Vietnam war. Thanks for your great reaction. Merry Christmas.
This is the best version imo, the other version I know of was the ELP version on works v2 which doesn’t have orchestration. I feel the orchestration is what makes this song 10/10!
My band played this song for the first time at last year's Christmas show, and it was so well received we intended to play it again this year, but you know... Covid. We played at a church, and I wondered how religious people would take these lyrics. Answer: they hear what they want to hear. We know ELP uses lots of classical themes, and I was quite familiar with Prokofiev's "Lieutenant Kijé Suite", because my Dad only played classical music in our house, so when I heard Greg Lake's song, I recognized the melody. There's also a version with Greg Lake and Ian Anderson (from Jethro Tull).
Oh my Justin, Greg Lake could sing the phone book (old reference) and it would sound great. This is a beautiful song and always a part of my Christmas. Thanks for this.
Justin like you said there’s different versions but the one that is really beautiful is Greg lake and he and Anderson in a church in London performing it live absolutely beautiful thank you Justin God bless you and the family always James
My all time favourite Christmas song. I insist on playing it whatever the season but especially now. Have a great Christmas and despite the storms real and imagined the fear often beats us before reality hits. Music remains the great leveller.
What many people miss is that this is actually an anti-Christmas song. It talks of going from naive child to disillusioned adult. Listen to the lyrics. "They sold me a dream for Christmas, they sold me a Silent Night." "They sold me a dream for Christmas, til I believed in the Israelite" It's always been one of my favorite songs, Christmas or otherwise!
The promo film shot for the song reinforces the anti-holiday message, with a boy running into his father arms, but clearly they're somewhere in the Middle East and the dad puts down his gun as he embraces his son.
I've always preferred the 'Works Vol. 2' version because it feels like the orchestra and choir are overpowering everything else. But that's just a subjective preference. Like others here have said, the orchestra/choir may be what others like about the tune. Music. If you love it, then I love you. Merry Christmas, Justin.
I absolutely love this song butty... Its a gem of a Xmas song Justin.. Beautiful acoustic by Greg.. And his voice is angelic as ever.. The orchestral accompaniment is just sublime Justin... This is a stunning song imo..😊 😊 What a joy it is hearing this on your channel butty. Superb review as always. Imho... I thank you for this gift.. You've given me so much pleasure in 2020 Justin.. Your channel is always a go too for me.. Absolute class... It does not get any better imho. ❤️ ❤️Oh, loved the instrumental opening, very enjoyable Justin. Me and Debbie loved it!! ♥️
I always took it "I saw him and through his disguise" as what Pete Sinfield said: the loss of innocence focused in the moment you realize Dad is Father Christmas/ Santa.
One of the highlights of Christmas songs being blasted on the radio all month is hearing this gem. One of the few times you actually hear Greg Lake/ELP on the radio!
For me the last 2 lines are key: Hallelujah, Noel be it heaven or hell The Christmas we get we deserve Personally I think this version is overcooked, ELP's is the one I prefer. Yes Greg Lake had one of the best rock voices ever, he's sorely missed. Nice playing by you at the beginning of the video, well done.
Merry Christmas. Thanks for reviewing my favorite rendition of this ELP classic. Greg had some help from his friends on this one. That was Keith Emerson on keyboards. The deep base you heard was a Moog synthesizer. Carl Palmer on percussion. He used the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus because the band was using them for their Works Volume 1 album and subsequent world tour. Have yourself a wonderful holiday!
Yeah, you can tell it's Keith because of the distinctive Yamaha GX-1 sound which he used elsewhere on the Works album. Carl is harder to pick out, but you can assume he's playing snare and tympani at least.
My favorite Christmas rock song is John Lennon's "Happy Xmas War Is Over". Lake's song is my 2nd favorite. I love this version of the song, but the original stripped down version is also very nice. Christmas blessings to all, and may 2021 be a year of healing and good will.
This version gets right to the point musically with the military drums coming in at the end after "The Christmas we get we deserve." Like much of Greg and ELP's work, there is the agnostic point of view. He doesn't just see Father Christmas through his disguise, he also calls the Israel Light a fairy story. The official video brings in war images at the end. Beautiful and deep felt song.
He also says that it's NOT meant to be anti-religious (well, "he" being Peter Sinfield, actually, the co-writer): From songfacts: Sinfield continued the story: "Some of it was based on an actual thing in my life when I was eight years old, and came downstairs to see this wonderful Christmas tree that my mother had done. I was that little boy. Then it goes from there into a wider thing about how people are brainwashed into stuff. Then I thought, 'This is getting a bit depressing. I'd better have a hopeful, cheerful verse at the end.' That's the bit where me and Greg would've sat together and done it. And then I twisted the whole thing, with the last line, 'The Christmas you get, you deserve,' which was a play on 'The government you get, you deserve.' I didn't necessarily explain all the politics or the thoughts behind it. It's not anti-religious. It's a humanist thing, I suppose. It's not an atheist Christmas song, as some have said."
@@FURDOG1961 That is where the war images come in in the official video, so I don't think it's a coincidence, even if that's not what he's said about it.
@@EdwardGregoryNYC Like Sinfield said, the song isn't going to cover every context and consideration; it's not a sermon. It's a song. And it's enough for him to point out that it's not anti-religious in its intent. As for Lake... Lake (from Mojo magazine): "I find it appalling when people say it's politically incorrect to talk about Christmas, you've got to talk about 'The Holiday Season.' Christmas was a time of family warmth and love. There was a feeling of forgiveness, acceptance. And I do believe in Father Christmas." "For me as a child, it was the visual image of peace on earth and goodwill toward men. It was the symbol of generosity and feeling good and all those things. And that's what I think Christmas is all about."
There us an ELP Christmas EP which includes both the Greg Lake and ELP versions and 2 or 3 others. Just under 18 minutes. The whole thing is on UA-cam.
Nice one love this song one of may favourite Christmas/holiday songs, along with Stop The Cavalry by Jona Lewis and Fairytale of New York by The Poges and Kirsty McColl and Green Grows The Holly by Calexico. Also have you checked out the live version of this song with Ian Anderson guesting on Flute
Sergei Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kijé Suite, supplied the music background .... I do not know if it was mentioned? Emerson used it with the NICE in a live Christmas performance in 69
I think the major difference in the remastered version was the added chorale in bits and pieces of the lyrics and the symphonic clash at the end. I seem to recall the original as a sparse nearly acoustic folkish sound.
Hey Justin My Man!!! Nice drum work my friend!! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!!! Beautiful song by Greg Lake!! Haven't heard this in years!! Wow youve only seen SNOW ONCE IN YOUR LIFE?? Sorry!! I grew up in the subarbs of Chicago!! I love the snow!! But now living in Phoenix since 72 I don't See It that often either!! Lol.R.I.P. GREG!! What an amazing voice!!! Check out - THE ANNIE MOSES BAND- WHEN THE CHRISTMAS BABY CRIES!! SEE YOU SOON MY FRIEND!! YOUR #2 AZ FAN MICHAEL😽😸😊😊
Thank you Justin for your videos this year. YOU have kept many of us sane this year and we look forward to each musical journey you make. To hear younger people get invested in music we were into 40 years ago brings great joy to us.I think we always thought that the early music of Yes, Genesis would last and you are proving it does. Best Wishes.
Thanks for not letting worldly distractions get in the way of your seminars on musical appreciation. Nice drums (and - uh - clear sounding steel drum?) at the start. Can we see more of your own talents like that? Great fun to spend the year with you!
Beautiful playing JP Drummer myself back in the day Wow was going to suggest this from Lake but figured you'd heard it My fav xmas song Nyro a close second
Hi! First I loved the intro 👍 I'm a little late to the show I decided to try & stay off the net for Xmas & spend it with family , Maybe a good idea .lol 😂 I Actually got this 45 single when it came out , just a Christmas 🎄 classic .
Lake & Sinfield still working together then, from King Crimson, ELP & Greg's solo work. They worked well together for roughly 10 years or so. I prefer the version without the orchestra & choir. The orchestra & choir make it sound too overblown, to my ears.... Others may prefer it for the same reason.... Merry Christmas, everyone !! ❄☃️
I think this was first released as a Greg Lake single, then it was included on ELP Works Vol. II. I believe Emerson played keys and did the orchestration along with the guy from the Works project. Also, in typical ELP style, they are quoting a classical piece between the verses... Prokofiev maybe? Great piece.
Merry Christmas Justin! Love that song in the beginning. This is probably my favorite Christmas song. It's just so Christmasy and I love Greg's voice. This is the original version, which was released as a single in 1974. I'm also not sure who's playing on it, besides Lake. I wouldn't be surprised if that's Emerson on keyboards, as he did play on the 1977 Works Volume II version with Palmer, but I'm not sure. In addition to the Works Volume II version, ELP recorded another version in 1993 for the "Return of the Manticore" Box set, and there was another version recorded live in a Church with Ian Anderson on flute that was really cool (it's on youtube0. But I think the original is still my favorite version. I do love this remaster of it too.
Nice Justin. I knew you'd like this song from Greg Lake. You should check out Greg Lake doing this song live with Ian Anderson on flute from 2011 in a church. Just beautiful. It's on UA-cam. Speaking of Mr. Anderson. Definitely review Tull's "Christmas Song" the original version from the 1968 UK single. It was evenutally released in the US on1972's LIVING IN THE PAST album. Anyway, "Christmas Song" is also a DARK expose' on the commercialization of Christmas. Ian gets quite ANGRY in it. We like the angry Anderson. Very medieval sounding, with mandolins and sleigh bells.
The sweet little organ doodling between verses is a traditional Russian Christmas tune. I was surprised to hear it in the late 1980s, as the theme of a beautifully illustrated short Russian animation from the NFB (National Film Board of Canada).
A beautiful song that I actually knew but didn't know the name of or the performer. This is what should be playing in the malls at Christmas time, assuming the malls were open and haven't been converted into condos. My best wishes to all of you this frosty morning (it is actually warming up a bit today. I should reach -4 C). May you have a fine holiday season (I was going to say sufficient but that seems a little mean) with plenty to eat and drink and friends and family to share it with. My first interaction today was with the cat who is now bitter because I wouldn't share the snack mix I nibbled on while I was getting his breakfast ready. Great song and great review. May all the songs you review the rest of this month be good ones.
My absolute favorite Christmas song. I hope you picked a good version there are many and some are not as good as others some are beautiful cannot wait to see your reaction and analysis love you
I've still got my single with the green and cover as shown. Lake had one of the best voices in rock and as shown here he was a very good guitarist and bass player.
Hope your Christmas was great, Justin. Loved your playing at the beginning. Do some videos of just you playing some time. Have loved this song since I first heard it in the 80's. One of the best rock Xmas songs.
I thought I didn't know this song when I saw the title, but the instant it started playing... Yeah, I know it. Great reaction as always, Justin. Wishing all the very best to you and yours this Christmas and in the coming year.
Happy Sunday Justin! I see people have suggested the official video of Greg Lake doing this, but did you get a chance to see it? It will put the song into serious context for you. HIGHLY recommended.
This is the original version. A non-orchestral version appears on ELP Works Volume 2. I can't decide which I like better. I think Emerson suggested incorporating the quote from "Troika" (Prokofiev). The lyrics and curious title suggest choosing to have faith despite having that childhood faith rattled or having become disillusioned. Lake and Peter Sinfield spent a long time working on the lyrics. I'm not a fan of the final lyric: "The Christmas we get we deserve". The real Christmas message is the opposite of that statement.
Snow is greatly over rated and is a right pain in the proverbial. Thanks JP for listening to this song and doing this lovely video. This is one of my favourite Christmas songs as it tells it how it is and genuinely wishes you well. I didn't know that Bohemian Rhapsody kept this from number one.
Was one of the best voices of the 70s,80s R.I.P. Greg Lake.
Best Christmas song ever..not too sentimental, but meaningful lyrics.! Have a great Christmas everyone!🎄☃
That Christmassy sounding bit of classical music used in the song, is from Prokofiev's ballet "Lieutenant Kijé".It's called Troika, and it's the Russian name for a sleigh.
Hi Tony, might I offer a small correction? The Russian word for sleigh is actually "сани" pronounced sah-ni. Troika means a group of three things. In this case, it refers to the team of three horses used to pull the sleigh. Merry Christmas.
There is also a very very old black and white Russian film with the same name on youtube. It is funny in a dated sort of way, and the scene with the troika ride and the Prokofiev music is lovely. The sound track is all Prokoviev music I believe.
@@Kriegsgefangener31 Thanks for the correction. I appreciate it and I am always glad to learn something. I shouldn't believe all I read on Wikipedia! Merry Christmas to you, too.
@@Tonyblack261 No probs. Comes from being an ex-arms control inspector and an intensive Russian language course in the early 90's
Probably my most favorite Christmas song of all time.
I read in an interview Greg gave several years ago that this was the most lucrative song he ever wrote. The composer royalties earned him £250,000 per year. The song also contains several extracts from "Troika" from "Lieutenant Kijé" by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. It seems that Keith Emerson wanted to use this on an album when he played with The Nice in the late 60s but permission was refused by the publisher, Boosey and Hawkes. A version of Troika was made by the band Sky.
Christmas songs in the UK particularly get constant replay value on radio, TV and streaming. There's a reason every major artist/band of the 70s, 80s and 90s tried for at least one big Xmas-themed hit, and why some are often ONLY remembered for said hit.
Sorry, some of the information you just bleated out were true. Most of your comments were totally baseless and common folklore crap.
It’s my favourite Xmas song. But you should check out a live version he does in a church with Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull. Ian’s flute adds a real magic to it.
I saw that, it was fantastic!
This Will Always Be My Favorite (Rock n Roll) Christmas Song ! Don’t recall when I first heard this song but I Obviously Love Hearing It Around Christmas Time each Year !
Greg Lake grew up where I live, Parkstone near Poole, and was taught guitar by Don Strike of nearby Westbourne, whose music store is still trading. The B-side was an almost-instrumental called Humbug which I listened to all year round when I was a child until the grooves wore away and it no longer plays properly.
The music video that went with it was interspersed with news footage of the Vietnam war.
Thanks for your great reaction. Merry Christmas.
This is the best version imo, the other version I know of was the ELP version on works v2 which doesn’t have orchestration. I feel the orchestration is what makes this song 10/10!
My band played this song for the first time at last year's Christmas show, and it was so well received we intended to play it again this year, but you know... Covid.
We played at a church, and I wondered how religious people would take these lyrics. Answer: they hear what they want to hear.
We know ELP uses lots of classical themes, and I was quite familiar with Prokofiev's "Lieutenant Kijé Suite", because my Dad only played classical music in our house, so when I heard Greg Lake's song, I recognized the melody. There's also a version with Greg Lake and Ian Anderson (from Jethro Tull).
Hey bro, it was fun playing this song with your band last year. Hopefully next year will be normal and we can do it again. Merry Xmas. Peace.
Maybe my fave xmas song. Love the music and the darker lyrics
There is a live version he did with Ian Anderson and some other less known musicians : ua-cam.com/video/U6-PAKOt7sM/v-deo.html
I was going to mention this version. I only heard it for the first time recently.
Oh my Justin, Greg Lake could sing the phone book (old reference) and it would sound great. This is a beautiful song and always a part of my Christmas. Thanks for this.
One of my my favorite songs and favorite musician. Greg Lake was a legend! Thanks for this reaction, I really enjoyed it.
Ty so much sbru, glad you enjoyed it!
One of the best and realistic Christmas songs for the facade of peace , love and understanding which we all need!👍🏻❤️☮️✌🏻🌲🎼🎤
Merry Christmas Justin!!! Love the intro!
Ty GB! You too!🎄🎊🧝♂️
This has been voted the greatest progressive rock Christmas song of all-time in many, many polls over the years. Sheer beauty.
Love the opening track development. Lake had such a great voice....
Hallelujah, Noel be it heaven or hell
The Christmas we get we deserve
Justin like you said there’s different versions but the one that is really beautiful is Greg lake and he and Anderson in a church in London performing it live absolutely beautiful thank you Justin God bless you and the family always James
My all time favourite Christmas song. I insist on playing it whatever the season but especially now. Have a great Christmas and despite the storms real and imagined the fear often beats us before reality hits. Music remains the great leveller.
If there’s ever been a better Christmas song, somebody show it me.
My favorite Christmas song EVER MERRY CHRISTMAS JUSTIN
The classic rock station here in Baltimore will still play this at Christmas even though it was never a hit .
Once again, the US missing out on majesty. The UK seemingly had better taste.
What many people miss is that this is actually an anti-Christmas song. It talks of going from naive child to disillusioned adult. Listen to the lyrics.
"They sold me a dream for Christmas, they sold me a Silent Night."
"They sold me a dream for Christmas, til I believed in the Israelite"
It's always been one of my favorite songs, Christmas or otherwise!
The promo film shot for the song reinforces the anti-holiday message, with a boy running into his father arms, but clearly they're somewhere in the Middle East and the dad puts down his gun as he embraces his son.
They told me a fairy story. . .
I've always preferred the 'Works Vol. 2' version because it feels like the orchestra and choir are overpowering everything else. But that's just a subjective preference. Like others here have said, the orchestra/choir may be what others like about the tune.
Music. If you love it, then I love you.
Merry Christmas, Justin.
I'm one who prefers the version Justin played because it is so full, unlike the Works 2 version which seems empty and almost lifeless to me.
I absolutely love this song butty... Its a gem of a Xmas song Justin.. Beautiful acoustic by Greg.. And his voice is angelic as ever.. The orchestral accompaniment is just sublime Justin... This is a stunning song imo..😊 😊
What a joy it is hearing this on your channel butty.
Superb review as always.
Imho... I thank you for this gift.. You've given me so much pleasure in 2020 Justin.. Your channel is always a go too for me.. Absolute class... It does not get any better imho. ❤️ ❤️Oh, loved the instrumental opening, very enjoyable Justin.
Me and Debbie loved it!! ♥️
Thank you so so much Neil always for your comments and for being here :)
The genius of Greg Lake - RIP Greg.
Merry Christmas JP! You may want to check out Nut Rocker by Emerson, Lake, and Palmer.
My second favorite Xmas song, a wonderful piece by Greg.
My favorite?
Run With The Fox by Squire/White.
Do I have your attention?
Don't forget about The Little Drummer Boy/Bowie/Crosby
😉
I always took it "I saw him and through his disguise" as what Pete Sinfield said: the loss of innocence focused in the moment you realize Dad is Father Christmas/ Santa.
This and Snoopy's Christmas by the Royal Guardsmen will forever be my favorite Christmas songs... Thank you
best xmas song, beautiful and i love the cynical edge to it, even though i love xmas!
One of my favourite Christmas songs and a wonderful arrangement.
One of the highlights of Christmas songs being blasted on the radio all month is hearing this gem. One of the few times you actually hear Greg Lake/ELP on the radio!
Lovely stuff. There's a nice version with Greg and Ian Anderson in a church. Happy festivities to all beliefs and denominations.
Same to you Mark.
Peace bro.
@@-davidolivares Thank you David, keep safe.
You too Mark!!🎊🎄
He’s from uk as me it generally tends to rain on Christmas Day
The Works Vol. 2 album (1977) has the studio version performed by ELP, without the choir and orchestra, which I recall was on the single version.
This is THE Christmas song of all time merry x-mas Justin.🎸🎵🔥👍
Really tasteful drum/percussion intro!
Ty Progper!
Greg Lake was golden.
That opening bit was beautiful, Justin. Well done.
Ty!
For me the last 2 lines are key:
Hallelujah, Noel be it heaven or hell
The Christmas we get we deserve
Personally I think this version is overcooked, ELP's is the one I prefer. Yes Greg Lake had one of the best rock voices ever, he's sorely missed.
Nice playing by you at the beginning of the video, well done.
Merry Christmas. Thanks for reviewing my favorite rendition of this ELP classic. Greg had some help from his friends on this one. That was Keith Emerson on keyboards. The deep base you heard was a Moog synthesizer. Carl Palmer on percussion. He used the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus because the band was using them for their Works Volume 1 album and subsequent world tour. Have yourself a wonderful holiday!
Ty!!
Yeah, you can tell it's Keith because of the distinctive Yamaha GX-1 sound which he used elsewhere on the Works album. Carl is harder to pick out, but you can assume he's playing snare and tympani at least.
Liked the opening instrumental. Very nice. Merry Christmas to everyone
Ty Vince, happy holidays!
My favorite Christmas rock song is John Lennon's "Happy Xmas War Is Over". Lake's song is my 2nd favorite. I love this version of the song, but the original stripped down version is also very nice. Christmas blessings to all, and may 2021 be a year of healing and good will.
That would be my top two too!!
Oooooh! I’m so glad he did this!
Thanks Justin. Same to you and your family. One of my favorite Christmas songs of all time. ☃️
The like was before I watched the reaction to Greg Lake's tune. Great intro! Have a wonderful Christmas and stay safe!
Ty John!
This version gets right to the point musically with the military drums coming in at the end after "The Christmas we get we deserve." Like much of Greg and ELP's work, there is the agnostic point of view. He doesn't just see Father Christmas through his disguise, he also calls the Israel Light a fairy story. The official video brings in war images at the end. Beautiful and deep felt song.
He also says that it's NOT meant to be anti-religious (well, "he" being Peter Sinfield, actually, the co-writer):
From songfacts:
Sinfield continued the story: "Some of it was based on an actual thing in my life when I was eight years old, and came downstairs to see this wonderful Christmas tree that my mother had done. I was that little boy. Then it goes from there into a wider thing about how people are brainwashed into stuff. Then I thought, 'This is getting a bit depressing. I'd better have a hopeful, cheerful verse at the end.' That's the bit where me and Greg would've sat together and done it. And then I twisted the whole thing, with the last line, 'The Christmas you get, you deserve,' which was a play on 'The government you get, you deserve.' I didn't necessarily explain all the politics or the thoughts behind it. It's not anti-religious. It's a humanist thing, I suppose. It's not an atheist Christmas song, as some have said."
@@FURDOG1961 That is where the war images come in in the official video, so I don't think it's a coincidence, even if that's not what he's said about it.
@@joemaurone7923 Anti religious is not necessarily the same thing as having doubt.
@@EdwardGregoryNYC Like Sinfield said, the song isn't going to cover every context and consideration; it's not a sermon. It's a song. And it's enough for him to point out that it's not anti-religious in its intent.
As for Lake...
Lake (from Mojo magazine): "I find it appalling when people say it's politically incorrect to talk about Christmas, you've got to talk about 'The Holiday Season.' Christmas was a time of family warmth and love. There was a feeling of forgiveness, acceptance. And I do believe in Father Christmas."
"For me as a child, it was the visual image of peace on earth and goodwill toward men. It was the symbol of generosity and feeling good and all those things. And that's what I think Christmas is all about."
HAPPY SOL INVICTUS!!
this is absolutely my favorite Xmas song
diggin your percussion playing as well
Ty Gary!
There us an ELP Christmas EP which includes both the Greg Lake and ELP versions and 2 or 3 others. Just under 18 minutes. The whole thing is on UA-cam.
Staggeringly sounding Christmas song arguably one of the classiest ever written
Nice ! This was a gift ! Merry Christmas to you and everyone here.
Ty Ariel, you too!🎄🎊
One of my favorite Christmas Songs. It's Lovely.
One of my favourite Christmas songs!
Its great!
Nice one love this song one of may favourite Christmas/holiday songs, along with Stop The Cavalry by Jona Lewis and Fairytale of New York by The Poges and Kirsty McColl and Green Grows The Holly by Calexico. Also have you checked out the live version of this song with Ian Anderson guesting on Flute
Sergei Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kijé Suite, supplied the music background .... I do not know if it was mentioned? Emerson used it with the NICE in a live Christmas performance in 69
I think the major difference in the remastered version was the added chorale in bits and pieces of the lyrics and the symphonic clash at the end. I seem to recall the original as a sparse nearly acoustic folkish sound.
it was voted best prog x-mas song ever!!
Hey Justin My Man!!! Nice drum work my friend!! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!!! Beautiful song by Greg Lake!! Haven't heard this in years!! Wow youve only seen SNOW ONCE IN YOUR LIFE?? Sorry!! I grew up in the subarbs of Chicago!! I love the snow!! But now living in Phoenix since 72 I don't See It that often either!! Lol.R.I.P. GREG!! What an amazing voice!!! Check out - THE ANNIE MOSES BAND- WHEN THE CHRISTMAS BABY CRIES!! SEE YOU SOON MY FRIEND!! YOUR #2 AZ FAN MICHAEL😽😸😊😊
Thank you Justin for your videos this year. YOU have kept many of us sane this year and we look forward to each musical journey you make. To hear younger people get invested in music we were into 40 years ago brings great joy to us.I think we always thought that the early music of Yes, Genesis would last and you are proving it does. Best Wishes.
Thank you so much Carol, I really appreciate that. Hope you've had a great holiday!
Love this. Top 3 Xmas songs. U2 do a great cover of it.
Thanks for not letting worldly distractions get in the way of your seminars on musical appreciation. Nice drums (and - uh - clear sounding steel drum?) at the start. Can we see more of your own talents like that? Great fun to spend the year with you!
Ty so much Ed! Definitely a chance!
:)...Merry Christmas to you and your JP...Thanks for introducing the world to so many great songs...Freedom, Health and happiness to all! :)
Ty so much Rob, you too!🎊🎄
Nice little jam, there!
I liked your intro ! very nice and peaceful, and very melodic.
Ty🙏
The beginning jam was very cool!! Merry Christmas!
Ty Mike!🎄🎊
Beautiful playing JP Drummer myself back in the day Wow was going to suggest this from Lake but figured you'd heard it My fav xmas song Nyro a close second
Ty!
Hi! First I loved the intro 👍 I'm a little late to the show I decided to try & stay off the net for Xmas & spend it with family , Maybe a good idea .lol 😂 I Actually got this 45 single when it came out , just a Christmas 🎄 classic .
Haha hope you had a good time with your family Gene!
Amazing...one of my favorites
Lake & Sinfield still working together then, from King Crimson, ELP & Greg's solo work. They worked well together for roughly 10 years or so. I prefer the version without the orchestra & choir. The orchestra & choir make it sound too overblown, to my ears....
Others may prefer it for the same reason....
Merry Christmas, everyone !! ❄☃️
Not since Greg died.
Love that little intro of yours. Perhaps more of that in 2021? Merry Christmas! :)
We'll see! Ty Arsenal!
I think this was first released as a Greg Lake single, then it was included on ELP Works Vol. II. I believe Emerson played keys and did the orchestration along with the guy from the Works project. Also, in typical ELP style, they are quoting a classical piece between the verses... Prokofiev maybe? Great piece.
Merry Christmas Justin! Love that song in the beginning. This is probably my favorite Christmas song. It's just so Christmasy and I love Greg's voice. This is the original version, which was released as a single in 1974. I'm also not sure who's playing on it, besides Lake. I wouldn't be surprised if that's Emerson on keyboards, as he did play on the 1977 Works Volume II version with Palmer, but I'm not sure. In addition to the Works Volume II version, ELP recorded another version in 1993 for the "Return of the Manticore" Box set, and there was another version recorded live in a Church with Ian Anderson on flute that was really cool (it's on youtube0. But I think the original is still my favorite version. I do love this remaster of it too.
Nice Justin. I knew you'd like this song from Greg Lake. You should check out Greg Lake doing this song live with Ian Anderson on flute from 2011 in a church. Just beautiful. It's on UA-cam.
Speaking of Mr. Anderson. Definitely review Tull's "Christmas Song" the original version from the 1968 UK single. It was evenutally released in the US on1972's LIVING IN THE PAST album. Anyway, "Christmas Song" is also a DARK expose' on the commercialization of Christmas. Ian gets quite ANGRY in it. We like the angry Anderson. Very medieval sounding, with mandolins and sleigh bells.
The sweet little organ doodling between verses is a traditional Russian Christmas tune. I was surprised to hear it in the late 1980s, as the theme of a beautifully illustrated short Russian animation from the NFB (National Film Board of Canada).
Merry Christmas. I appreciate you.
Ty Dana!
There is a version of this with Greg playing in a large church with Ian Anderson backing on flute. Worth a look. Try Jethro Tull’s Christmas Song.
Thank YOU, Justin! Merry Christmas to you, Natasha, and the entire JustJP community. 🎄🎅🏽🦌🍪🥛🎁🎵
Thanks Jay! You as well!!🎊🎄
A beautiful song that I actually knew but didn't know the name of or the performer. This is what should be playing in the malls at Christmas time, assuming the malls were open and haven't been converted into condos.
My best wishes to all of you this frosty morning (it is actually warming up a bit today. I should reach -4 C). May you have a fine holiday season (I was going to say sufficient but that seems a little mean) with plenty to eat and drink and friends and family to share it with. My first interaction today was with the cat who is now bitter because I wouldn't share the snack mix I nibbled on while I was getting his breakfast ready.
Great song and great review. May all the songs you review the rest of this month be good ones.
Haha ty Maruad! Kitty just wanted some snacks!😁
My absolute favorite Christmas song. I hope you picked a good version there are many and some are not as good as others some are beautiful cannot wait to see your reaction and analysis love you
I've still got my single with the green and cover as shown. Lake had one of the best voices in rock and as shown here he was a very good guitarist and bass player.
Hope your Christmas was great, Justin. Loved your playing at the beginning. Do some videos of just you playing some time.
Have loved this song since I first heard it in the 80's. One of the best rock Xmas songs.
I thought I didn't know this song when I saw the title, but the instant it started playing... Yeah, I know it. Great reaction as always, Justin. Wishing all the very best to you and yours this Christmas and in the coming year.
Ty David!🎄🎊
Merry Christmas.
Love it !! Merry Christmas 😊
Happy holidays!
Great intro Justin. I can see the Gentle Giant influence!
Haha ty+
I know I'm late, but did someone suggest to check out the original B-side to this?
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
You too Jeff!🎄☃️
Merry Christmas Justin thanks for the video
Anytime! Ty!
Happy Sunday Justin! I see people have suggested the official video of Greg Lake doing this, but did you get a chance to see it? It will put the song into serious context for you. HIGHLY recommended.
There is a video with greg lake an ian andperson in a church that is just beautiful
Happy Holidays 🌲 to all..
You too Ron!
First one I heard was on ELP album Works
Works Vol. II
This is the original version. A non-orchestral version appears on ELP Works Volume 2. I can't decide which I like better. I think Emerson suggested incorporating the quote from "Troika" (Prokofiev).
The lyrics and curious title suggest choosing to have faith despite having that childhood faith rattled or having become disillusioned. Lake and Peter Sinfield spent a long time working on the lyrics.
I'm not a fan of the final lyric: "The Christmas we get we deserve". The real Christmas message is the opposite of that statement.
Justin you have to check out a version of father Christmas performed live in a church in London accompanied by Keith
The perfect choice. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Ty Richard!
I like your point of view
Well ty!
Snow is greatly over rated and is a right pain in the proverbial.
Thanks JP for listening to this song and doing this lovely video.
This is one of my favourite Christmas songs as it tells it how it is and genuinely wishes you well.
I didn't know that Bohemian Rhapsody kept this from number one.