Thanks for Christmas
"Thanks for Christmas" is a song by the English band XTC, credited as "the Three Wise Men" and written by Andy Partridge It was released by Virgin Records in late 1983 as a holiday single backed with "Countdown to Christmas Party Time". The song made its first album appearance on the 1990 compilation album Rag and Bone Buffet: Rare Cuts and Leftovers.
| "Thanks for Christmas" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by the Three Wise Men | ||||
| B-side | "Countdown to Christmas Party Time" | |||
| Released | 1983 | |||
| Recorded | 1983 | |||
| Studio | Crescent Studios, Bath | |||
| Genre | Christmas | |||
| Length | 3:52 | |||
| Label | Virgin | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Andy Partridge | |||
| Producer(s) | The Three Wise Men, The Good Lord | |||
| XTC singles chronology | ||||
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Overview
"Thanks for Christmas" was a novelty song recorded to test Crescent Studios owner David Lord's potential as a producer for XTC. It was recorded in late 1983, shortly before sessions commenced for the album The Big Express (1984).[1] Originally, the group wanted to be credited as "the Virgin Marys" for the single, but the record label objected.[2] According to Partridge, "I like the idea of anonymous music, and I thought I'd put together a song and then find an act to do it."[2] It is the only instance in the band's catalog where Partridge and Moulding share lead vocals.[2]
Another song, "Countdown to Christmas Party Time", was recorded as the single's B-side. Partridge described the song as "all-out stupid funky" and "ersatz Michael Jackson or something". Erica Wexler contributed backing vocals and David Lord is credited as "The Good Lord" on the record sleeve.[2]
References
- Twomey, Chris (1992). XTC: Chalkhills and Children. London: Omnibus Press. p. 136. ISBN 9780711927582.
- Bernhardt, Todd; Partridge, Andy. "Andy discusses 'Thanks for Christmas'". Chalkhills.