Wednesday, 1 December 2021

Scouting for Girls - A Very Scouting For Girls Christmas


24 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Stream Scouting for Girls festive collection on Spotify (external link)

Who knew that jolly good British trio Scouting for Girls would become so synonymous with Christmas?! Ever since their rather delightful Christmas In The Air (Tonight) single from 2015, they've revisited the magic of the season each year since. Bringing their effusive brand of indie-pop melodies to your holiday playlist, Roy, Gregg and James not only showcase their ability to eloquently convey their feelings towards the most wonderful time of the year, they often do so with wry humour and relatable lyrics. I've always felt these songs deserved a much wider audience (quite honestly, Christmas In The Air (Tonight) should be in the UK top ten for all of December every single year) so here is your handy cut out and keep guide to A Very Scouting for Girls Christmas...
  • Christmas In The Air (Tonight) ~ the song that started their mistletoe merriment; the piano tinkles like icicles forming on the greenest of evergreen trees whilst the percussion shuffles along like a sleigh ride through the snow. The guitar strumming is as warming as a cup of hot cocoa and Roy's engaging vocals conjure up the wide eyed excitement that sometimes only the Yuletide can bring. Lyrically it examines all the things that we now associate with December 25th and how, even things like late night shopping with the masses can seem that little bit more magical. Stream on Spotify here 
  • Put Me Back On Your Christmas List ~ there is something a little Spector-esque about the opening bars of this song (more his Christmas influences than his criminal ways). Booming drums pulse alongside a sweeping orchestra of strings, whilst bells chime as the lads urge for reconciliation. It can be a bit more lonely at Christmas when emotions are heightened so if you've been a bit of a cad to your loved one, this may be the song that will melt their frosty heart. It is so delightfully sincere that it would be a romantic request very hard to refuse. Stream on Spotify here. 
  • The Reason Why Santa's So Happy ~ the lyrics to this are basically the plot to an as yet unmade Netflix Christmas movie; the origin of why Santa Claus is Jolly Old Saint Nick.  You might think it is an updated origin story that you can sing-along to with the kids on Christmas Eve; I won't spoil what Santa's motivation is but fair to say it does make him a bit of a lothario. No wonder the accompanying music and backing vocals sound so very cheeky and flirtatious. Ends by becoming a raucous yet convivial boozy sing-along that will sound great in pubs on Christmas Eve! Stream on Spotify here. 
  • Silent Night ~ who knew the Scouts could deliver such traditional festive fare in their own engaging style. They take the age-old carol and give it a fresh sprinkling of musical snow to make it something that feels new all over again. I can't help but think the shepherds would have rather listened to this take, singing along with the sheep by the fire, than hearing another operatic soprano version. They take some liberties with the top line melody that works well in the context of the instrumental accompaniment. Listen on Spotify here. 
  • Kids At Christmas ~ the band love a love story at Christmas (maybe they just watched a lot of Love, Actually). This one doesn't really have a happy ending, however, as it details all the wondrous memories of times gone by only to come to the brutal realisation that being alone on the big day is a bit rubbish. It is a clever ruse to suck you in with such cheery musical merriment and using the children's choir to add a bit of ABBA I Have A Dream style sing-along to the texture of the song is marketing genius. Stream on the Ten Add Ten compilation here.
  • Let's Not Go Away ~ SFG are nothing if not talented at finding different ways to tell a story; this one is all about wanting to be solely with the one you love as the holidays draw near. Who needs the pressure of family gatherings or impressing parents who refuse to be impressed. This is a lilting ballad, full of yearning and melancholy (plus brilliant lines like "I don't want your extended DNA"). Best listened to by viewing the Oscar worthy animated video on YouTube to get the full holistic experience. You can do so by clicking here!
  • Xmas In The 80s ~ like a tinsel decorated DeLorean, it is an exhilarating trip that worms its way into your brain and refuses to vacate til New Year. A peppy percussive beat, jingling bells, cooing backing harmonies and witty lyrics that will get you nodding along, this is a heady nostalgia trip that will leave you feeling both merry and bright. The effusive chorus is a glorious wall of sound with that gleefully enthusiastic vocal from Roy sending you bopping around the room. It is a history lesson the whole family can enjoy. Check it out here (Spotify). 
  • Kids At Christmas (Part 2) ~ ooo, a sequel! May I be as bold to say that, much like Home Alone 2: Lost In New York and Batman Returns, it manages to enhance the original whilst bringing you all the elements you know and love. This is their most Fairytale of New York style romp yet, a story of one amazing Christmas Eve that never seemed to end. Sure, there's a somewhat poignant reflection on times gone by at the end but ultimately it is a celebration of memories that make up your love of the season. Joyful AND triumphant - stream on Spotify here. 
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