BoardsFM

Loughc · 27-10-2022 8:46am #1

So an idea from Rudolph idea has now sprung into it's own thread idea.

Us lucky people here in the Christmas Forum have acquired a (fictional) radio station. And we need some volunteers to host their top 10 Christmas songs. (Not a real gig or radio show just 10+ posts 😂)

What makes this different to a normal top 10 Christmas songs is on each post you must introduce the song, why you picked it, why it's in your top 10 and any Christmas memories associated to that song.

You may also pick a station opening and closing song and a hidden gem (a Christmas song that doesn't get enough love each year)

So who wants to host their top 10, sign up here, all are welcome. Understandable this will take a bit of time to pull together so there's no rush to post your top 10 after you sign up. Once you're ready just let us know!

Sign ups:

TRS30
Mystery Egg
Caranica
Cup
Autosport
DVB
freshpopcorn

TRS30 · 27-10-2022 9:09am

Count me in. As you said might be a while before I have all the info however I'm game.

Loughc · 27-10-2022 9:10am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119799044#Comment_119799044

Yeah there’s no rush. I’m finding it hard to narrow to ten and then to put them in order. Yikes.

27-10-2022 9:22am

I'd love to do this. :D

Loughc · 27-10-2022 9:29am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119799104#Comment_119799104

Delighted to have you on board :)

Caranica · 27-10-2022 11:19am

I'll have a go

Cup · 27-10-2022 11:39am

I’d love to have a go!

Loughc · 27-10-2022 12:33pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119799741#Comment_119799741

Welcome aboard!

Autosport · 27-10-2022 5:22pm

Go on I’ll join in you’ve twisted my arm 😂😂

Jude13 · 31-10-2022 5:34am

Great idea, looking forward to the stories associated with each.

DvB · 31-10-2022 11:18am

I'm up for this, getting the time to put together means it could take some time though...

First things first, my top 10.

Caranica · 31-10-2022 2:42pm

Ok, I think I have my list...I have 10 plus a start and a finish song anyway. I've probably forgotten something major but I'm sure someone else will pick them up anyway.

Let me know when and where you want them posted and if you want links

Loughc · 31-10-2022 4:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119815736#Comment_119815736

When ever you want you’re free to start. Sure you can absolutely link the song. Especially if it’s one we might not have heard of them.

freshpopcorn · 31-10-2022 5:17pm

Do the songs have to Christmas songs or songs that you may associate with Christmas, were in the charts at Christmas?

Loughc · 31-10-2022 7:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119816256#Comment_119816256

its your top 10 my friend. You can have whatever you want in it.

freshpopcorn · 31-10-2022 7:52pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119816707#Comment_119816707

Thanks, I'm in so!

Declan A Walsh · 10-11-2022 11:53am

Just after seeing this thread as I don't often go outside of Christmas FM on the Christmas forum.

Great idea Loughc.

If I had the time to devote to it I would submit my Top 10 etc., but I suspect I won't - especially all the intros etc.. At the very least, I look forward to reading this thread.

Loughc: This might be interesting to do as an exercise in the other forum referred to below in my signature. Just a thought!

15-11-2022 8:25pm

Ah cool Loughc- great idea would love to if that's OK- tell us when this whole thing is kicking off- like you, need a bit of time to think it out but order me my date and I shall deliver sir/madame

Loughc · 15-11-2022 8:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119878963#Comment_119878963

You can kick off whenever suits. I’ve my order done so I’ll kick it all off tomorrow!

15-11-2022 8:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119878969#Comment_119878969

So - for the stupid amongst us (i.e. me)- can you clarify a few things:

And we need some volunteers to host their top 10 Christmas songs. (Not a real gig or radio show just 10+ posts 😂)

So do we post our top 10 all at once or wha- like maybe i go first, someone else goes second, 3rd etc then back to me for my 2nd pick or is that waaaay over complicating things?

What makes this different to a normal top 10 Christmas songs is on each post you must introduce the song, why you picked it, why it's in your top 10 and any Christmas memories associated to that song.

Cool- got that

You may also pick a station opening and closing song and a hidden gem (a Christmas song that doesn't get enough love each year)

Don't understand this- I'm thick- sorry - please explain :D

So who wants to host their top 10, sign up here, all are welcome. Understandable this will take a bit of time to pull together so there's no rush to post your top 10 after you sign up. Once you're ready just let us know!

Me ME ME :D

15-11-2022 8:38pm

Or maybe just start it and we'll figure it out as we go?

Loughc · 15-11-2022 9:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119878995#Comment_119878995

I think it’ll be easier to do a top 10 person by person. To avoid confusion.

The order should be;

Opening Song
Top 10 songs 10-6
Hidden Gem song
Top 10 songs 5-1
closing song

hope that helps

15-11-2022 9:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119879120#Comment_119879120

It does- except for "opening song" "closing song" - don't get that- what's that about? (sorry did i say I'm thick?)

Loughc · 15-11-2022 9:10pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119879141#Comment_119879141

you get to pick what song you’d like to start your slot on boardsfm. And what song to sign off on and close off your time on boardsfm.

15-11-2022 9:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119879173#Comment_119879173

I'll watch closely and learn so 😁

Caranica · 15-11-2022 9:50pm

I totally forgot about this. Hopefully I'll get mine up at the weekend

Posy · 16-11-2022 8:19am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119879141#Comment_119879141

It's the same as Christmas FM. They open with a song (first song they play) and close with a song (last song they play before transmission ends) 🙂

Loughc · 17-11-2022 8:22am

Goooooood Moooooorrrrrinnnnngggggg

It is time! Welcome to the first every broadcast on BoardsFM I'll be your host for the next while, Lough-Christmas,

And kicking off my broadcast today is the Iconic....

"It's Beginning to look alot like Christmas" but I'm going to go for the Michael Bublé version.

This one is definitely in honor of ChristmasFM's traditional start song. It's got it all the music introduction at the start, and Bublé adds a great velvety tone to lyrics.

The song is quickly becoming a signal that the season has started for me.

Loughc · 17-11-2022 9:09am

Next up it's the start of my Top 10....

Coming in at number 10, is a song that I can't imagine anyone else will have on their list but I have a reason.

It was the song that played as the last song Online by a DJ on ChristmasFM on NYE/NYD morning 1am, I vividly remember it as I was brushing my teeth getting ready for bed with ChristmasFM playing on my phone. I was getting ready for a 3 hour sleep, at that stage myself and my OH were taking turns sleeping for 3 hours as we had a 4 week old baby at the time and night time was a minefield haha.

The song was "All I want for Christmas is You" (but not the Mariah Carey version) it was a country music Christmas song and the version i heard was covered by Kelly Clarkson

It really is a beautiful song, and I never heard it before it really captured my attention. I immediately downloaded it and added it to my Christmas playlist and everytime I hear it, it brings me back to that moment, and despite the serious sleep deprivation it brings back wonderful memories of the newborn stage.

Loughc · 17-11-2022 9:27am

Number 9

Is a classic.... it's

"Sleigh Ride" by The Ronnetts

This is one I find myself singing the opening section throughout the year. I sing it so often now that when my little elf hears me singing it he smiles and laughs. It's so upbeast and festive what more can you say....

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing, rin-ting tingling too (Ring-a-ling-a, ding-dong,ding!)

Loughc · 17-11-2022 9:47am

Number 8

It's a love or hate song but for me I LOVE IT.

"Once Upon A Christmas Song" by Peter Kay

For me this song has an irritatingly good hook and the lyrics are so very cleverly written. One you can sing along to each and every year and never tire of.

Loughc · 17-11-2022 9:57am

Number 7

Another classic..

"All I want for Christmas" by Mariah Carey

This time it is the Mariah Carey version, yes I know this song has been and is MASSIVELY over-played. But from the opening chimes and the initially over-sang Iiiiii..... you know it's going to be a banger haha.

For me this one holds a memory of me in my early 20's (cries in late 30s) and being out in a nightclub on December 23rd, and when it stuck midnight the DJ announced, "It's midnight, it's OFFICIALLY Christmas Eve!!" and started playing this song and everyone ran to the dancefloor.

I remember just looking around and seeing everyone smiling and singing and dancing and thinking this is what Christmas is all about, everyone is happy and having a great time. There was no stress about work or life, everyone just having a good time.

Loughc · 17-11-2022 10:32am

Number 6

Is a modern take on a classic.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" covered by The Coronas

The Coronas are either extremely liked or disliked by the public but I like them, they covered this Christmas Classic as part of a charity album for RTÉ, they sang the song as a slowed down somber version and it was the first time I remember hearing the song and really focusing on the lyrics and it really hit home. The song became even more meaningful in 2020 & 2021.

Loughc · 17-11-2022 10:36am

So that's my half way mark in my countdown, I'll be taking a breather for now and returning with the hidden gem, songs 5-1 and my closing song!

DvB · 17-11-2022 11:07am

Excellent stuff @Loughc I look forward to the second half!

TRS30 · 17-11-2022 12:18pm

Yes, loving it so far @Loughc, bring on the top 5!

Loughc · 17-11-2022 1:57pm

Oh Half way mark and it's time for Lough-Christmas Hidden Gem.

Incredible Christmas by Gary Barlow gets the nod for me for this. I've said recently we're hitting a bit of a Christmas music resurgence with more modern artist releasing Christmas Albums, Gary Barlow dropped this tune 2 years ago and I feel it went a bit under the radar, musically upbeat and lyrically well written lots to enjoy here!

Loughc · 17-11-2022 2:04pm

Number 5

This is a strong classic, covered by so many it was hard to pick one version;

It's Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Leona Lewis

I went with Leona as her voice adds a new dimension to the song, the brass section in this song is amazing it is a serious powerful number!

Loughc · 17-11-2022 2:06pm

Number 4

Another classic it's;

"Last Christmas" by Wham

This song rings special for me as it's one of the music videos I VIVIDLY remember from my childhood. That Ski-Resort looked amazing and all I wanted to go for years after was to go on a snow holiday... (still hasn't happened)

Loughc · 17-11-2022 2:08pm

Number 3

"I wish it could be Christmas Every Day" by Wizzard

Another song I could be heard singing parts of throughout the year. It's an absolute ear worm of a song and it burrows in for the year for me randomly popping into my head at random times.

Loughc · 17-11-2022 2:11pm

Number 2

"Merry Xmas Everyone" by Slade

I'm showing my aged here with my top 4 selection. I feel this song has had a massive culture impact, it's featured on Gavin and Stacey and Noel Gallagher performed a slow down version of it for the Royle Family. Not to mention every Christmas party every and everyone belting out It's Christmasssss at the end of the song.

Not much more to add but it's a song that lives on, it's iconic and timeless.

Loughc · 17-11-2022 2:17pm

And Number 1....

Is...

"Merry Christmas Everyone" by Shaking Stevens

Another one I vividly remember the music video for, the playing in the snow, the dancing snowman, 80's gold.

But for me I vividly remember this as a kid dancing like crazy to it, it was a big hit in our house growing up and it always brings me back to the feeling of being a kid at Christmas.

It's worth pointing out Lyra did a cover of this song and it is stunning, you'd barely recognise it but it brings whole new meaning to the lyrics.

Loughc · 17-11-2022 2:19pm

Thank you for baring with me today and I can’t think of a better song to close my shift out here on boardsfm but with the greatest Irish Christmas song ever written.

https://youtu.be/j9jbdgZidu8

Enjoy!

Declan A Walsh · 17-11-2022 3:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119885876#Comment_119885876

Not totally an Irish Christmas song - written by Shane McGowan and Jem Finer, both born and raised in England. Shane's parents were Irish and he did see quite a bit of Ireland - I'll give you that! Jem Finer is the unsung hero here, having come up with the song first before Shane changed the lyrics.

DvB · 17-11-2022 3:29pm

Great work @Loughc

If I get the time to write mine between now & christmas I'll be doing well!

Loughc · 17-11-2022 3:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119886250#Comment_119886250

Ah we adopted the Pogues along time ago.... sure even the mention of Galway Bay is enough to seal it haha

DvB · 17-11-2022 3:51pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119886250#Comment_119886250

Seen him being interviewed a few times & from his own mouth he considers himself Irish. At least half the pogues are Irish or of Irish descent & consider themselves very much an Irish/London hybrid band.

There was a great documentary about the history of the song on BBC3 a few years ago & I have it saved & have watched it a few times, the backstory is as entertaining as the song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUSNzqqLFT0

Declan A Walsh · 17-11-2022 3:58pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119886348#Comment_119886348

I think I saw that documentary. I suspect it was BBC4 as that is the more music-oriented channel. It may have been on BBC2 too. I think I saw it (if it was the same documentary) on RTE. Jem Finer got more of a recognition there than he normally does for that song. I'm not sure if he has Irish blood - could have I suppose.

DvB · 17-11-2022 4:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119886383#Comment_119886383

BBC3 originally, its even watermarked in the top left corner on the youtube link in my post 😉 though I suspect it was repeated on BBC4 after BBC3 went online only for a few years. Think you're right that it was on RTE a few years later too.

A great watch though. I saw it one year when my Mrs was out at her work christmas party & I had the kids in bed fats asleep... house was decorated and the tree was twinkling away... christmas bliss for an old fart such as myself😀

TRS30 · 17-11-2022 6:19pm

Brilliant @Loughc, really enjoyed that.

Like DvB will look to get mine done this side of Christmas!

Loughc · 17-11-2022 7:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119886916#Comment_119886916

No rush lads we always have the off season next year too!!

BoardsFM

Comments

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens