Holiday Jam Countdown '09: Several Goodwill-Spawning Versions of "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
Does anything scream "This Happened in the '80s" more than an All-Star Charity Single? (Yes. But for our purposes, no.) Cue "Do They Know It's Christmas"? -- alternate title in some circles: "Feed the World" -- the Bob Geldof-and-Midge-Ure-written benefit tune featuring English and Irish rockers.
The tune's been covered in a tongue-and-cheek and serious way since it was first recorded in 1984. Most recently, Canadian hardcore heroes Fucked Up recruited an all-star cast of collaborators -- RZA, Bob Mould, Tegan and Sara, Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend, et al -- and recorded a version of this song; proceeds from its sale go to three charities "working to bring to end to the epidemic of missing and murdered native women.". Air Supply also did a version of this song -- and even for them, it's saccharine.
But really, nothing compares to the original. Enjoy.
MP3: Band Aid, "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
MP3: Pete Yorn, "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
Email to Friend
Write to Editor
Print Article
