Christmas is only days away. What better time to deconstruct a beloved holiday classic?
Yes, John and Yoko's Phil Spector-produced Happy Xmas (War is Over) is a thinly disguised re-write of the folkie standard Stewball. Peter Paul & Mary's recording of Stewball is probably the most widely known, but this tale (tail?) of a racehorse has been covered by scores of artists including Woody Guthrie and Joan Baez.
The Hollies recorded Stewball on their 1966 album Would You Believe? Here's their version, taken at a tempo and arrangement similar to Happy Xmas:
...and John and Yoko's song, which turns forty this year:
John and Yoko's Happy Xmas: A Horse Opera?
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
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