'Ave A Banana

The Christmas post is always a tricky one.

But not this year.

Unfortunately, it seems Chas n Dave are no more.
Dave's retired you see.
Leaving Chas in a bit of a quandary...

Does he carry on?
'Chas'.
Not quite the same really, is it?

So as you're shoveling down another mince pie; imbibing yet another eggnog, do think of poor ol' Chas.
And have one on him!
In fact let's raise our glasses to the phenomenon that was Chas n Dave:
"To Chas n Dave!"
I've posted this album back to front, with the live tracks (originally Side 2) first: they really are the business as far as this album is concerned.
Recorded live at The Bridge House, Canning Town, London, with an extremely lively audience, it makes for a right ol' cockney knees' up.
Who can honestly resist singing along with 'The Sideboard Song' or having a go at the quick bits during 'Rabbit'?

The long track (Side 1 of the original), 'Stars Over 45', does tend to grate after a while, and the 'on 45' beat really gets on your tits; but they do manage some interesting takes on old London music-hall styled songs; and who else but Chas n Dave would have the balls to mash 'What A Rotten Song' with 'Give It To The Girl Next Door'?

The audacity!

I'm sure Alan Lomax would have been fascinated.

Chas n Dave - Christmas Jamboree Bag (1981)

The Sideboard Song
Some Day
Poor Old Mr. Woogie
Down Where The Swanee River Flows
Rabbit
Roll Over Beethoven
Stars Over 45

Excellent vinyl rip @320kbs
Have yourself a right cockney knees' up here

I'll be putting up some posts over the holiday period that deviate from my normal fare; as I'll be dealing with more mainstream concerns.
With a twist, of course.
Watch this space...

Hey, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to All!
Shanti, roy