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Platinum selling UK artist Amy Macdonald sings a Fairytale of New York

Put Amy Macdonald on stage with a guitar in her hands, let loose her rich, bell-clear voice on a brace of superb original songs-and the self-effacing 20-year-old with the pale skin and wide blue eyes is revealed as a compelling performer possessed of formidable musical gifts.

Her Decca Universal debut album, This Is The Life, is equally impressive. On each of its eleven tracks, Amy’s own acoustic guitar patterns form the foundation for the beautifully detailed arrangements created by producer Pete Wilkinson and mixed to perfection by Bob Clearmountain. The result is a seamless set of contemporary folk-flavored pop-rock with a warmly natural sound and free of hip-hop affectations. Amy’s melodies are incredibly catchy-the quality that has made “Run,” “This Is The Life,” and “Mr. Rock & Roll” into international radio favorites-but her lyrics sometimes hint at a darker, edgier under current.When she’s not topping the radio charts in the UK or selling out shows in the rest of Europe, Amy Macdonald loves getting into the holiday spirit through song.

STREAM THIS TRACK -

Amy MacDonald – “Fairytale of New York” (Recorded at The Barrowlands in Glasgow) – WINDOWS MEDIA AUDIO

NOTEWORTHY -

The Barrowlands used to be a ballroom where people would come and dance in the 50’s and 60’s. It still retains the old ballroom floor, which is quite bouncy, and old retro decor so there is a nostalgic feel about the place. it has a large flashing neon sign and now houses a weekend market underneath, selling bric a brac, etc. Bands all around the world love to play this venue, as it has so much character. Even though it fits just under 2000 people every show feels very intimate.

Amy was looking to perform a special Christmas song for her show at “The Barras” (as they are known) and “Fairytale of New York” is very famous in UK. In her opinion, it’s probably the “coolest ‘non traditional’ song there is” so thought she would give it a go. Her voice is reminiscent of the late Kirsty MacColl, so there are some apparent links there as well as her bass player, Jamie sounding quite similar to Shane Mcgowan who sings the original. All in all, it was one of those songs that just worked.