It may have originated via several furry creatures from a borough in London but it has taken a group of (marginally) less furry types from the other side of the Atlantic to bring ‘Wombling Merry Christmas’ to its logical conclusion. I have the fondest memories of playing the Wombles original on a turntable and thinking that although it sounded quite like a novelty hit it was nonetheless imbued with bountiful melody. Which made the decision of Boise’s premier indie pop combo, the Very Most, to cover the song all the more reasonable given their cunning craft with gentle harmonies. From the off I was in love, the band had stripped the tune to its base ingredients, filtering out the stark chords and boisterous brass. In their place a smooth male/female waltz unfolded before our ears and a band with so many prized moments had conspired to create another golden one. ‘Wombling Merry Christmas’ is due to be released on December 3 as part of the band’s ‘Snow Covered‘ EP, which also includes note perfect renditions of the Beach Boys ‘Little Saint Nick’ and Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci’s little dote ‘Christmas Eve’ (now with extra minutes). Sure wouldn’t be Christmas without the Very Most. KD
The Very Most – Wombling Merry Christmas
More Info: Official
Buy Songs: The Very Most
Year: 2011
I’m dying to hear that Vashti cover (which you don’t mention and could be the best track on the record)