Thanks for Christmas

"Thanks for Christmas" is a song by the English band XTC, credited as "the Three Wise Men" and written by Andy Partridge It was released by Virgin Records in late 1983 as a holiday single backed with "Countdown to Christmas Party Time". The song made its first album appearance on the 1990 compilation album Rag and Bone Buffet: Rare Cuts and Leftovers.

"Thanks for Christmas"
Single by the Three Wise Men
B-side"Countdown to Christmas Party Time"
Released1983
Recorded1983
StudioCrescent Studios, Bath
GenreChristmas
Length3:52
LabelVirgin
Songwriter(s)Andy Partridge
Producer(s)The Three Wise Men, The Good Lord
XTC singles chronology
"Love on a Farmboy's Wages"
(1983)		 "Thanks for Christmas"
(1983)		 "All You Pretty Girls"
(1984)

Overview

"Thanks for Christmas" was a novelty song recorded to test Crescent Studios owner David Lord's potential as a producer for XTC. It was recorded in late 1983, shortly before sessions commenced for the album The Big Express (1984).[1] Originally, the group wanted to be credited as "the Virgin Marys" for the single, but the record label objected.[2] According to Partridge, "I like the idea of anonymous music, and I thought I'd put together a song and then find an act to do it."[2] It is the only instance in the band's catalog where Partridge and Moulding share lead vocals.[2]

Another song, "Countdown to Christmas Party Time", was recorded as the single's B-side. Partridge described the song as "all-out stupid funky" and "ersatz Michael Jackson or something". Erica Wexler contributed backing vocals and David Lord is credited as "The Good Lord" on the record sleeve.[2]

Personnel

XTC

Cover versions

In December 2022 american alternative rock band Lazlo Bane released a music video for the song.[3]

References
  1. Twomey, Chris (1992). XTC: Chalkhills and Children. London: Omnibus Press. p. 136. ISBN 9780711927582.
  2. Bernhardt, Todd; Partridge, Andy. "Andy discusses 'Thanks for Christmas'". Chalkhills.
  3. "Thanks For Christmas (Lazlo Bane)". youtube.com. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
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