The Rising - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Nothing quite announces that Xmas is coming like the arrival of a seasonal single from The Rising. Each year they deliver something to sit alongside the regular outings at this time of year from Slade, Wizzard and the Pogues.

This year they've gone for a most prescient of covers, in the shape of "Have Yoursel A Merry Little Christmas", the one with the line about

"Through the years we all will be together

If the fates allow"

which for the second year running has additional meaning.

This version plays it straight, there's no gimmickry involved, Chris Logan plays a variety of guitars to build up a soothing suitable soundscape and Chantelle McAtteer is given full reign to really express her vocals, which she does with some aplomb on this most pleasing of singles.