Another Sunday Cover Story, another charity single, this one with a seasonal twist. Toronto hardcore band Fucked Up has recruited a smattering of artists to re-record Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” to support Canadian women’s organizations.
The 2009 version follows in the wake of two other all-star takes of the 1984 charity recording written by Bob Geldolf and Midge Ure. In 1989, at Geldolf’s request, hit makers Stock, Aitken, and Waterman produced a new pop-centric version featuring Cathy Dennis, Kylie Minogue, Lisa Stansfield, and Technotronic, among others, crediting the track to Band Aid II. The song’s 20th anniversary was celebrated in 2004 by a host of UK biggies including Chris Martin (Coldplay), Fran Healey (Travis), Robbie Williams, Dido, Keane, Sugababes, and Estelle. Bono, George Michael, and Paul McCartney also joined the Band Aid 20 recording, reprising their involvement with the original effort.
Five years later, joining Fucked Up on this fourth go-round of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” are Andrew W.K., Bob Mould, Tegan & Sara, Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend), Yo La Tengo, David Cross, Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene), Kyp Malone (TV On The Radio), and GZA. All of the proceeds from sales of the single will go to three charities working to eliminate violence and discrimination against native Canadian women: Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (Montreal), DTES Power of Women Group (Vancouver) and Sisters in Spirit (Ottawa).
And while the issue is big-time serious, the artists gathered for the 2009 version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” don’t take themselves too seriously. This louder and much looser take makes room for a little bit of levity (thanks, David Cross). Hear here:
Purchase Fucked Up – “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” via iTunes.