The Northern Newsletter

Snow hangs in the crisp winter air, the streets empty yet cozy with a blanket of virgin white. Its façade only displaced by the prints of carol singers, spreading festivity as they harmonise for… ‘Metal Guru’. Yes, by English glam-rock pioneers T. Rex. To clarify however, this scenario is completely fictitious, unfortunately. But my adoration for the song isn’t and I’ve even controversially crowned it as my favourite Christmas song. Surprising for me to counter the normal, right? Still I feel it necessary to justify my conclusion, so where better to start than Liverpool.

On the 3rd November I went to see Bob Dylan – Live in Concert at the M&S Bank Arena, seems unusual but some of you may recount my mentioned visit to Dig Vinyl. Where I was treated to an £8.50 copy of ‘Marc Bolan And T-Rex –The Ultimate Collection’. This record is overflowing, containing twenty classic T. Rex hits. Exposing me to a further range of glam-rock as the boundaries of electric guitar playing is surpassed by Bolan. A defiant example of this is the flamboyant, glittery and charming Metal Guru; a cacophony of preface wails tied tightly by a feather boa-esque guitar harmony. While strings hum like harpies to orchestrate this triumphant track. As you can tell I’m rather passionate and possibly mental but its effect does generate a festive and merry atmosphere while the gentle jingle of reindeers resonate. 

I am ever further convinced by directing the song. To begin with, the title ‘Metal Guru’ is an indication of a deity meaning a god. Which could be a possible reference to Saint Nicholas who has clear connections to religion. Easily dismissible as some silly metaphor, or maybe not. As well as this, one of the most notable lyrics ‘Metal guru could it be you’re gonna bring my baby to me?’. Possibly one of the most prominent references to the holiday, the lyrics could connote the idea of receiving star-crossed love. Something similar to a more modern song such as Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’. Where the only gift suitable from a godlike character is the present of happiness into an otherwise solitary life. Where both protagonists appear alone and desperate for some excitement in either the form of music or some simple fun. Ultimately, maybe their should be no criteria for a song to be categorised as festive because ultimately everyone is diverse and perceives joy differently. Musicians should be freely able to write lyrics liberally and without fear of censorship, without being condemned into a specific time of year. Then again those who refuse to accept this as the greatest Christmas song to you I say keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine. 

Merry Christmas – I love to boogie on a Wednesday night!