WOKE CHIMP
https://www.wokechimp.com/blind-uncle-harry-christmas-day-in-australia
Our featured single, ‘Christmas Day in Australia’ by Blind Uncle Harry, is out now and available on YouTube! The single lasts four minutes and twenty-eight seconds and sits at a steady 106bpm. The track commences with a twenty-one second instrumental introduction that combines a didgeridoo with an acoustic guitar progression; setting the tone for the instigation of the proceeding verse.
The vocal color is stylistic and authentic; seamlessly matching the flow of the instrumental accompaniment. The harmonized layering of the second vocal with the main hook adds a depth and richness to the overall sound without detracting from the memorable melody. The subtle inclusion of the slide riff provides the perfect amount of dynamic diversity as it compliments the foundational instrumental layers.
From the well balanced mix and creative instrumentation, to the authentic vocal performances, fans of Blind Uncle Harry, as well as those who appreciate new and creative music, will definitely want to hear this single. Make sure you follow Blind Uncle Harry on social media to keep up to date with upcoming releases and performances!
SKOPE MAGAZINE
https://skopemag.com/2020/12/03/blind-uncle-harry-in-the-holiday-spirit-with-christmas-day-in-australia
Chris ‘Harry’ Doran performs under the stage name Blind Uncle Harry, and “Christmas Day in Australia” is his new seasonal song. The track begins with the sound of a droning digeridoo, which gives way to acoustic guitar. Doran then begins singing the song, along with slide guitar accompaniment, in a distinctly Dylan-esque vocal tone.
Less than a minute in, Doran is joined by a harmonizing female vocalist. Lyrically, Doran contrasts the typical Christmas celebration with the way they do it in Australia. It’s Christmas day in Australia, and he’s out on the beach. The beach is not the usual locale we usually associate with Christmas. Rather, we picture snowy settings with icicles, snowmen and people all bundled up for a sleigh ride together. Beach parties and Christmas celebrations just don’t usually go together. Australia is different, though. Not only is Doran spending Christmas in Australia at the beach, but he’s sweating. This is a strikingly contrasting visual image.
As holiday songs go, this is a relatively somber take. The kids certainly won’t be singing it as a choir for winter celebrations. It is, instead, a biographical sketch that finds Blind Uncle Harry reflecting upon his unusual circumstances. Maybe he had hoped to be in a much more Christmas-y location during the holiday. There’s one popular Christmas song that states, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas/Everywhere I go.” There’s just so much emphasis put upon how the season looks to us. There are even particular colors, like red and green, that remind us of the holiday. There are decorations, lights, and special store displays. Blind Uncle Harry’s lyrics tell us that the world around him at this particular moment just doesn’t look like Christmas.
The singing matches the track’s disappointed mood. It’s sung with sadness and disappointment. The song goes on to tell us about a girl that’s left this guy, which has led to him drinking too much. These events add even more pain to this man’s circumstances.
One thing this song isn’t, is a travel pitch for Australia. Nothing about it makes you want to plan you next Christmas holiday in the land down under. More than that, you don’t want to be this guy. While most Christmas songs are upbeat recordings, not all are happy. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “If We Make It Through December” are just two examples of holiday songs that lead decidedly to the more negative end of the mood spectrum.
Maybe if this song was commissioned to Men At Work, it might have turned out happier. These were those hit-making, fun-loving Australians from the ‘80s. Blind Uncle Harry, though, is not in the mood to sing a rousing holiday bar song. This, while a different sort of Christmas song, is nevertheless an effective biographical tune. It’s not recommended for Christmas parties, but it may be fitting to sit and listen to alone if Christmas just didn’t go like you planned it. No, this song is not emblematic of how most Australians spend Christmas. It is how this guy experienced the holiday, though, and it’s as honest as it is sad.
THE BANDCAMP DIARIES
https://thebandcampdiaries.com/post/636579022959263744/blind-uncle-harry-presents-christmas-day-in
December 2020 - It’s that magical time of the year once again! Although they love Christmas just like we do over there in Australia, the landscape is quite different. Forget snowy tops and winter sweaters, and welcome sunny days and walks along the beautiful Pacific shores. Blind Uncle Harry recently came up with a brand new single that highlights the Aussie Christmas spirit in style!
The song also comes with a matching music video, which perfectly captures the unique feel of the song and style. The track kicks off with a didgeridoo drone, as well as some beautiful percussion. However, the artist dives into a folky arrangement that reminds me of twee music, with some well-matched female vocal harmonies, and some bright acoustic guitars. One of the highlights of the songs is the beautiful slide guitar track. It has a very Hawaiian feel, reminiscent of classic artists like Johnny & Santo, and it plays along beautifully with the rhythm of the song.
Find out more about Blind Uncle Harry, and do not miss out on Christmas Day in Australia, which is currently available on the web.