Tag: Big Society

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Big Society “December, forever” (2023)

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp

Manchester’s Big Society is becoming one of those bands you must watch when December rolls around. With three Christmas releases since 2020, they haven’t put out a dud yet. I somehow missed “On a Winter’s Night” last year, but with the last few days of Christmas deluge, I have to cut myself a break. Thankfully, this year’s glorious new track, “December, forever,” dropped early enough to be featured on my 2023 mix, I’m an Igloo. What do I like about it? It sounds warm and lovely, despite the complicated feelings that run through the song. To think they achieved this as a live take (in their custom-built shipping container studio) is pretty crazy. Yes, some drums and backing vocals were added later, but truly impressive. Is that a banjo? Am I crazy? I think I am. I am. That is a guitar right? Ah hell, I just love it. This is why I don’t get paid to do this – I’m not a reliable source of useful information.

Bottom Line: Big Society with another stone-cold mixworthy tune. Sales benefit The Boothe Center in Manchester, a charity that provides services for the homeless. Open up those wallets folks.

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Big Society – Big (Christmas) (2020)

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp

The last few days leading up to Christmas are really nuts. Nearly everybody releases their Christmas song or HUGE Christmas compilation, and my inbox explodes. My family has a bit less tolerance for late nights of searching and writing – because the mix is done! So… you might see my posts slow. All that said, I am saving a TON of links in the hopes that I’ll be able to get to them later. The lucky few… I’ll get to right now.

Manchester’s Big Society has dropped a very nice 4-track EP of really, really solid Christmas tunes. With touches of Cheap Trick and Queen, a dash of banjo and bossa nova, and a healthy heaping of indie rock, every single one of these songs is pretty great. I’m not quite sure which song is my favorite yet, as I am kinda tempted to grab a set of headphones and go for a walk with record. So… maybe I’ll get back to you, but feel free to let me know if one grabs you.

Bottom Line: Well dammit! These Christmas originals are quite worthy of your money (and mine). All proceeds go to The Booth Centre, community centre run with and for people affected by homelessness.

LISTEN