**MIXTAPE ALERT** The Obligatory Christmas Mix

Short one but I had to post this mixtape since I've posted a Christmas mixtape every year on Don't Dance Her Down Boys and I'm a sucker for tradition.

So here it is, Christmas. It exists. Deal with it.

Tracklisting:
1. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer- The Crystals
2. Christmas is Cancelled- The Long Blondes
3. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)- Darlene Love
4. Christmas Wrapping- Summer Camp (Waitresses Cover)
5. December Will Be Magic Again- Kate Bush
6. Santa Claus- Throwing Muses
7. All I Want for Christmas- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
8. Just for Now- Imogen Heap
9. Home Sweet Home (at Christmas)- Viv Albertine
10. Black Christmas- Poly Styrene

**FROM THE ARCHIVES**

This month's From The Archives features the legendary X-Ray Spex. Although the band had a limited back catalogue, the 1978 punk classic Germ Free Adolescents and the less accessible 1995 album Conscious Consumer, they did release a few bootlegs of their live recordings which have become increasingly hard to find over the years. But today, I give you Live at the Roxy a collection of songs from the band's residence at the infamous London club. 

The recordings are rough to say the least. Lead singer Poly Styrene's voice isn't always there and sometimes the sax slips up or someone misses a beat but that's beside the point. The recording, although not perfect, does capture the chaotic, feral nature of the band and the punk scene at the time. 

Live at the Roxy is a great way to remember X-Ray Spex and, especially,  Poly who passed away earlier this year. So just before I leave, and I have to leave you, I would ask to listen to this album by strapping on your fanciest leather shift dress and army helmet to rock out to one of the punk movements finest creations.

Download: Live at the Roxy- X-Ray Spex

**Poly Styrene: A Retrospective**

So I suppose by now everyone has heard the tragic news of Poly Styrene's death. Poly Styrene was the lead singer in critically acclaimed punk band X-Ray Spex. Poly died after the breast cancer she was battling spread to her spine. Although her battle with cancer was announced a few months ago no-one could have guessed how advanced it was since Poly was promoted her latest album, Generation Indigo, from her hospital bed.




Poly cut a striking figure in the late 70s punk scene. Her look, attitude and approach to music as a mixed-race, braces wearing was worlds apart from her contemporaries and she will forever be remembered for her opening line to her most famous song "some people think little girls should be seen and not heard but I think..."




Without Poly it would be difficult to think how today's music scene would be as her influence can be seen in the vocal stylings of everyone from Beth Ditto, Karen O, Kathleen Hanna and Corin Tucker.




Although X-Ray Spex only ever released one album, Germ Free Adolescents, they still are thought of as one of the stand out bands from the punk era due to Poly's modern lyrics which tackled issues consumerism, environmentalism and identity. Poly Styrene really was one in a million and will be truly missed.

***DDHDB'S DOES CHRISTMAS #20***

Since I'm having a little trouble with 8 Tracks I can't make my usual mixtapes each month. Until I find a replacement, or 8 Tracks gets it's act together, I'm just going to post a new Christmas song each day till Christmas Day. I've been racking my brains for some good ones and I think I got a few you'll love.

For now here's Black Christmas by the genre defining punk rock heroine Poly Styrene. 'Black Christmas' is the first release from Poly since last year's single 'City of Christmas Ghosts' with Goldblade. Poly is hoping to follow this seasonal single with the full length album Generation Indigo next year.

Featuring her daughter Celeste 'Black Christmas' is a reggae kissed driving song that focuses on the 'true meaning of Christmas' i.e not buying presents and getting pissed in front of grandma. If you're expecting Poly's usual shrill shouty way of singing you'll find it's not but instead replaced with a grown up soft, lulling vocal.

I couldn't think of a better way of getting you into the Christmas mood.

Download 'Black Christmas' at: www.poly-styrene.com

Who Are The Best Female Lyricists?

NME journalist, Emily Mackay started a blog questioning who were the greatest female lyricists of all time. She came to a justified decision and picked out Bjork, M.I.A, PJ Harvey, Kate Bush and Patti Smith.

I can't really disagree with her, I love every single one of them, but I have a few more I would add to the list:

Corin Tucker- Lead singer/howler of the inspirational band Sleater-Kinney, Corin generally wrote most of the lyrics and we're glad she did. Corin remained stridently political throughout her career and voiced her opinions in an intelligent and clear way.

Listen: Combat Rock


Kim Deal- The famous bassist of the legendary Pixies, did anyone see them this October if so I'm jealous, is one of my favourite lyricists. She wrote one of the band's greatest songs, Gigantic, which was previously song of the month here. Kim's lyrics tend to not follow the rules and instead wander through the dark forests and magical landscapes of her mind.

Listen: Cannonball

Poly Styrene- This teenage punk was way ahead of her time when she started her band in the midst of the punk era. Avoiding the cliches that many fell into Poly sung about environmental issues, consumerism and the loss of identity.

Listen: Identity

Enough of me going on, which girls do you love?

To read more of Mackay's blog click here.

X-Ray Spex Vids

Here are a few clips of poly styrene, lead singer of legendary punk band X-Ray Spex, that I found on the interweb, enjoy x.x.x.