Editors-frontman makes Christmas album with buddy Andy Burrows.
Editors-frontman Tom Smith and (ex-Razorlight) Andy Burrows have been drinking buddies and fans of classic Christmas carols for years. So why not just make a Christmas album together? Sufjan Stevens and Bright Eyes have already done it and both Bob Dylan and Yo La Tengo recorded carols in the past. The result is entitled ‘Funny Looking Angels’ and, aside from own work, it also contains many covers (including Yazoo’s ‘Only You’ and – an absolute highlight – ‘Wonderful Life’ by none less than Black, a song that has been on their setlist for a number of years already. Agnes Obel is to be heard on the album too.
How seriously should we take all this, dear Tom? Smith: “It's no joke. We just wanted to make a CD you could listen to in the winter. When you get back from the pub or at home with friends. We hope that this music will strengthen the feeling of togetherness that is associated with the Christmas period.”
For a teaser from the album (that is to be released on 28 November) you can surf to www.smithandburrows.co.uk and merrily download the title track (or listen to it below).
Tom Smith - Vocals/Guitar/Piano
Andy Burrows - Vocals/Guitar/Piano/Kick drum
Tim Baxter - Fender Rhodes/Philicorda Organ
Joe Aukland - Trumpet/Mandolin
Isabelle Dunn - Cello/Backing Vocals
Support-act for the Smith & Burrows concert planned on Tuesday 13 December will be duo Kaat&Daan. Kaat&Daan were chosen as part of Poppunt's demo-studio competition, from no less than 224 entries. The prize meant that as part of the Muzikantendag they were able to not only record for a day in the AB Studio but also have the opportunity to serve as support-act... and this one is no small fish. Kaat&Daan are going to open for Smith & Burrows, let's just call it: the Christmas-project of Editors-singer Tom Smith. The jury about Kaat&Daan: "How simplicity can be so striking! Two voices that blend as if they made an alliance in a previous life. Duyster music. This writer quite frankly goes quiet listening to it.” Lastly, if you also happen to know that previous winners were Intergalactic Lovers (in a sold-out AB, just last week) and The Bony King Of Nowhere (his latest album ‘Eleonore’ is one for the end-of-year charts), then you know how high the standards are.