A global force in the ‘80s with #1 hits in both the UK and the US, Fine Young Cannibals are firmly back in the spotlight. Already gaining fresh attention via syncs in ‘All Of Us Strangers’, ‘The Bear’ and a new Chanel campaign (starring Dua Lipa and Jennie fromBLACKPINK), their current wave of discovery was fuelled by the release of their career-spanning compilation ‘FYC40’. And it was again boosted when the band’s soulful star vocalist Roland Gift released an all-new festive anthem, ‘Everybody Knows It’s Christmas’.
The hits on ‘FYC40’ include ‘Johnny Come Home’, ‘She Drives Me Crazy’, ‘Good Thing’ and their inspired rework of The Buzzcocks’ ‘Ever Fallen In Love’ – all songs with a sharp, soulful sound that resulted in phenomenal success. Their career highlights are undeniable: 5 million sales, two BRIT Awards, an Ivor Novello, four MTV Music Video nominations and three Grammy nominations.
Yet ‘FYC40’ goes far beyond just the hits. Its bonus materials features a treasure trove of remixes both classic and new as well as alternate versions and rarities, while the Deluxe Edition is completed by a DVD of live performances and promo videos. All formats are available to buy or stream HERE.
Back in the present day, ‘Everybody Knows It’s Christmas’ has taken its first steps towards becoming a future festive favourite. Mixing a glam-rock stomp with a ‘60s-tinged wall-of-sound and Roland’s one-of-a-kind soul-pop vocal gift, its bell-ringing, driving rhythms and uplifting nostalgia makes for an irresistibly joyful Christmas anthem that’s perfect for holiday playlists. As he says, “Wherever you are I hope this song brings a bit of warmth, a smile, and maybe a bit of that Christmas magic your way.”
Already streaming, physical copies (CD and vinyl) come with a signed Christmas card and are available HERE. The song’s joyous feel has been heightened with a new animated music video, directed by “the master of lo-fi British art” Harry Pye and Martin Pickles. It includes tributes to absent friends Shane MacGowan, Otis Redding, Jimmy Cliff, and Gilson Lavis of Squeeze.
Roland Gift celebrated both releases with a surprise pop-up performance at St. Pancras International. Attracting a huge crowd, he played the Fine Young Cannibals’ hits, ‘Good Thing’ and ‘Johnny Come Home’, before getting into the seasonal spirit with ‘Everybody Knows It’s Christmas’. He joined an array of star names to have performed at the station, including Sir Elton John, John Legend, James Arthur, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, Jeff Goldblum, Rod Stewart accompanied by Jools Holland, Delta Goodrem, The Darkness andTom Grennan.
