Released on 18/12/2000
Label: Dramatico

The Wombles are undergoing a bit of a resurgence at the moment, what with their performance for the Queen Mum's birthday and their recently released, critically acclaimed 'Wombles Collection' album. And now Roy Wood is trying to hitch a ride on Orinoco, Tomsk and co's coat tails with this clumsy collaboration.

Mixing The Wombles' 'Wombling Merry Christmas' (Number Two in 1974) with the 1973 chart-topper from Wood's Wizzard combo, 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday', may have seemed like a good idea on paper. In reality though it's quite cumbersome, the hybrid lyrics don't fit, the song rambles on and quite frankly it proves that Wood is surplus to requirements.

Listen to the separate versions also featured on this CD and you realise just how fantastic both songs are. Rumour has it that Roy Wood only got the gig because he's been bonking Madame Cholet on the side.

    by Gary Crossing