BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1984
Originally posted December 17, 2012
Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is a song written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1984 to raise money for relief of the 1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia. The original version was produced by Midge Ure and released by Band Aid on 29 November 1984.
In October 1984, a BBC report by Michael Buerk was aired in the UK, which highlighted the famine that had hit the people of Ethiopia. Irish singer Bob Geldof saw the report and wanted to raise money. He called Midge Ure from Ultravox and together they quickly co-wrote the song, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.
Geldof kept a November appointment with BBC Radio 1 DJ Richard Skinner to appear on his show, but instead of discussing his new album (the original reason for his booking), he used his airtime to publicise the idea for the charity single, so by the time the musicians were recruited there was intense media interest in the subject. Geldof put together a group called Band Aid, consisting of leading British and Irish musicians who were among the most popular of the era. On 25 November 1984, the song was recorded at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill, London, and was released four days later.
The 1984 original became the biggest selling single in UK Singles Chart history, selling a million copies in the first week alone. It stayed at Number 1 for five weeks, becoming Christmas number one, and has sold 3.69 million copies domestically. It remained the highest selling single in UK chart history until 1997, when Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind 1997” was released in tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, which sold almost 5 million copies in Britain. Worldwide, the single had sold 11.8 million copies by 1989.
Following the release of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in December 1984 and record sales in aid of famine relief, Geldof then set his sights on staging a huge concert, 1985’s Live Aid, to raise further funds.
The song was re-recorded in 1989 by Band Aid II and in 2004 by Band Aid 20, again raising funds for famine relief. The 2004 version of the song sold 1.16 million copies.
SIDE A:
Do They Know It’s Christmas? (12″ Mix) 6:14
Remix –Trevor Horn
SIDE B:
Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Standard Mix) 3:52
Feed The World 4:17
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
CHARTS:
Year | Single | Chart | Position |
---|---|---|---|
1984 | Do They Know It’s Christmas? | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #13 |
1984 | Do They Know It’s Christmas? | U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks | #32 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Phonogram – FEED 112
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: Japan
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
Engineer – Steve Lipsom*
Producer – Midge Ure, Trevor Horn
Written-By – Geldof*, Ure*
NOTES:
Many thanks to all the fine artists who kindly donated their time and effort in the making of this record.
All proceeds of this record are to assist famine relief in Ethiopia, this includes merchandise, sales, publishing & performance contributions.
Many thanks for the aid in manufacturing this record go to: Graphic Origination, Peter Blake, Torchlight, Robert Stace.
Find the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL RESTORATION BY:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon 2M Bronze
Isolation: Auralex Acoustics ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Schiit Mani
Soundcard: Novation Audiohub 2×4 Audio Interface
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE USED:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling: iZotope RX Advanced 2, ocenaudio
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
MP3 (320kbps)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
Username: btg
Password: burningtheground
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Hi,,, I have the same scanner as you. How do you manage to get the whole album artwork to scan when its 11 inch max width? thanks!
The Japanese cover artwork looks like it was from a Dead Kennedys LP.
Lol, though it’s the same artwork as the original UK release.
The front cover collage was created by pop artist Peter Blake (did The Beatle’s Sergeant Pepper cover). Look him up, he’s still going!
Thanks, Paul! Not only do I have this 12″ but I have the only cd single ever released of it. I never understood why they kept re-recording it to then re-sell and re-donate money. Why didn’t they simply re-release the original song, promote that all the money is going to charity, and be that much simpler? They could have released the track on various formats, “editions”, etc. to get people to buy more/different/collectible editions to raise more money. I would have loved to plunk down $6-$15 every few years for a collectible, especially going to a good cause. If any… Read more »
Seems like they could do a really cool collectors edition for Record Store Day in November I know that would be a hot item with all proceeds going to charity.
OF COURSE you would post Band Aid, dearest Paul. That´s who you are with your big heart and love for everyone. I admire your positive attitude towards anybody and anything, as it seems. Back then I was so impressed by that single that I scraped together my allowance and bought 8 of the Band Aid 7inches and gave them to my friends. Not everyone appreciated it but I didn´t care. Whenever I listen to the 12inch and his booming voice goes, “This is David Bowie…” I could just cry. Thank you Paul. Christmas itself doesn´t mean much to much (anything,… Read more »
That was really nice of you to give your friends copies of that record Song And Dance. You are such a kind person thank you for your comment. Sending you Christmas wishes and Love & Light.
I adore you Song And Dance! Very cool person and one with a great big heart!!
All the best!!
Jeff
Great single. It is nice to have a re-rip with your new pre-amp too.
Thanks Paul 🙂
You’re welcome Mark 🙂
Many Thanks Paul for the reissue of my absolute favorite Christmas song.
In a direct comparison between Schiit Mani and Bellari VP130 i think the Schiit sounds a little bit harder than the Bellari, but that’s my opinion 🙂
I wish you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Thanks for your input Scorpion I agree it is not as warm but I think the clarity and overall sound is better,
Merry Christmas to you and yours 🙂
Love the way Trevor Horn beefs up the mix with that additional bass guitar plus the spoken
bits add an extra touch. I have made an edited version of this mix for radio play too.
Trevor is a genius 🙂
What a Christmas present Paul!! I was hoping someday that would you re-visit this chestnut. I know you did the sampler, but the full 12-inch with your new pre-amp is getting me so excited. Some rocking in our stockings!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Season’s Blessings!!
Jeff
Thank you Jeff 🙂
Great! Thanks my Vinyl Master 🙂
You’re welcome pjanus 🙂
Absolutely still one of the best tracks of the 80s. I remember hearing it for the first time in 84 and the first tunes are still as impressive to me as they were then, alsmost reminiscent of Imagine by John Lennon. No wonder it shot to nr in no time in Holland. I also love the Japanese CD Feed The World that hosts some other versions. Thanks Paul and happy holidays!
You’re welcome Martijn van Heeringen 🙂
Thanks Paul. Excellent single.
You’re welcome Omar 🙂