Stephen Emmer and Neil Crossley’s ‘Sleep For England’ got reworked by Julian Lennon.
The ‘Sleep For England’ (X-Mas version) is the third release from the critically admired, ‘International Blue’ album. A re-work by Julian Lennon of Stephen Emmer and Neil Crossley’s original recording, which featured on the digital release of the album earlier this year. Produced by Tony Visconti, the single has been given all the Xmas trimmings, lovely sleigh bells and a boys-choir against a Twin-Peaks-meets-Lana-del-Rey-type atmospheric background with a rich, definitive vocal from Julian.
Next to being the perfect Xmas song the single fits the typical British popmusic tradition of the so called social-commentary-alternative-christmas-type song, where compassion between people, regardless of age, race and class is the main objective in nowadays sentiment, where Britain seems in quite a state about Scotland, national poverty and foreign policy. It thus follows the tradition of classic alternative christmas songs such as Jona Lewi’s ’Stop the Cavalry’, ‘2000 Miles’ by the Pretenders, Father Christmas by the Kinks and Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon, to name but a few.
The White Feather Foundation
All proceeds from the single go to Julians charity’The White Feather Foundation’, which embraces environmental and humanitarian issues. In conjunction with global partners it helps to raise funds for the betterment of all life and honour those who truly have made a difference. 1.2 billion people are without clean water, something we take for granted in the Western World. Therefore all single proceeds will be going towards the production of more clean water, where every penny could be helping save thousands of lives.
Julian chose the name ‘The White Feather Foundation’ as it has a very special meaning close to his heart: “Dad once said to me, that should he pass away, if there was some way of letting me know he was going to be ok the message would come to me in the form of a White Feather”. At some point he was presented with a white feather by an Aboriginal tribal elder which immediately took his breath away. He then created the foundation for the purpose of giving a voice to those who cannot be heard.
‘International Blue’ is the brainchild of Dutch composer Stephen Emmer, former member of The Associates and the Minny Pops. Stephen is an avant garde composer, who likes to play with traditional musical perceptions and create with them unique works of art. Last year Stephen embarked on a journey to re-create the lost art of true pop crooning in the style of Scott Walker. This resulted in ‘International Blue’, which got mixed at Abbey Road Studios. Midge Ure (Ultravox), Glenn Gregory (Heaven 17), Liam McKahey (Cousteau) and Neil Crossley (Furlined), each blessed with the great baritone voices, added their lyrics to Emmer’s lush arrangements. Right before the legendary Tony Visconti stepped in for the final production.
The intimate first album playback at Abbey Road Studios resulted in early support by Janice Long, Neil McCormick, Charles Shaar Murray and Paul Sexton. ‘Sleep for England’ will be added to an extended version of the ‘International Blue’ album.
Release date : 15 December 2014
