It's that time of year again - when John and Yoko's Vietnam War protest song gets heavy rotation on B-101 as a beloved Christmas classic.
I have to admit I've always been touched by the scenes of the giant wrap-around "WAR IS OVER" billboards in New York City. I realize the war wasn't over and the billboards accomplished nothing - but it's the thought that counts.
Well, a little research (aka Wikipedia) reveals that the medley for "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" was swiped from a classic folk standard called "Stewball". I couldn't find the Peter, Paul and Mary version - so here are The Hollies doing it in 1969.
More on "Happy Xmas..." another time.