JONA LEWIE – STOP THE CAVALRY (STIFF RECORDS)
It’s tough not to love this song. When growing up in England
Jona Lewie is a gentleman. Years ago when I used to work on the Stiff Records accounts I would receive a phonecall from him every six months asking how I was and how much he was getting. In conversation he always reminded me of cross between Phil Daniels and Steve Lamacq. It’s an old school combination, one laced with manners.
The song was never intended to be associated with Christmas instead Lewie has said in the past that it was actually subtly a protest song although with the line “wish I was at home for Christmas” and the brass accompaniment there is no denying that it possesses a classic Christmas feel.
Vocally “Stop The Cavalry” is actually a very dry performance/delivery. The structure is classic as Lewie delivers the verses ahead of a trumpet blast and tasteful bridge that leads into a tender chorus. And somewhere inside it all is that magic secret ingredient that makes it an annual treasure.
The reality is that it is actually a song about war and how precious things such as Christmas are when faced with such extreme circumstances. Within in the song there is a strong but subtle message of gratitude coupled with an overriding gesture of peace. If only all festive songs were as earnest.
Thesaurus moment: multifarious.
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