Flashback Friday: The Christmas Chart Show

It’s that time of year again! Since we’re in December, the countdown to the Christmas number one is well and truly upon us. So in the spirit of celebrating Christmas till we’re sick of it, this December we’ll be bringing you many a Christmas number one to get you into the festive mood (reindeer jumpers and all…)

Up this week: ‘Return to Sender’ – Elvis Presley

We’re going way back to kick off the Christmas Flashback Friday’s with a number one from the King himself, Elvis Presley and ‘Return to Sender’.

Released in September 1962, and sung by Elvis in the film Girls! Girls! Girls!, it rose quickly to grab the top spot in the UK Charts and it also became the first ever Christmas number one in Ireland. Given Elvis’ popularity, it isn’t any surprise to find him ruling the Christmas hit parade.

Telling the story of a man who is trying to send a letter to his love, but keeps receiving it back, it’s not exactly the happy-go-lucky kind of Christmas song we’re used to; however the musical arrangement is a vibrant concoction of quintessential Sixties rock. A compelling mixture of melancholy lyrics and upbeat rock n’ roll, ‘Return to Sender’ is undeniably one of Elvis’ best (although nothing can stand up to Jailhouse Rock). Put it on, close your eyes and imagine yourself in a sock hop way back in the American 1960’s and there’s no denying that ‘Return to Sender’ is rife with that Elvis magic we all know and love.

So whilst you’re playing Wham!, BandAid and Michael Bublé as you deck the halls and wrap the presents you bought in a drunken late night online shop (we know, we do it too), take yourself back to the sixties, throw on some Elvis and rock around the Christmas tree!

-Kathryn Cockrill