New ‘Ultimate Mix’ of Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ released – fans react

nme.com:

new mix of the song, produced by Trevor Horn, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the original song being shared and brings together all of the voices from three versions of the track, recorded in 1984, 2004 and 2014.Voices included in the anniversary edition include Sting, Boy George, Sam Smith, Harry Styles, Chris Martin, Elbow‘s Guy Garvey, Sugababes, Bananarama, Seal, Sinéad O’Connor, Rita Ora, Robbie Williams, Kool and the Gang, Underworld and more.The idea for the charity single was masterminded by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, and sought to raise money for the Ethiopian famine.

It sold a million copies in its first week and, at the time, was the fastest-selling single in UK chart history. In recent times, however, it has had a less positive response from some, and been accused of “perpetuat[ing] damaging stereotypes” towards Africa.Now, the new version of the charity single has been shared, and includes contributions from musicians who are no longer with us, including David Bowie and George Michael – who starred in the 1984 version – and Liam Payne, who was in the 2014 edition.Bowie’s voice is used at the end of the song, with him saying: “It would be wonderful if you could all buy copies of this record,” and a sample of a Michael Buerk BBC news report from Ethiopia in 1984 is also included.Now, following the release on streaming platforms and premiere on UK radio this morning (November 25), fans have been taking to social media to share their responses.Some have been celebrating the new track for blending the three variations together.

One described it as a “great job [for a] worthy cause”, while another hailed it as “brilliant”.Others, however, have been more critical, and accused the new mix of falling short of the.