ELP - I Believe in Father Christmas (No Orchestra) First Time Couple Christmas Reaction

[@jasonbroad5478]

Greg Lake was one of the most underrated vocalists and musicians in rock history. I met him on a few occasions and he couldn't have been kinder. RIP Greg...the world is less beautiful without your presence in it!!!

[@BeCoShooter]

I've been playing this track every Christmas day for decades, and will continue to do until I keel.

[@Quietventurer]

I also!

[@bojangles713]

That's cool I do the same ! I feel my Christmas season isn't complete without hearing /seeing it 💯👍🤘

[@richardallankellogg]

The melody of this song is from a classical composition. The following is from wiki: Greg Lake's "I Believe in Father Christmas" is sung to an original melody composed by Greg Lake, but it also incorporates a classical theme. Specifically, the instrumental sections are based on "Troika" from Sergei Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kijé Suite.

[@brucebrown73]

When Greg got considerably older he with his guitar, and Ian Anderson with his flute did a beautiful cathedral church setting. It was a beautiful version of this song

[@Pirates_of_the_Underground_I]

Oh! Is this the same show with Bruce Dickenson? I need to see the "whole" thing then :).

[@wendtsmanwendtsman9597]

There is a video of Greg singing this song in a Church with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull,Worth a look

[@jamielandis4308]

My favorite version

[@user-wy1ev4yq5d]

Here is the link for those that want to watch this version. Agreed with your comment. I miss Greg Lake sooooooo much. His presence in my life is very powerful with the bands he played. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2eQgXSBhNlqqa8

[@roneichstaedt8853]

I love that version! Obviously the people at the cathedral didn't know the lyrics, as this is really an anti Christmas song.

[@douglaskrug4806]

Yet another example of the brilliant versatility of this group of musicians. If you haven’t already, you must review “C’est La Vie”, another beautiful song by this trio. Thanks for the review. Always thoroughly enjoy listening to you folks dissect the music. You do a great job!

[@clannad99germany70]

Absolutely, C'est la vie is real, real masterpiece in songs, amazing, both the lyrics and the harmonies, 1977 released !!

[@glennthompson1173]

I prefer the Orchestral Version. I do love this one also.

[@OriginalHandprint]

Problem is, if your hear the orchestral version first, the ELP just sounds two dimensional 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Galahad-hk4bb]

Rest In Peace Keith❤ Greg❤ Pete Sinfield❤ Health & Blessings to Carl ❤❤❤

[@brucebrown73]

I’m always amazed at the creativity of these three guys. Carl was 20 when they started together, Greg was 22, Keith was 24. Add 5 years to each of these for this song. Pretty incredible

[@reverseification]

Now that we are getting in the Christmas spirit I recommend Jon Anderson Easier said than done taken from his Christmas album named 3 Ships, BTW all the songs on this album are very good 🎄

[@garylewis9113]

One of my favorite Christmas songs, with a wry clear-eyed twist..."Hallelujah Noel, be it Heaven or Hell: The Christmas we get we deserve"...Thank you BMAC!

[@roberttompkins6489]

Greatest Christmas song

[@Pirates_of_the_Underground_I]

Thank you Bmac . . . Been wanting N&L to hear this song for the past 3 years :). Great conversation at the end! I'm glad my family have "Good Genes" (looking young) but I just wish my Mom and Brother didn't concern themselves with things that are beyond their control (worry worry), and my Brother being soo grumpy (takes after our late-Father). But my Mom at the very least hasn't been as _intense_ as she has been in past years. I guess when you grow older, you begin to notice the things that really matter in life. One thing though I miss about Christmas, the only thing I miss from that time living in Louisiana for those 7 long years (in the 70's) was every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas was the Family "Party's", all the great food, and hanging out with cousins (and watching my parents, aunts, uncles dancing to the "Latin" music of their childhood and at that time). We had that for a few years here in Calif., but family members moved to various parts of the U.S. So Christmas isn't the same anymore, but I still LOVE this time of year (Autumn/Fall & Winter). The holidays can be soo different for each person, but I HOPE that good things happen for ALL out there and those they care about, year after year. - Rest in Peace Greg, Keith & Cozy, very much miss you all, and I know you're watching over Carl Palmer and loved ones ❤‍🔥💓🥁😇 "I wish you a hopeful Christmas I wish you a brave New Year All anguish, pain and sadness Leave your heart and let your road be clear"

[@tmr626]

Best Christmas song ever!

[@nealjones255]

One of my fav Xmas singles here in the UK Thanks for sharing guys

[@jimled50jl49]

Hi Guys love this song. I love Gregg Lakes vocals on everything he does, and he has some great solo albums to explore. The 1st song of ELP I ever heard was "From The Beginning" which I bought as a single. I got 3 sisters all older than me [ sadly lost the youngest over 25 years ago ] .. so when I was a kid my middle eldest, when about 14 told my eldest she didn't believe in Santa and will prove it. All us kids leave a letter to Santa with a little list of things we wanted, along with a glass of milk and a mince pie. My sister said, she's going to add a "Parker Pen" to the list very late at night on Christmas Eve, when shops are closed and it's too late for mum & dad to buy one. Lol ...My oldest sister told mum. ....Christmas morning at the bottom of her Christmas sack was a "Parker Pen" ....Her face lit up ! She believed for one more year ! Lol Sooo funny and a story my mum would tell many times at the dinner table on Christmas day.. Wonderful memories. ...How did I find out ? ....My youngest sister [ bless her ] told me when I was 11yrs old. ... she was 14 funny enough, which seems to be the age of doubt. There was no fooling her at that age. This song has been played for decades at Christmas and is among the best. Works Volume 2 is a great album. Thankyou for playing this. Byee Jim X Have a wonderful Christmas !

[@markharris1125]

I've only ever heard the big orchestral version - it's much better.

[@richardfurness7556]

In any other year this would have been the UK's Christmas #1 and the first record by a progressive rock musician to top the charts. Only the gamble of releasing a Queen album track as a single got in its way.

[@scottanderson8420]

Always a Yuletide classic I hope everyone has a great Christmas, even if they haven’t earned it. 😱😂🎅

[@ianwood-zi7fh]

One of my all time favorite vocalists the brilliant genius that is Greg lake fantastic Christmas classic song i love the acustic guitar and gregs singing absolutely outstanding the man was a genius so sadly missed R. I. P greg lake

[@kratino]

Greg Lake wrote the song. Pete Sinfield wrote the lyrics (didn't produce). Keith came up with the idea to add Prokofiev between verses, but he had nothing to do with Greg's solo version in 1975. That version made it to #2 on the UK charts, second only to Bohemian Rhapsody. You definitely need to see the video. It was recorded in the Holy Land where they found the Dead Sea Scrolls. Greg sits cross-legged in the sand playing his acoustic surrounded by Bedouins. It's been covered by many people, including U2.

[@bmac1205]

Keith had absolutely nothing to do with this song. The wiki blurb is a complete fabrication. The original version in '75 was done with no input from Emerson or Palmer whatsoever. Total Solo effort with assistance from Sinfield. Lake and Sinfield co-wrote the lyrics. Lake was pissed at Keith and Carl for not allowing 'Still...You Turn Me On' to be released as a single from BSS. Lake was seriously contemplating leaving. During the hiatus between the Triple Live album for the BSS World Tour (Welcome Back) and Works Volume 1 Greg came out with this and a video to promote it. The song was 'recreated' in '77 to include Emerson and Palmer for the Works Vol. 2 release.

[@Narpets2112]

I beg to differ. I CAN listen to outlandish ELP all day, every day.

[@lazarus550]

I've drifted in and out with you two over the last 4 years and I am a music snob ,my favourite band is has always been Yes ( Jon Anderson's Yes ) and prog and 60's 70's rock but I do love your reactions from you both. This is again one of my favourite Christmas songs as it's Greg.

[@figgybass]

I had this on 8 track back in the day😊❤. Another great ELP tune❤

[@bmac1205]

Yay!!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

[@scottanderson8420]

Great choice 🎅🌲🥁🎅

[@MonsterSound.Bradley]

Philosophy with NicknLex always has a good msg. 👍 ThX BMAC and you elves 🎄

[@jamesbolling6681]

I was lucky enough to see ELP back in the 80s. To this day , one of the Best performances I ever saw, RIP Keith and Greg.

[@leephilips8950]

ELP makes any song great. I think they were the most underrated group of the time.

[@lsp3]

Another great slow one is C'est la Vie if you haven't done that yet.

[@TXMusicDrummer]

My wife is no fan of ELP, but she loves this song.

[@kentnottingham9635]

So, I put you on pause and purchased ELP’s anthology BECAUSE I owe it to myself to learn more of this band. I, of course know many songs but, for some reason, never dove in to their music. “KZbin police” don’t realize how much these reaction videos are a commercial to sell music. Thank you both for reminding me to be continually expanding my musical journey. ❤

[@NicknLex]

We absolutely LOVE reading these types of comments. Thank you for your words of encouragement, and of course we agree that our main intention is to spread this music even further and for a longer period of time. Happy Holidays and enjoy your purchase!! :)

[@raiderfan346]

Thank you BMAC. This was a good one. Happy holidays to all my NicknLex family!

[@cometogether999]

Hi again to one of my favorite couples. When you responded to my message the other day, I forgot to return your wish of happy holidays. I'm hereby rectifying that. Happy holidays to you and yours. May you be blessed.

[@LMMeliteVGS]

I’ve listened to this song multiple times every Christmas since 77” 🫶

[@davehess1019]

you two are so darn cute . Thank you BMAC for the great request, Thank you NicknLex for the great reaction, Lex, are you feeling better? I hope so, Ok, take care

[@john10tom]

the greatest christmas protest song

[@stevecampbell9686]

Best Xmas song ever 👍

[@davidmckenzie420]

Always love any chance to hear some ELP...

[@StephenCaruso-o3t]

Stephen Caruso here- ELP extra loving production - I like Greg's singing here a lot- and very Christmasy chimes-

[@penelopehornswaggle102]

Yay!!! I'm so glad you did this. There's a great music video of this.

[@JonClements]

Thanks for reminding me that this exists...it's worth saving up for each festive season.

[@Andy-Capp]

The version in the church with Ian Anderson is a must. The ambience of the church surroundings blends so well with this song.

[@debrabrabenec3731]

I love this Christmas song, and the way Greg's guitar rings! I like this version fine, but am partial to Greg's Official 4K Video, with orchestra and choir, (can you guess why?!) I think you would enjoy it too. The video is very powerful, with images that are poignant, considering when it was written. I haven't read all the comments to see if anyone else has mentioned this, but the beautiful tune between verses is the "Troika" from Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kijé Suite. I love the way Lake uses this tune in his song, which was actually written as a protest to the commercialism of Christmas! Hope you two have a wonderful Christmas! And thanks B Mac for the great request! 🎵❤️🎵🎄🍬🎄 Debbie

[@afersol00]

Even a Christmas song was masterfully done by ELP. RIP: Greg, Keith Blessings for Carl

[@operating]

No orchestra is best.

[@angeloscarcroce726]

Hola, realmente unos genios! Muchísimas gracias. Saludos desde Temperley, BsAs.

[@markcheverie9077]

You need to watch the video of this with Ian Anderson

[@gazfunk]

The single version with the orchestra is the best version.

[@AntonioSanchez-td6bk]

Felices Fiestas y un próspero Año Nuevo. Me encanta esta canción, sería maravilloso que algún día pusieran una canción tan hermosa y emotiva como " CÈST LA VIE" (1977) del Album Work Vol. 1 de ELP. Saludos

[@eric-j001]

RIP Greg and Keith.

[@charlesf2804]

A double post. I figured out there was no Santa when, at around 8, presents under the tree from Santa were in my mother's handwriting.

[@GutsGrizzle]

You should do this song with the video and orchestral version. Has meaning.

[@thomassanchez-oo6sb]

People go see Carl Palmer this coming year 74 and still kicks Ass on the drums❤️✌🏼

[@pauld669]

Saw him twice within a week open for Jon Anderson. Still playing with vim and vigor.

[@davidmolina3520]

I absolutely love this song 🎄🎅

[@fernandosinarle6419]

Lo escucho de toda la vida . Abrazo de Argentina.

[@ianwood-zi7fh]

Incidentally merry Christmas nick n lex and to all the others who listen to your wonderful channel

[@donalddixoninlou]

Still good after hearing it nearly 50 years ago......

[@oscarlaaventuradelhombrevi3354]

Muy bueno como todos los temas que suben y reaccionan. Quiero desearles una Feliz Navidad para los dos y sus familias. Abrazo Enorme

[@michaelstone5523]

Nick, just noticed a new ax in the background. Is that a Gibson ES335? Possibly the Epiphone version?..I own a 1965 Gibson ES335TD in Sun burst.. Want to buy it? Just kidding... Merry Christmas lovers!!

[@richardb6260]

I prefer the version with the orchestra since it samples the classical piece "Troika" by Sergei Prokofiev.

[@bmac1205]

They actually both do. On this version it is simply played on the piano.

[@richardb6260]

@bmac1205 sounds more like a synthesizer. I meant since it was a classical piece, strings seem more appropriate.

[@bmac1205]

Feliz Navidad!!!!!!!!!!!

[@beverleyrankin3482]

It was released separately from ELP in 1975.

[@bmac1205]

Originally, yes, as a Greg Lake release. In '77 it was 'recreated' with Emerson and Palmer in '77

[@beverleyrankin3482]

@ Thanks for the info, I didn’t know that. Just always heard of it in relation to Greg Lake.

[@PhilliptBates]

This song and Lucky Man are two of my favourites from ELP. They are so good and, as a keyboard player, Keith is one of the all-time best, along with Rick Wakeman, Tony Banks and Lyle Mays, imo.

[@penelopehornswaggle102]

Girl, if you like the mellow songs, you have to hear Greg do acoustic versions of Still, you turn me on, and Lucky Man at the California Jam in 1974. It is magic❤. Also, check out the original recording of "Ces't la vie." It sounds amazing. Oh, I forgot to tell you, Greg can play, sing, and chew gum.

[@bmac1205]

I see the fur ball to the left of Alexia. I guess he's snoozing away!

[@Pirates_of_the_Underground_I]

Dreaming of Christmas Treats? 🦴🐕

[@andrewwallace1376]

Wonderful Christmas track from Greg lake !! Chris squire was a very good friend of Greg Lake Chris recorded a Christmas album called Chris squire Swiss choir 🤣 another gem of a track from Chris squire for the festive season is Run with the fox with Alan white RIP heavenly rhythm section of Yes 🙏

[@MisterWondrous]

Thanks LicknNex and E. Mac & Bolio for this dark Christmas classic. The Prokofiev melody in the middle rarely goes wrong. (See the movie "Love & Death") Other dark Christmas classics you'd love are "Father Christmas" by the Kinks, "Christmas Song" by Yetro Tull, and in its own way, "Charlie Freak" by The Steelish Danes...something like that. Cheers!

[@debrabrabenec3731]

You are a hoot!!😅

[@MisterWondrous]

@@debrabrabenec3731 Hey Deb! Happy holidays to ya! I suspect you recall Nick's trouble pronouncing Jethro at first...a handicap born of a deprivation of Hillbillies.

[@hanssipkes8179]

The beautifull sound of a 12 string with a dropped E string Greg Lake has got the songs

[@bmac1205]

This is one of his many 6 string J-200. Sounds totally different than his 12 string Zematis on Still...You Turn Me On.

[@rolfkonigshof7553]

Agree with the contributor - this one is more down-to-earth ELP stuff and less sugared over than the orchestral version. Classic Christmas fare.

[@taylortyler1867]

Y'all need to do "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch" by Small Town Titans. It's a metal/hard rock version. The singers voice is so . _DEEP!!

[@thomassanchez-oo6sb]

See the magic live !!! Montreux Jazz Festival 1997 Tarkus/ Pictures @ an exhibition 🔥🔥💥💥❤️✌🏼

[@Dave-hb7lx]

👍

[@bmac1205]

Alexia, you sound so much better!!

[@richarddobson815]

This is definitely the better version. Thanks BMac! It's a shame that these lyrics feel more and more relevant with each passing year.

[@michaelstone5523]

My lord and savior Jesus Christ reigns. Through him all things are possible. He brought the two of you together... AMAZING!.... Lex I like your vest, you wear it well!...Nick, can't read your shirt...enlighten me....Time to get into your Christmas threads!!!

[@philsmith2444]

1 of the 2 Christmas songs I like, the other being “Santa Claus and His Old Lady” by Cheech & Chong. Greg’s picking is just amazing, so crisp & clean. I love it in this, Lucky Man, and C’est La Vie.

[@debrabrabenec3731]

Have you heard Louis Armstrong's "'Zat you, Santa Claus?"?

[@daneng3641]

This is the version I know, except the ending piano bit.

[@spikeysnack]

Prog musicians love Christmas. Kieth's keyboard part between Greg's verses comes from the "Troika" section of Sergei Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kijé Suite, if it sounds familiar. The December People :"Sounds Like Christmas" is a clever album with Christmas songs in the style of famous prog bands. The game is to guess what band they are imitating. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWmlcpyHZrqlmKM Of course "Blackmore's Knight" is famous for their baroque rock Christmas songs, much like "I Believe in Father Christmas" is. Do some of those -- and get the likes they are the best.

[@kengregory6026]

I always thought this was a Greg Lake solo effort..didnt think Emerson & Palmer had anything to do with it

[@DWbo-r7v]

The video is more powerful

[@narvik9035]

The Story of Father Christmas Once upon a time there lived the original, living Nikolaus from Myra. He was a Catholic archbishop. He used to wear the mitra and wine red garments and had a long beard. He looked like the Kölsche Nikolaus. He was so righteous that the church made him a saint: Saint Nikolaus. He was originally from the Netherlands 🇳🇱. He used to arrive by ship and climb on chimneys to throw gifts inside. He also placed sweets in socks. The Catholics of Britain/Britannia and other European countries honoured Saint Nikolaus from Myra. Many centuries later the Protestants of the British Islands liked the figure of Saint Nikolaus, but could not honor him because he was a Catholic saint. The protestants invented their own Saint Nikolaus whom they called FATHER CHRISTMAS who is Weihnachtsmann in German. ...und wenn sie nicht gestorben sind, dann leben sie noch heute.

[@bmac1205]

Wow, 4.1k views in 2 days! Hope some peeps subscribed!!!!!

[@michaelstone5523]

Listening to you two talk during the end of your video. I don't know if I agree with your hypothesis. At 76 I look in the mirror sometimes and wonder wow man what have you done to yourself. Life is rough but if you pay attention it teaches you how to survive and prosper. At this age I've learned two basics operating principles... Never pass up a bathroom and never trust a fart....bye

[@bmac1205]

Peter Sinfield helped out with lyrics too.

[@TheReaperMan275]

I like this version but I prefer the original with Greg Lake and the orchestra and choir.

[@bostonwhofan]

I highly recommend you react to the video version of Bob Seger's version of "The Little Drummer Boy". To me, it is the greatest version of the legendary Christmas song.

[@claudioaguilar]

Hola chicos saludos,no entiendo nada pero igual los veo

[@OriginalHandprint]

Sorry but it’s the orchestral version for me - it’s a fuller feeling of Christmas that hits the memory of buying his single back in 1975 as a teen. The B side not so much though!

[@RushfanUK]

This is a Greg Lake solo track, it was not by ELP.

[@bmac1205]

'75 was solo track '77 was ELP

[@bmac1205]

Wow! 2.9k views!!!! Lets get some new Subscribers out of those 2.9k views. C'mon Peeps!!!!!!

[@charlesf2804]

And thank you for doing this version. The one with the orchestra lost any appeal for me once I heard this one.

[@garyarnett1220]

I actually like Greg's original a bit better. Co-writer Peter Sinfield just passed a month ago (11/14). He wrote many songs with Greg, incl. King Crimson's "Court of the Crimson King"

[@bmac1205]

😞 Sorry to hear this. I knew he was still living this year, but didn't know that he just passed. Peter Sinfield RIP

[@darrenmckinnon3354]

Wasn't this just Greg lake not ELP?

[@terrystinnett1190]

Orchestra ?

[@bmac1205]

No Orchestra on this version from '77. Original Greg Lake version in '75 had the Orchestra.

[@bmac1205]

'Orquestra' is Spanish

[@RandyHutchens]

do yourself a favor and listen to this song with the choir and orchestra. its even better

[@murdockreviews]

Stripped down version of this pensive, almost anti-Christmas song. I have to admit I prefer the version with the bombastic orchestration. It underlines the sarcastic lyrics.

[@cliffordwaterton3543]

Not bad but the original video with orchestra (you know that the bridge is Prokofiev) is much better - the way it builds to a crescendo gives extra oomph to that last line which I never took on a personal level, rather aimed at the world.

[@elchuky1942]

Para estas navidades escucha mal bicho, matador, satanico dr cadillacs, vasos vacíos con celia cruz , Manuel santillan el león de los fabulosos cadillacs, la guitarra, la prima de los auténticos decadentes, la pachanga, el travestido, bye bien, mojada, verano traidor de vilma palma y a mover el esqueleto 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷💪👍🤘

[@kevinvirnelson7868]

Beautiful music with absurd lyrics

[@bmac1205]

Actually poignant lyrics Applies as much today as it did then. The hypocrisy of commercialism and war while we pretend to celebrate the birth of our savior

[@kevinvirnelson7868]

@bmac1205 The basic message of the song: I don't believe the fairytale about Jesus but I believe in father Christmas....eerrrrp

[@markcheverie9077]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2eQgXSBhNlqqa8si=o66lyFvy-yW1DLbQ