Video: Polyphonic Spree – Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

The Polyphonic Spree got into the Christmas spirit early this year, dropping Holidaydream: Sounds of the Holidays Vol. One back in mid-October. For their first full-length album since 2007 the psychedelic choral-rock act mixes Christmas classics such as Winter Wonderland, Silent Night and Let It Snow, with a couple of originals that should spruce up your holiday mixes. The record also features a fantastic cover of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Happy Xmas (War Is Over), which got its inspiration from a anti-war billboard campaign that Lennon and Ono ran around the world in 1969.

[Photo by Steve Wrubel]

Originally recorded by the Plastic Ono Band with the Harlem Community Choir, the tune was released on December 1, 1971, and reached number three on Billboard’s Christmas singles chart. With the anniversary of Lennon’s passing this past weekend, it seemed only appropriate to feature The Polyphonic Spree’s wonderful animated video for the tune, which they released late last week.

Polyphonic Spree – Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

The Polyphonic Spree are in the midst of their 10th Annivesary Holiday Extravaganza tour, which brings the troupe to Chicago’s Logan Square Auditorium tomorrow night.