Alt-pop singer/songwriter Vân Scott (the alias of Scott Oatley) has released a poignant cover of the rare Queen Christmas song, “Thank God It’s Christmas” today – you can listen to it below. 

The song, written by Roger Taylor & Brian May and performed by Queen, was originally released in 1984, but they only just released a lyric video last year.  It’s a rare gem, that Scott couldn’t wait to record, “I stumbled upon this song partway through quarantine while listening to Queen’s catalog and it caught me by surprise.  I didn’t know that Queen had ever recorded any Christmas material and I’ve since learned that almost no one else was aware either! I’m so inspired by the musical genius of Freddie Mercury and Queen so when I heard the track I just had to record it!” Besides vocals, Scott plays acoustic guitar, ukulele, piano, keyboards, and synths on the track. 

Says Scott, “The phrase “thank God it’s Christmas” carries so much more weight right now because of what 2020 has been like for the world. I think all of us are ready to turn the page into the New Year and this seemed like the perfect song to go out with.”  The song couldn’t have a more timely message in its lyrics with verses like, “Oh my love/we’ve had our share of tears/oh my friend/we’ve had our hopes and fears/oh my friends, it’s been a long hard year, but now it’s Christmas; yes, it’s Christmas/Thank God it’s Christmas…”

A sought-after singer in the Hollywood session scene, Scott has had the quiet success many only dream of.  He’s had the opportunity to sing for renowned film composers like Danny Elfman and Michael Giacchino; influential music producers such as Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and Mike Elizondo, sung on blockbuster scores for Mulan (2020), La La Land, Jurassic World, and Sing; been a featured singer on ABC’s Black-ish and The Goldbergs, performed as a background vocalist for The Voice, and most recently was the “King” in a Burger King ad that debuted during the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards, to name just a few of his credits.

“Thank God It’s Christmas” can be found on most digital outlets now.

https://www.vanscottmusic.com/

By Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been involved in the music industry for over 30 years - as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, freelance journalist, producer, manager and working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star, traveling down South and his orange Gretsch. He's pretty groovy!