Westmeath politician hoping to top the music charts

An independent Westmeath councillor is hoping to beat X-Factor to the Christmas number one in the music charts with his cover of the old Flying Pickets hit song, ‘Only You’.

 

Cllr Michael O’Brien is releasing his charity single in aid of Pieta House, and he is determined his recording will hit the top of the charts in Ireland by Christmas day.

“Growing up I always loved the excitement about the Christmas number one and I think X-Factor has ruined that, so it would be nice to get behind a national charity like Pieta House and beat X-Factor to the slot,” said Michael.

The independent councillor, who lives in Moate, has previously recorded ‘New’ by Paul McCartney and ‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles, and has planned to a do a charity song for some time.

Ger Tiernan of Pieta House contacted him and asked him to record a single for the charity, and Michael has linked it to his hopes for a Christmas hit.

Michael’s friend, David Mannion, suggested the song, ‘Only You’ Michael recorded it at Roseland Studios in Moate. 

‘Only You’ was the Christmas number one in Ireland in 1983, and it was recorded on that occasion by the Flying Pickets. 

It was also recorded in early 1982 by the Yazoo, whose lead singer was Alison Moyet.

Michael is also recording a video at Athlone Castle to accompany the song, and plans to release the number on Monday, December 4. 

Michael’s version of ‘Only You’ will be available on iTunes, Spotify and YouTube, and the CD will be available at venues in Golden Discs, Athlone Town Shopping Centre, Golden Island Shopping Centre and SuperValu, Moate. It will be available for download on iTunes for just under €1.30 and the CD will cost €5.

An official launch of the single will be held in Athlone Civic Square on Friday December 8, where Michael will sing a number of songs. RTÉ’s Ciaran Mulooly will MC the event.