Copyright dailyrecord
This year's John Lewis Christmas advert has captured hearts once again and at its centre is a version of Where Love Lives (Come On In), the 1990s club anthem by singer Alison Limerick. The track, reimagined by acclaimed artist and producer Labrinth , soundtracks an emotional story that focuses on the relationship between a father and his son. Born in London, Alison began her career in the 1980s as a backing vocalist, contributing her voice to several different projects. She appeared on the Grand Union Orchestra's 1986 world jazz album The Song of Many Tongues, as well as This Mortal Coil's albums Filigree And Shadow (1986) and Blood (1991). The 66-year-old's big break came in 1990 with her solo debut single Where Love Lives (Come On In), a dance-floor anthem that reached number nine on the UK Singles Chart and later featured on her 1992 debut album And Still I Rise. The track became a defining sound of the early 90s club scene and is still enjoyed today - which can be seen in the John Lewis advert. For this year's much-loved Christmas advert Labrinth has turned the dance hit completely on it's head, creating a gentle and emotional reinterpretation of Allison's club classic. The advert, produced by Saatchi & Saatchi, opens with a father tidying up after Christmas morning. As he clears away wrapping paper he comes across an unopened gift with a yellow sticky note marked 'Dad' with a smiley face. He unwraps the vinyl and heads straight to his record player, where he is transported back to the 1990s and shown dancing in a club as Where Love Lives plays. The advert then cuts to flashback scenes sowing tender memories of his son as a baby and a toddler. It ends with the pair back in the family living room, sharing a slightly embarrassing but heartfelt hug and a laugh. Speaking about her track featuring on the iconic Christmas advert, Alison said: "I squealed when I heard that Where Loves Lives would be in the advert – literally squealed like an excited child. "Music has always had the power to bring all kinds of peeps together, but I hope this year's John Lewis Christmas advert will give those who see it a new, emotional connection with the song – especially with what Labrinth has created. His gentle version is just so beautiful, it’s sure to fill the heart with love." For London born Labrinth, who now lives in the United States, the project was a personal milestone. He explained: "To think a boy like me from east London, Hackney, who grew up watching this iconic advert, would one day reimagine a classic and compose a piece of music for John Lewis's forward-thinking direction is a big deal for me. "This advert is embedded in British Christmas culture and I miss home, so I’m honoured to be a part of it." The vinyl single, featuring Alison's original version on side A and Labrinth's new version on side B, will be sold exclusively through Rough Trade at John Lewis for £14.99. All profits from the vinyl will go towards the John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures programme, which helps people who have grown up in care.
