Following the release of the annual John Lewis Christmas TV advert:

In which Norwegian singer Aurora performs a cover of Oasis ’94 B side ‘Half The World Away’. Unfortunately for Aurora she has come under certain criticism from former manager of the Manc band Alex McGee; with him being quoted when speaking to Gigwise saying:

“I think it’s rubbish,” McGee said. “I don’t know what anybody else thinks of it, though. I’m pleased for Noel that he got his royalties, I hope they gave him a million quid but I thought actually it was rubbish.”

Find the original by Oasis below:

Obviously there is a considerable difference in the general styling of the song, however I think McGee is being a bit harsh by saying it’s rubbish; after all it’s a cover, it is not necessarily supposed to be similar to the original by Oasis. If anything this softer version fits a Christmas John Lewis advert to perfection.

The trend of John Lewis Christmas songs covering well known songs in a much softer (often female led) versions of originals started in 2010 with Ellie Goulding’s cover of ‘Your Song’ by Elton John. The theme has since led to Lilly Allen covering Keane and Tom Odell covering John Lennon.