Put Downtown top of your list for Christmas

THERE has been overwhelming support for The Saw Doctors in their quest to take the number one slot in Ireland this Christmas with their first-class version of the 1960s classic Downtown. Already the single, which features the original singer Petula Clarke, has been playlisted by some of the major radio stations in Ireland and the UK with DJs finding the song irresistible. A Facebook campaign to make the single number one this Christmas has been started by the winsome and witty Ray Foley on his midday show on Today fm, and the page Downtown for Christmas #1 is continuing to gain momentum. The track was also recently named Song of the Week on Today fm's Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show. The popularity of The Saw Doctors is also being keenly watched by bookmakers and already Paddy Powers has slashed the single's odds to 5/2. It looks like the only song Downtown has to beat is whatever the winner of this year's X Factor releases in a few weeks time. The release of Downtown has also been delayed and will now be available from iTunes from Friday, December 16, and a limited edition CD single will also be launched. The lads are currently touring in the UK and are delighted with the response to the song so far. 'People of all ages love the song and it is going down really well,' says Leo Moran. 'Downtown is one of those songs you know and always knew but probably weren't 100 percent sure who it was by or how you knew it, but when the chorus kicks in it becomes as recognisable as your own brother,' he laughs. The Saw Doctors' take on the track is a perfect slice of pop pie with a real good-time holiday feel that resonates with this time of year. Now 79, Surrey girl Petula Clarke was one of the biggest stars of the 1960s. The original version sold three million copies when it was released in 1965. It was a major coup for the lads to have Petula feature not only on the track but also in the video that has been viewed more than 41,000 times so far on You Tube. Her parts on the Docs' version are as tuneful and classic as the original and blend beautifully with Davy Carton's lead vocal. The song, which was written and composed by Tony Hatch, has also been given the highest stamp of approval according to Leo Moran. 'Tony mailed me back and he really likes our version of the song.' We are urging all of our readers to support the song and be sure to buy it when it comes out on iTunes on Friday, December 16 as it makes a lunge at Christmas glory. Get on board and help the local lads elbow the usual X Factor merchant out of the race for first place.