Well, it’s the 1st December and Rouge are calling it. We’re not waiting any longer… With sales of trees, baubles and wreaths more than doubling on last year already, and twinkling lights glamming up in streets all over the country, who wants to be Scrooge-like about that? This year all cool-yule-rules are off and without making a big song and dance about it, Rogue’s chief elf Joe Connor’s hung up all the lights he could find on Jamie Cullum’s new single, from his new (and rather brilliant as it happens) festive album The Pianoman At Christmas. Getting five star reviews (presumably the ones on the top of the tree) with The Times saying 'It might just be the perfect album for Christmas 2020’. 

Hang Your Lights, cut thrillingly live (and it sounds like it… Hurrah!) at Abbey Road Studios and inspired by the big band electricity of Ray Charles fused with the groove and energy of Louis Prima feels perfect for these times - nostalgic, glamorous and witty. The choreography, the Steadicam and racing drone shooting style all imbued with that same gleefully live spontaneity that had Joe right in his element as the ringmaster - and just brings a big festive smile to our faces. From the Rolling Stones in lockdown to a fully-lit Christmas hit seems like the perfect end to the year. You go Joe!  (oh, and a pair of socks would be fine). 

Quote from Joe Connor: ''This year has been such a rollercoaster, we all know that.  As soon as I put this track on I was filled with joy, it just seemed to lighten my whole mood.  That's what I wanted to capture with this video, I wanted to take the viewer on a little joyful rollercoaster; to blow away the cobwebs of a taxing year, to have a bit of fun and remember to not take life too seriously. Jamie was an absolute pro the whole day and I had the best team around me to bring this one to life with nothing but smiles, hard work and good cheer on set."