I know I go on about this, but back in 2007 when the rules changed to allow downloads to go towards entries into the chart, I predicted that this would enable the public to seize back power from record companies. Sadly, it wasn't until 2009 that this came to fruition. The Christmas number one that year was 'Killing In The Name' by Rage Against The Machine, this is the blog I wrote at the time.

Last year, facebook was full of copycat pages trying to usurp the domination of the Christmas number one by the winner of The X-Factor. The big player was 'Surfin' Bird' by The Trashmen, a song that the majority of the UK only know because of an episode of Family Guy. At the same time, there were other groups set up to get Biffy Clyro to Christmas number one, (mainly as a sensible antidote to Matt Cardigan's cover version of it), and other songs. The X-Factor won the battle last year, mainly because of overcrowding.

I had intended to set up a challenger this year, but logistically speaking, this hasn't been possible. It is hoped that we will record the song for next year instead. This year, the facebook group behind 'Surfin' Bird' are pushing Nirvana for the festive top spot, which as the album Nevermind is twenty years old, seems fitting.

The sensible option this year, is to join the facebook group for 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' for Christmas number one. Download it and beat The X-Factor, especially given that this year is the year that The X-Factor seems to have jumped the shark and are having their 'Big Brother' syndrome year.

If we all stick to one song, then it will work. We've done it before and we can do it again.