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How The Pogues Responded to Censorship of Their Hit Song ‘Fairytale of New York’: ‘Times Change’
The use of the f-slur in The Pogues’ 1987 Christmas hit caused backlash on both sides when the BBC censored the song years later.
The Pogues’ 1987 hit song “Fairytale of New York” makes the rounds again every holiday season. It’s a rowdy, bare-knuckle kind of song, ground against the pavement by Shane MacGowan’s gritty vocals. Kirsty MacColl’s contribution is a gentle caress of the cheek, until she rears back and slaps you, too.
Overall, it’s a very typical Pogues-ish song. It’s also a very typical product of its time, that being the late 80s. The f-slur is sung by MacColl in the third verse as part of an insult to her fictional male counterpart. This caused controversy years later. Its use was often defended, including by MacGowan, who clarified that “Fairytale of New York” was not a homophobic song.
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“It’s faster, more spunky. It’s a great version of the song”: Steve Lillywhite on what he did to brush up a new live version of Fairytale Of New York
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There’s a new live version of Fairytale Of New York out in the shops and the man who recorded that Yuletide perennial has been talking about how it came about.
The new version was recorded live at Glasgow Barrowlands in December 1987, just as the original record was climbing the charts. Speaking to The Independent, Steve Lillywhite – who produced it back in 1987 – explained what he did to brush up the live recording.
“Warner Brothers were going to release this live version of Fairytale Of New York as a bonus track,” he said. “And the band went, hang on… The thing is, there’s really only one definitive version of that song. It’s like Bohemian Rhapsody.”
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