Digest

This podcast episode delves into the rich history of music, starting with holiday greetings and a discussion on the "10,000 hours" rule in relation to rock and roll's oral history. It features tributes to musicians like Pat Baker and Steve Cropper, and explores the generational shifts in music. A significant portion is dedicated to The Pogues' "Fairytale of New York," examining its production, lyrical depth, and near-miss chart success, as well as other songs that narrowly missed the number one spot, such as Ultravox's "Vienna" and Oasis's "Wonderwall." The podcast also touches upon the enduring appeal of artists like ABBA and Queen, and includes a special segment with Steve Lillewight discussing the remix and live recording of "Fairytale of New York." The conversation highlights the creative process, studio anecdotes, and the emotional resonance of music, concluding with reflections on Christmas plans and podcast appreciation. Advertisements for Tommy John pajamas and Mint Mobile are also included.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction, Musical History, and Tributes

The podcast opens with holiday greetings and a discussion on the "10,000 hours" rule, framing the podcast as an oral history of rock and roll. It includes tributes to Pat Baker and road crew heroes, and fondly remembers guitarist Steve Cropper and his contributions to Stax Records.

00:05:45

Chart Success, Generational Shifts, and Near Misses

The conversation shifts to the natural progression of music eras and generational shifts in chart dominance. It highlights songs that narrowly missed the number one spot, including "Fairytale of New York," "Wonderwall," Robson and Jerome's success, and Ultravox's "Vienna."

00:13:24

Deep Dive into "Fairytale of New York" and Iconic Songs

This section focuses extensively on The Pogues' "Fairytale of New York," exploring its production, legacy, and the contributions of Kirsty MacColl. It also touches upon David Bowie's "The Jean Genie," The Osmonds' "Crazy Horses," ABBA's appeal, Queen's "We Are the Champions," Paul McCartney's "Mull of Kintyre," and the Pet Shop Boys' "Go West."

00:22:32

Steve Lillewight Joins: Remixing "Fairytale of New York"

Steve Lillewight joins the podcast, discussing the remix of "Fairytale of New York" and the process of capturing live energy. He shares insights into balancing live room sound with a polished mix and highlights Kirsty MacColl's impactful vocal performance.

00:33:53

Lyrical Depth, Songwriting, and Recording Anecdotes

The podcast analyzes the profound lyrics of "Fairytale of New York," touching on themes of longing and hope, and clarifies the "NYPD choir" myth. Anecdotes about the songwriting process, unique instruments used by The Pogues, and studio stories like George Clinton's hair bells are shared.

00:41:25

The Piano, Kirsty MacColl's Role, and Live Recording Details

The discussion clarifies who played the piano on "Fairytale of New York" and how tape editing was used. The story of Kirsty MacColl's involvement is recounted, revealing it was her first time singing with Shane MacGowan. The live recording in Glasgow is also discussed.

00:48:43

Personal Stories, Lyrical Interpretation, and Enduring Appeal

Personal anecdotes, including a proposal story, are shared, alongside reflections on the storytelling nature of songs. The use of the word "nigger" and its context is discussed. The enduring appeal of "Fairytale of New York," its musicality, emotional resonance, and connection to J.P. Donleavy are explored.

00:54:45

Holiday Plans, Podcast Appreciation, and Production Credits

The hosts share their Christmas plans and express their appreciation for the podcast. The episode concludes with production credits and a sponsorship message.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the significance of the "10,000 hours" rule discussed in the podcast?

  The "10,000 hours" rule suggests that achieving mastery in any skill requires approximately 10,000 hours of practice. The hosts reference this concept in relation to their podcast's role in documenting the history of rock and roll.

• Who was Steve Cropper and what was his contribution to music?

  Steve Cropper was a highly influential guitarist, known for his work with Stax Records and as a member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s. He played a key role in shaping the sound of 1960s soul music with his distinctive rhythm and lead guitar style.

• Why did "Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues not reach number one on the charts?

  "Fairytale of New York" was kept off the number one spot by the Pet Shop Boys' song "Always on My Mind." This is one of several examples discussed where popular songs were narrowly beaten to the top position.

• What was unique about the production of "Fairytale of New York"?

  The production involved incorporating various instruments like the sittern and penny whistle, and the transition between song sections was achieved through innovative tape editing. The live version aimed to capture the raw energy of the performance.

• How did Kirsty MacColl end up singing on "Fairytale of New York"?

  The Pogues' manager, Frank Murray, who had previously managed MacColl, brought her into the project. Her vocal performance was so exceptional that it solidified her place on the record, overshadowing other potential collaborators.

• What is the significance of the live version of "Fairytale of New York" from Glasgow?

  The live version from Glasgow in the 80s, remixed by Steve Lillewight, is celebrated for its raw energy and authentic capture of the band's performance. It offers a more rollicking and spirited rendition of the song compared to the studio version.

• What are some of the challenges in mixing live recordings?

  A key challenge is deciding how much of the "room" or audience sound to include, as this can affect the clarity and distance of the instruments. Producers must balance capturing the live atmosphere with creating a well-defined mix.

• What is the lyrical theme of "Fairytale of New York"?

  The song tells a story of a struggling, gambling, alcoholic man and his tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend. It's written with a sense of nostalgia and longing for a homeland, and the hope that Christmas can bring, despite hardship.

• Who wrote "Fairytale of New York"?

  The song was co-written by Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer. MacGowan began writing the lyrics while recovering from pneumonia, and the song took about two years to fully develop.

• What is the meaning behind the line "I could have been someone"?

  This line is considered one of the best ever written. It signifies a sense of missed opportunity or potential, with the female character's response, "Oh, big deal," highlighting a dismissive attitude towards such aspirations, adding to the song's complex emotional landscape.

Show Notes