Today marks the worldwide release of ‘20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan’, an expansive 36 track tribute album celebrating the indelible lyrical poetry, punk spirit, and storytelling genius of Shane MacGowan including a captivating new rendition of “Fairytale of New York,” uniting Grammy nominated singer songwriter Hozier and Oscar winning actor and singer Jessie Buckley.
Widely revered as one of the greatest songwriting achievements of all time, “Fairytale of New York” holds sacred cultural real estate. Stepping into the shoes of Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl is a monumental artistic undertaking, one that Hozier and Jessie Buckley approach not as imitation, but as living reverence. Recorded with cinematic warmth and grit, Hozier’s soulful, grounded voice trades verses with Jessie Buckley’s fierce emotional resonance, capturing the tragic romance, stinging bitterness, and bruised tenderness at the beating heart of the masterpiece
When I first heard that this project was being put together and that of all songs featured I might end up tackling ‘Fairytale of New York’, I’ll admit to feeling somewhat daunted by the prospect. It is such a beloved song in Ireland it can seem as though some part of it belongs to the island as a whole. Shane MacGowan is one of those rare artists that was even in his lifetime held in something of a mythologised light. His work is so intimately woven into the tapestry of our country’s musical canon and so definitive of a mode of musical being that it is truly foundational for so much that has followed. It was an honour to be asked to contribute to the record, and indeed to be trusted with this song. Reaching out to Jessie Buckley out of the blue with the impossible ask of joining me on this recording is likely the most brass my neck has ever exhibited. Jessie was utterly skybound at the time, moving at a right angle to the earth and about to break the sound barrier, all while caring for a newborn baby and carrying every ounce of it all with a lightness of being that would put any tour-weary musician to shame. In the busy aftermath of winning the Oscar for Best Actress for her incredible performance in Hamnet, Jessie still somehow managed to make time for this duet, bringing every ounce of her grace, energy and talent to the studio in London. To sing with her on this track, and to do so for such a good cause in aid of Dublin’s Simon Community has been an immense joy.” Hozier
“To step into the very studio that Shane, Kirsty and the Pogues recorded “Fairytale of New York” and to sing this eternal song of all our hearts, full of hope and humanity was pure joy. When Hozier, one of Ireland’s greatest artists and souls asked me to be part of it, I felt like the luckiest woman in the world. What a pleasure! What a song! What a gift to get to sing this story!” Jessie Buckley
“This album is the most eclectic, extraordinary and exciting thing that has ever existed in the known Universe. It brings together an astonishing array of artists, from the wild and wonderful Japanese Pinch of Snuff to the wayward and worldly American Tom Waits and everything in between, with thirty six beautiful and brilliant interpretations of the songs of Shane Mac Gowan. He would be humbled and tickled and thrilled, as am I. Bless you all who took part, and may you never walk alone.” Victoria Mary Clarke
HEAR ‘FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK’ HERE
WATCH OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE
Honouring Shane MacGowan’s legacy, artist proceeds will be donated to Dublin Simon Community to provide lifesaving housing and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness. The 36 track album brings together a remarkable lineup of global icons and contemporary voices:
Amble – The Snake With the Eyes of Garnet
Bob Geldof – St. John Of Gods
Bruce Springsteen – A Rainy Night in Soho
Camille O’Sullivan – You’re The One
Cronin – London You’re A Lady
Damien Dempsey – Sally MacLennane
David Gray – The Old Main Drag
David Keenan – The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn
Dropkick Murphys – The Body of an American
Garron Noone – White City
Glen Hansard – Bottle of Smoke
Hozier & Jessie Buckley – Fairytale of New York
Jimmy Artache – USA
Johnny Mac and The Faithful – Fiesta
Johnny Depp & Imelda May – Haunted
Kate Moss – Lonesome Highway
Kingfishr – The Sunnyside of the Street
Liam Ó Maonlaí – The Broad Majestic Shannon
Lisa Moorish & Another Day – Rain Street
Lisa O’Neill – Dark Streets of London
LYRA – Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six
Madra Salach – Turkish Song of the Damned
Moya Brennan – Mother Mo Chroi
Mundy – Victoria
Picture This – Aisling
Pinch of Snuff – Donegal Express
Primal Scream – A Pair of Brown Eyes
Steve Earle – If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The High Kings – Streams of Whiskey
The Jesus And Mary Chain – I’ll Be Your Handbag
The Libertines – Sayonara
The Murder Capital – The Song With No Name
The Pogues – Gabrielle
Tom Creagh – Paddy Public Enemy No. 1
Tom Waits – Summer In Siam
U2 – Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Whether through thunderous anthems or desolate, piano led ballads, each arrangement illuminates how Shane MacGowan radically redefined music and gave poetry to the marginalised and the underdog.
20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan is available now on:
Deluxe Bookpack (featuring liner notes, artists’ contributions, Shane’s drawings and memorabilia)
2 CD
3 LP Vinyl
BUY IT HERE
Digital Download & Streaming across all major platforms
STREAM IT HERE
“Fairytale of New York” by Hozier & Jessie Buckley is available on all digital streaming platforms today, accompanied by an official visualiser.
