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The Story of Fairytale of New York (2005) Online

The Story of Fairytale of New York (2005) Online
2005 Linda Dowling Almeida Casandra Ashe Martin Burke Nick Mattingly
Original Title :
The Story of Fairytale of New York
Genre :
Movie / Documentary / Music
Year :
2005
Directror :
Nick Mattingly
Cast :
Linda Dowling Almeida,Casandra Ashe,Martin Burke
Type :
Movie
Rating :
8.2/10

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The Story of Fairytale of New York (2005) Online

A look at the creation of The Pogues' song "Fairytale of New York".
Credited cast:
Linda Dowling Almeida Linda Dowling Almeida - Herself
Casandra Ashe Casandra Ashe - Peeken Pixes
Martin Burke Martin Burke - Himself
Bleddyn Butcher Bleddyn Butcher - Himself
Gary Carpenter Gary Carpenter - Himself
Nick Cave Nick Cave - Himself
Philip Chevron Philip Chevron - Himself
Matt Dillon Matt Dillon - Himself
J.P. Donleavy J.P. Donleavy - Himself
Peter Dougherty Peter Dougherty - Himself
James Fearnley James Fearnley - Himself
Jem Finer Jem Finer - Himself
Richard E. Grant Richard E. Grant - Narrator
Jools Holland Jools Holland - Himself
Darryl Hunt Darryl Hunt - Himself

Earlier versions of the song were set not in New York City but on Ireland's west coast in County Clare. Several renditions were recorded before the now familiar one was settled on. Fairytale of New York was written by lead singer Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer, The Pogues' banjo player and one of the founding members of the band.

MacGowan finalized the lyrics in Malmo, Sweden while recovering from pneumonia. He said at the time, "I wasn't thinking about Fairytale (of New York), I was just wishing I could stop feeling ill! For some reason that is when I managed to nail the lyrics and the arrangement."

The opening notes of the song were influenced by Ennio Morricone's score for Once Upon a Time in America, the band being huge fans of Sergio Leone's film, which they watched constantly while touring America.

Producer Steve Lillywhite's wife was singer Kirsty MacColl. She was the daughter of folk legend and broadcaster Ewan MacColl (who wrote the Pogues favourite Dirty Old Town) and had contributed backing vocals on a number of her husband's productions including songs by Talking Heads, Simple Minds and The Smiths. Steve recorded Kristy's vocals at their home, and when the band heard the new version they instantly loved it.


User reviews

SlingFire

SlingFire

The Pogues are very close to my heart, so it was vitally important that the documentary captured the very essence, style and atmosphere that "Fairytale Of New York" evokes. It is rare that Shane MacGowan gives interviews compus mentis, but for this documentary I believe he's almost of sound mind! It's great to see the original members such as Philip Chevron, Spider etc take an active & enthusiastic approach to this doc and the involvement of Kirty McColl's mother was both productive and touching. This is a truly honest, stylish and professional documentary worthy of it's place in the BBC archives, and deserving of repeat airplay just like the sublime recording "Fairytale Of New York" - voted by the British Public as the greatest ever Christmas song (yet, ironically not directly related to the Festive period, more the Irish descendency upon New York!). Fantastic Documentary, Fantastic Song & A Fantastic Band!