Fairytale of New York - The Pogues

Often voted as the best ever Christmas song, The Pogues' 'Fairytale of New York' was specifically recorded for this merry time of year. It did not reach number one in the UK, being held off the top spot by the Pet Shop Boys' 'Always on my mind'. In Ireland, the Pogues did have a number one hit with this.

Guest vocals were performed by Kirsty MacColl. Her part was originally intended for band member Cait O'Riordan. She left the band, however, in 1986, and so producer Steve Lillywhite proposed to have his wife sing a guide vocal for the recording. The band liked her contribution so much that she also sang the part on the actual recording.

On December 18, 2007, BBC Radio 1 banned the words 'faggot' and 'slut' from the song to 'avoid offence'. The words were dubbed out. MacColl's mother Jean, called the ban "too ridiculous", while the Pogues said they found it "amusing". However, that evening Radio 1 backed down and said that after a day of criticism from listeners, the band, and MacColl's mother, they reversed the decision. The unedited version was then played later on that day.

My collection: 7" single no. 3673
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 18, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Fairytale of New York' / 'The Battle March medley'