Chris Thile & Aoife O'Donovan - Fairytale of New York (The Pogues)

This performance is part of the holiday livestream - WASSAIL: An evening of carols and general merriment featuring Chris Thile, Aoife O'Donovan and their families.
The stream is available to rewatch through December 31, 2020 here: bit.ly/3qJmln9

[@awedwards08]

I love how after all these years playing, Chris still looks like he can barely contain his excitement when mandolin solo time comes around.

[@joshlovegood9392]

Totally agree. I also have never seen a Thile solo where I wasn't completely blown away. Which is so rare for a soloist.

[@monologtube]

I think it's all those years of playing that make him able to be that excited.

[@matthewschumm1836]

that's everyone's expression when they know Chris is about to play a solo

[@martifingers]

The thing about Chris Thile is that his virtuosity is never just for show but always in service to a superb musicality that matches itself to the song and as here, to his collaborators. The result is always stunning.

[@colleenciszek5966]

You've comforted and inspired a lonely gal to get back in the music game and get back to Ireland. I was acutely depressed during my masters degree at Triniry and came back to the States early to be closer to important resources. I was distraught and disappointed and I still need to do a lot of internal work, but I'm confident I'll be able to get back to that beautiful country and live a beautiful life.

[@resilientrecoveryministries]

Reminds me of when I used to get drunk by myself and play guitar. I felt like I was as good as Thile actually is.

[@martinpaddle]

you must have been really drunk then :)

[@TaniaC0009]

Oh my, I'm not alone at that hobby!

[@TimothyGraff]

A clean, beautiful rendition!

[@vinspizz]

Braviiiiiiiiiiii

[@chasetheskies]

Best Xmas song ever 🎄🎄🎅😲, could listen to this all year long!!! Great version!!

[@ARolls-dd2zd]

I think I'm totally in love with your playing and singing. I want to spend The Rest Of My Life listening to Chris Thile and friends playing music. 🤗😊😇

[@fck_gunzjust_roses5902]

I agree... It fills me with mellow happiness that could almost be confused with sadness.. its beautiful..

[@SophiaMarie1202]

I hope that Aoife and you come to come to Florida again and do a couple more Christmas shows like you did a couple of years ago i saw you in when you guys were in Ocala and you guys did a great job. It was nice to meet Aoife and she promised me that she would give a big hug for Chris for me😊. But, anyway it would be nice if you could do it again.

[@nicoledrury9337]

I was at the Ocala show! They rocked it

[@eyelidman09]

A wassailing we will come...rather splendid. Festive grittings to one and all.🥶🇬🇧🙏🥶

[@JenniferBrindley]

I just adore the two of you. Thank you.

[@RobGale]

One of my favorite non-traditional Christmas songs. RIP Kirsty MacColl. Aoife did a great job.

[@elizabethsakurai4253]

A very touching version of the song. Really wonderful!!

[@steveannand955]

What can I say, other than It melted my heart. If there was ever going to be a cover of such an iconic song, it had to be bold and brave. This delivered on all fronts :)

[@craigkelly8369]

How is it brave to leave out half the song! Fairy Floss of New York more like it. They should get together with Jon Bon Jovi, his effort was even worse.

[@steveannand955]

@@craigkelly8369 There's 2 of them. They couldn't possibly do the entire song, and that's why I said it was a brave move. We'll have different views, but as you will appreciate, music is subjective and I'm sticking with my opinion :)

[@craigkelly8369]

@@steveannand955what do you mean? There were two of them that did the original. Its a dialogue between a warring couple that ends with a glimmer of hope for redemption. This gutless, trite rendition sounds pretty to the ear but by leaving out the spiteful and powerful lyrics the whole meaning of the narrative is lost. Their's is a pretty sounding, commercial and family friendly version but I prefer the passion and animus of the original. Music is subjective and you should stand by your opinion but if you publish it then you leave yourself open to critique and ridicule. Peace comrade.

[@steveannand955]

@@craigkelly8369 I appreciate your critique. I love the original and I love this version too. Peace to you too :)

[@steveannand955]

@@craigkelly8369 Well argued. And yes it is trite. But it's put a different spin on the original, which a good cover should do. An artist is allowed artistic licence, after all. I must admit the mandolin playing took my focus. But hey, as I said, I love the original, (and even saw the Pogues play at a Uni Scout hut in Stourbridge, many years before this song was ever conceived). So I'm appreciative of both raw savagery and finesse. :)

[@ellieshanxoxo9513]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@Mike-tb9xq]

Thank you for this. Loved it.

[@IceyCharmander]

Chris thank you so much for sharing!Miss seeing you posting on KZbin! Literally just made my day. Your smile at the end makes me wanna cry with happiness!

[@botdude]

Chris Thile is the Mandalorian of the mandolin. 🎄 Beautiful song! ❤️

[@JohnShepherdMusic]

The force is strong in that one.

[@leedesrosiers3382]

This is the way

[@BlanketTruth22]

This is lovely.

[@Ztuliable]

Love this so much 🙏☘️

[@tracyeckstrand4923]

You are both awesome! ❤️❤️

[@cbos1892]

This is just absolutely gorgeous.

[@andrear.berndt9504]

Thank you and happy holidays!

[@Leo000]

Such an inspiration!

[@MsErika1226]

So beautiful!! :)

[@badweatherbluesmi7514]

That was awesome!!

[@barrytcook1]

wonderful .... thankyou .....

[@garycway]

Wow, what an inspiration!

[@Tiniandrea]

Thank you!! Merry Christmas! :)

[@gerrylaverty-folksingerson7318]

Fabulous.New life to this song

[@TheBourbonDiaries]

Love it :) Merry Christmas, everyone!

[@kmarcus5]

My favorite Christmas song .

[@brockmannolaf7182]

Wonderful!

[@beantallen8239]

Thankyou merry xmas

[@hellsbells9449]

Now that was something else 👌

[@tradingcardsincTCI]

My favorite Christmas tune

[@AdamsMusicandFun]

What a great version of a great song. Many people don't really listen to or dive into the lyrics. The melody is so memorable. Also, this video release coincided with my birthday, so of course I'd love it! Great interpretation of a great composition.

[@JoseCouto1234]

Que MARAVILHA!

[@mikeg0472]

Merry Christmas All! 🎄☘️🎁❤️💝🙏🏻🥃

[@ronnyskaar3737]

What a treat!

[@monologtube]

To everyone decrying the subtraction of a verse, just know that Chris really hates removing or changing the lyrics to someone else's song. See the inclusion of the f-word in "Heart In A Cage" on a bluegrass record; and I also can attest that I've heard him express this sentiment in at least one interview. So, my guess is that he had to leave it out in order to perform the song for all of these three audiences: Live From Here, CBS This Morning, and Wassail. As an aside, I further speculate that they shared it from the Wassail show because last year's ABSOLUTELY TRANSCENDENT performance on CBS This Morning is not available for viewing (though it can be purchased from CBS for $42, I've checked. Message me if you want the order form.)

[@craigkelly8369]

So you are saying he bends over for the corporations, he has no integrity and he is a sell out? Doesn't really matter because he is not the author, just the butcher.

[@monologtube]

@@craigkelly8369 Compromise is necessary sometimes in life, and my impression is that Chris figured the song is still good enough to play for people even if it's not the way he would do it in a less prominent circumstance.

[@DenisovichDev]

@@craigkelly8369 you don't have to listen to it if you don't want to. They've put a lot of effort into arranging this song in such a nice way, and dare I say it, better than the original in some cases. Just appreciate that. Moron

[@craigkelly8369]

@@DenisovichDev Moron? That's a bit harsh. Peace be with you my angry little friend.

[@Cardzilla52]

I've actually been looking for the CBS This Morning performance for years, and at this point would pay $42 for it. I don't know how to send a private message on KZbin, but I would love that order form.

[@carolinemilburn7128]

I LOVE THIS SONG!!! OH my gosh and Chris Tile did a cover of it....

[@dankenny9500]

I don’t even have the words… just so cool! Always looking for the best covers of this song. Saw the Punch Brothers cover it on the Sunday CBS news show and have never been able to find it.

[@Slimtronic5k]

I will cherish this arrangement and performance. Thank you both and your families!

[@JustFiddler]

merry christmas everyone! greeting from bali island

[@cesbass]

Love ❤️

[@groezy]

happy christmas everyone

[@rowdyboy00]

Pussed out on the best verse

[@briannahaskett3995]

Still the best cover of this song!!!

[@jambonejim1249]

This is brilliant. Great take.

[@Boonitic]

Merry Christmas everyone!

[@JustFiddler]

merry christmas!!

[@26095]

Jesus, Chris. Is there nothing you cannot play? And with such excellence...My mandolin laughs at me.

[@tedperry7085]

I hear you. I'm sitting here with my mandolin and thinking it's not the same instrument that he's playing.

[@parkermillican]

❤️

[@adammengelman]

Need to play the rest of the song! Great version though.

[@resilientrecoveryministries]

Two people most unlike the characters in the song. But very well done. So glad I get to live in this youtube world where music is amazing, free, and has accompanying visuals.

[@frankking781]

Sound.

[@kennytaylor9840]

Aye ✅

[@noravanguard3993]

This reminds me of the Liam Neeson Les Mis movie. really well made, but GUTS the original story

[@MrJmsldr]

Jude Law is crushing on mandolin!!

[@gconnolly648]

Chris Thile, Boris Johnson use the same tailor?

[@ArielBenichou]

Happy Hanukkah!

[@ICantSpellDawg]

It's a bigger shame to cut out the best part, but at least it sounded nice

[@Dawnrunner42]

“Best part?” Lol this is an obsession with people like you. I guess you could ignore the rest of the whole song as long as it was just a two-second recording of that word with no music at all.

[@martinmarriott1819]

To trade a true Irish poet's words for something "nice" is a type of heartless murder.

[@Dawnrunner42]

@@martinmarriott1819 "murder" lol what brainless, unpoetic hyperbole.

[@DenisovichDev]

You are so pathetic... So basically you listen to the song for those two words?

[@LennyDiPaolo]

She’s my new crush. I had no idea she grew up around the corner from me.

[@georgios3298]

😀😀😀

[@mbyard356]

That was fantastic! It’s certainly a much happier song, if you leave out that one verse.

[@monologtube]

But less emotionally gripping, I think.

[@radiance.of.attention7334]

I don't miss the "missing" verse -- at all. The song is more universally relatable now. Thanks for following your instincts. It's also fun to watch the musical sparks fly!

[@normpeterson7767]

I disagree completely. It's not the same song without the exchange of insults. That verse added so much depth to the complexity of the characters in this story. It's like changing book 7 of Harry Potter so that nobody dies. Be true to the song or don't do the song. But don't be a chickenshit about it.

[@radiance.of.attention7334]

Look, guys. I hear what you're saying. I understand about flawed characters. But songs have been written -- and re-written -- FOREVER. Songs, like stories, have a life of their own. They change and evolve with every subsequent sharing. There's no reason that these artists can't make this song their own by leaving out the rock-bottom-addict part tinged with domestic violence. Maybe it's a "different" song now, but it's still about an intimate couple struggling in their lives and in their relationship. IMO, their choice to edit is not about being PC. It's not about trying NOT to offend people with swear words or unpleasantries. And it's not about making it "all ages." It's about making aesthetic choices that express the artists' authentic selves. Personally, I will listen to THIS version over and over again. It captures my imagination and I can relate to it deeply.

[@martinmarriott1819]

Hiya. It's cool that you understand about flawed characters. But then you say it's good not to offend anyone. My genuine question to you is: how can a flawed-opinions character 'speak' without saying words which offend you to hear ? How can a flawed character speak in an un-flawed way ?

[@radiance.of.attention7334]

@@martinmarriott1819 Hi. I think maybe you misunderstand me. I'm not saying "it's good not to offend anyone." That issue is not my concern. (Frankly, I could care less about swear words or unpleasant utterances from a character.) I'm more interested in the question of "how does an artist make a song their own?" Is it okay to edit / rework an existing song? Humans have been doing that for as long as we've had songs.

[@Loren42]

This may now be my favorite cover of this song, as it’s so close to my platonic ideal that until now existed only in my head. Even listening to the audio is a lesser experience, since it means not being able to watch Chris’ enthusiasm in playing. And I confess, at first I too was disappointed at the excising of the one verse, but on further reflection, I think it had to be done. Not because those lyrics *shouldn’t* be sung, but it would disrupt the softer, kinder tone of this version to suddenly hear “You’re a bum, you’re a punk, you’re an old slut on junk” coming from Chris.

[@FiveFigsDigital]

I know what the lyrics are now. Somehow, it really didn't matter before.

[@pasaerc]

Missing a verse... Have some courage. Don't cancel Christmas, BBC.

[@xiaohe4775]

A version that I can share with my daughter

[@jjj1951]

Well I guess they had to clean it up for family consumption.

[@tranurse]

Beautiful cover, but y’all skipped the best part. This is my favorite Christmas song.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

A shame that a stand couldn't have been made for art against censoship but still and all a beautiful job as far as it went

[@crug218]

I love you both and the performance was perfect...but that was a cop out cutting that verse. Loses the thread of the story and the bitter of the bittersweet of the song. If the content makes you uncomfortable maybe leave it be. You’re unintentionally censoring another great artist. Not the end of the world! Just something to chew on. Either way, great playing.

[@tonywoodsdlk]

I agree ruined it for me, such PC bullshit

[@TravisDavis]

Out of curiosity, do you feel that way about other censored songs? Do you think people should sing the original version of "My Old Kentucky Home"?

[@kevinjones-ch7pr]

I totally agree with you, there are some great political songs out there , cutting edge songs , that are being censored for PC wokes, Oliver's army, next it'll be Ian Drury and the block heads, two fat people click click click,

[@ivanjosephmurray605]

Well said there now.

[@poisonsumc7426]

Without that verse, it's just another pretty Christmas song; with it, it's the pain some of us feel at some point in our lives leaking out, if only for a moment in a special song

[@gueman99]

The PC version. Next we will make nude statues wear slacks and shirts. If parts of the song offend you dont sing any if it.

[@Dawnrunner42]

You sound terribly triggered, my good snowflake

[@gueman99]

@@Dawnrunner42 far from it. Perhaps you should take a reading comprehension class. I do not think art or history should be rewritten to save the feelings of others.

[@Dawnrunner42]

@@gueman99 "Reading" comprehension? It's music. The only thing you need is the melody and instruments to play it. Lyrics are a secondary concern. Better stop trying to use big words and concepts you evidently don't understand in an attempt to sound smarter than you really are, kid ;)

[@gueman99]

@@Dawnrunner42 you were replying to my statement that it was a PC version. So you defend the rewriting of lyrics? That is snowflake mentality. And not what I wrote.

[@Dawnrunner42]

@@gueman99 I defend an individual musician's right to perform a song the way they see fit, for the reasons they see fit. If that triggers you so much, perhaps you should move to a country with less freedom.

[@embwee]

"Oh it's such a good song" --until the edgy lyrics were left on the cutting floor. Then it's nothing more than a Disney classic.

[@johnminisi8470]

I don't mind the missing verse. I can always listen to the original, and it is nice to have a version that can be played around a young child

[@kevinjones-ch7pr]

And if the verses in the song are banned and lost forever because it will upset the young wokes ,it will be a shame for song writers and writing in general

[@Dawnrunner42]

@@kevinjones-ch7pr you’re paranoid, it will never be “lost forever” barring nuclear war, in which case it doesn’t matter anyway

[@martinmarriott1819]

You don't think children know that adults freak out and say bad things ? You don't mind that one of Ireland's greatest writers is being censored? Shall we clean up Joyce's Ullyses, or shall we just chuck him out of the country because he 'says dirty things' about the way we live ? Or maybe force him to write only state approved children's books ?

[@Dawnrunner42]

@@martinmarriott1819 "greatest writers" LOL You're being hysterical, better calm down and stop being so triggered.

[@johnminisi8470]

@@martinmarriott1819 no, I really don't give a shit. He isn't being censored because the original still exists. I don't freak out about stuff not worth freaking out about.

[@sallyanndra]

I don't mind that they skipped the second verse, although it does completely change the character of the song. I do mind that several of the lyrics in the first verse (which are innocuous) are incorrect/different. Maybe I just care about that because I also cover this song. Of course, it's hard to record a well-accepted cover when the original is so known and beloved, but it's especially difficult when so many people enjoy this song specifically /because/ it doesn't sound like the usual radio-friendly [cheesy] pop Christmas songs and, well, this cover does make it seem like pop radio Christmas music (not because of the lack of certain words, but because of the lack of angst in general). Some of us just want to skulk during the holidays and have our holiday music reflect that, you see./s

[@martinmarriott1819]

John Minisi. You might not know that the actual song has been banned from radio 1. And this censorship caused Nick Cave to write a supportive explanation of Shane's lyrics. And this is all much discussed amongst songwriters, for obvious reasons... it affects us as we write, to not feel we maybe are losing our freedom to express. That is the context in which various people are now seeking to 're-write' and 'clean up' the words of Macgowan, who is massively respected by us and millions of others as a superb example of a wordsmith. Every change of his words gives us a weaker image of these imperfect down and outs, and therefore the request for compassion for them is also weaker. It is no longer a blues song. As if we can only care for people who use the correct language, and who are not messed up ! So whilst you may not, as you say, "give a shit", many of us cannot simply ignore the censorship and seamlessly "move on." But if you can, that's cool.

[@jamiedavies3456]

Not banned, slightly reworded. So dramatic bud.

[@paddy2875]

@@jamiedavies3456 the original fairy tale of New York is banned.

[@Tamjam2011]

Love this unique version and THEIR INTERPRETATION of the song (as artists do :) Some have criticized not having the second verse, I like that they didn’t have it-there’s enough unnecessary negativity out there. Some shouldn’t be so shortsighted and be grateful for what we do have (esp now). Despite some of the ups/downs, we live in the greatest place on earth.why so many risk their lives to come here.News flash, we live in the most tolerant place on the planet 🌎 Thank you to all first responders esp those working on Christmas eve and day. Be grateful for that too.

[@martinmarriott1819]

You like tolerance. But how is it tolerant, to censor a true Irish poet, simply because you can't understand what he is doing ? Even though he is being completely obvious in a pop song ?!

[@Tamjam2011]

Freedom of expression and interpretation in art is creativity. Their respectful tribute to band and song is with tolerance. If no tolerance, they probably wouldn’t have chosen the song. Had they not done this song no one would be talking about it, and some hearing it for the first time, likely will want to now listen to the original. It’s all good 👍🏼

[@lastnameavailable326]

People are complaining that they dropped a verse, but the verse they dropped was dispensible. They left in the great line "I could have been someone. / Well, so could anyone."

[@MegaClashcityrocker]

A neutered meaningless version for the PC brigade with all the hate removed. The hate and language is the soul of the song and it's integral to the story of the song. We might not like the words used these days, but they need to remain for the song to make sense.

[@kevinjones-ch7pr]

Totally agree

[@Dawnrunner42]

“The hate and language is the soul of the song” lol you sound triggered. The *melody* is the soul of the song. The lyrics are window dressing.

[@Jeff_Farrell]

Shane MacGowan has the authenticity of GG Allin, and should be considered about as much of a role model.

[@Jeff_Farrell]

@David both are heros of mine 🍻

[@martinmarriott1819]

Dear Dawnrunner 42, Once humans developed speech, no one until now has said that words are 'window-dressing.' !!!!! The contrast between the sweet melody of the music and the rough words of the down and outs is what alerts us straightaway that this song may be non-generic 'art'. Let us be honest.. many many people can play a vaguely sentimental melody -- but not many can write as wonderfully as Shane ! Without the words, do you really think it would be such an incredibly popular song.... popular amongst those of us who have been in touch with human suffering... which is most of us. Working class poetry... that is the issue here.

[@eswan7329]

@ all the people complaining about dropping a verse: Some words you just never say unless you are of the group harmed by the language and then it's debatable--I still listen to the original, but no would not sing that verse. Not a big deal. Just not mine to say. @ the person wondering if we're going to start putting clothes on nude statues: no, much like human sexuality, the human body is not offensive. Tearing down confederate statues tho, yes. You betcha. 🎉

[@martinmarriott1819]

I hope you realise that shane is one of Ireland's greatest writers! ie, he doesn't make mistakes. So lesser writers should respectfully seek to learn from him, learn how to express empathy with actual human beings, not chop and censor him. You are missing the point about naked statues... it is about naked truth and acceptance. Can we feel respect and compassion for the messed-up people in Shane's song. Yes, of course we can. Unless you have some view of the liberal 'deserving poor' (who are p.c. etc), and the 'undeserving poor' -- Shane's sad troubled angels with dirty faces, who you wish to simply edit out of the world.

[@Davross]

Either perform the song in full or don't bother. Depressing really as he's so talented.

[@johnsteiner2960]

They left out the very best part of the song, ye scum bag ye maggot, I'm sure that FB won't like the "F" word that rhymes with maggot, guess these guys wanted to tone it down a bit and not offend folks listening.

[@pvandck]

Not quite the same without the second verse. It's part of the dialogue.

[@ChetSmithChannel]

just cut out the whole verse lame

[@craigkelly8369]

Could have been a good cover by good musicians but they didn't capture the passion, angst and hope of the original. Maria Carey is more up their alley.

[@steveswearingen4571]

For the love of god do the WHOLE SONG or don't freaking cover it.

[@kevinjones-ch7pr]

Well said

[@martinmarriott1819]

"We love this tune, so we will just remove any mention of it being about wounded, working class people, and then all our moneyed, middle class woke friends will say, awww, that is so vaguely sentimental and pretty !"

[@rickrothmi]

totally changes the song to leave out the verse. Up with people versions of things are depressing frankly.

[@sidtedtilley]

A beautiful song bastardised by two fabulous musicians. What is it with you Americans, can't you even sing the whole song because you don't understand the Irish connotations of certain words?? It HAS to be sung in it's entirety to get the passion and gravitas wrung out of the words written by the heartbreaking mind of Shane Mc Gowan. You'll never do it the justice it grandly deserves.

[@winstonmiller9649]

They had to do it! Didn't they?? Ruin the most stirring Xmas song ever. Trying to make it squeaky clean. Not that it was in need a shining. I'm sure, like me, millions of others loved and related to its earthiness and threat to hypocrisy. It spoke in a way that some people do but which some others don't appreciate. But that's the beauty of artistic vision. As such, this version kept to the original tune. But removing the jarring, rousing tones of Shane and Kirsty also removes the fire, rage, fun and spirit of the thing. Not make it better!! The purposes of this version I suppose is in-keeping with sanitizing the world. In the far future people may get the impression that many artist wrote lyrics and sang in received pronunciation!!But it wouldn't be true. I'll just pull the few remaining hairs out of my scalp now!!

[@mikeg0472]

It could , like all memories, are adjusted to the ones that hold dear to the original well of its manifestation and respectfully hold in reverence the parts that influenced them to make adjustments to make it their own.

[@mikeg0472]

I think it’s Brilliant!

[@xaviergarcia165]

This is a political correctness version....it's so sad artists have lost their balls...

[@sptfgpn]

Cop out.

[@robertadair9756]

Wonderful--and disappointing at the same time.

[@estherdelahunty4949]

absolutetly ypuseless you made the song sound so bad

[@Dawnrunner42]

You’re a hateful philistine. Go listen to a two-second recording of someone saying the word without any music at all, maybe you’ll like that more.

[@Jeff_Farrell]

@@Dawnrunner42 if the word "faggot" offends you so much, you would be able to tell when it was used in a derogatory fashion. "Faggot" as used in Fairytale is an almost familial type of acknowledgment. It's not like anyone called you a "Faggot" in this song. Go to a bar, or sit down on your couch, have a drink, and put on some Pogues. Maybe you'll get it then.

[@warriors16ify]

Awful! Soulless! Leave to Christy or Shane and Kirsty!!

[@keithpierceirishbeekeeping9046]

Terrible. What a catastrophic.

[@closingyak17894]

Ppl need to get a grip and sing it the original way

[@gascolator]

Lame. Bad enough it is bowdlerized, but Aoife hasn't even got the few words she sings right. WHAT big as bars? And no place for the WHAT? But I guess the mandolin-player's apparent seizure makes up for the de-dramatization of the lyric.