By Megan Routledge.
Alt-Country stars, Clint Wilson and Billie-Jo Porter have joined forces to bring you their take on The Pogues Christmas classic, “Fairytale of New York”.
The Red Rebel Music label said of the release, "It is with great sadness that the world awoke to the news of the passing of Shane MacGowan. With a large degree of poignancy we realized this new version of the Pogues classic (originally with Kirsty MacColl) performed by Clint Wilson and Billie-Jo Porter was due for release on December 1st. With the greatest of respects to the original version and its creators here it is."
Written by Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer, the song was originally released in 1988 as a collaboration between the English Celtic punks and Kirsty MacColl.
“I was first introduced to The Pogues and their song by a Scottish neighbour who said it was the best Christmas song going around. I remember loving the almost punk sound of it and the shock I got when they started arguing halfway through the track”, explains Clint.
“I felt a little bad singing those things to Billie-Jo in the song, she is one of the nicest people in the Australian Country music scene. I’m sure anyone who has met her would agree”.
Recorded at Ziggy Tone Studios in Melbourne, Clint and Billie-Jo’s version of “Fairytale of New York” brings a new spin to a much-adored staple of the festive season but does not stray too far from what we all love about the original. Complete with the attitude and emotion, it packs as much punch now as the original did back in the 80’s.
FOLLOW CLINT WILSON
FOLLOW BILLIE-JO PORTER