Last year it was Santa Baby, written by now 93 year old Phil Springer (interviewed last year) and famously recorded by Eartha Kitt and many others. When it was released in 1953 it was controversial because of its sexy overtones ("Santa Baby, hurry down the chimney tonight...". And, it became controversial at times over the years, including last year.
And then there is this year's controversy, at least on the other side of the pond.
This is a 1987 song by the Pogues called Fairytale of New York. I had run across it while researching my Music Moves Me post for tomorrow. I had never heard of this song, which is said to have originated with a bet between Elvis Costello and the frontman of the Pogues, Shane MacGowan.
When Americans hear this song, they are more puzzled than anything, and I admit, I was one of them. At first. By the second hearing, I was in love with it.
But now it has become controversial.
You may not like it at first, especially given that there is a questionable lyric in it, but please stick with it. I understand it was the most played Christmas song on British radio last year. To me, it's a powerful song. Others want it banned.
The song is sung, in alternating fashion, by Shane MacGowan and the late Kirsty MacColl.
I hope you will give these songs a listen.
I am not into banning songs, but am curious to know what you think.
I had the pleasure of seeing Eartha Kitt on Broadway, in a show called “Timbuktu”. She oozed sexuality. I have no problem with the song, or the way she sang it. Madonna’s version is good, too. A lot of other singers just can’t carry it off.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Pogues...I also came across the song while researching my Music Monday posts. The story is depressing, the lyrics harsh. I don’t think I’d add it to my list of holiday tunes. But I’m not about to censor it.
I remember the Eartha Kitt version. (It was the second Xmas song I ever learned- after Rudolph. Of course, I was so young, I am pretty certain the sexual innuendo rolled over me like a solar wind. [I did like the 54 convertible, though!) And, this was the first time I heard the Pogues song (but I did have to look up the lyrics, since I missed too many of them.)
ReplyDeleteI have been singing Santa Baby for days now...the Eartha Kitt version, unfort. I don't think the guys appreciate it much, LOLOLOL. smiles
ReplyDeleteVery unique choices, all new to me. Thanks for hosting. Have a nice week!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to listen to this when I don't have a class of quietly working kiddos...
ReplyDeleteI remember the Eartha Kitt song well. My mother was over the top furious about it when it played on the radio, stomping around the house and using the word 'vulgar.' She liked that word. Anything my mother didn't approve of, whether music, clothing, dance steps, people or language, she appended the word vulgar. I was 11, so I had no idea what all the fuss was about.
ReplyDeleteI, too, had to look up the lyrics to the Pogues song, which I'd never heard before. Not into censoring myself; that was my mother's job. ;)