'Bells were ringing out for Christmas Day'
A rare and brilliant 1988 St. Patrick's Day performance of "Fairytale of New York" by the Pogues, featuring the late, great Kirsty MacColl. The song reached No. 2 on the British charts back in '87.
Family and friends of MacColl, still upset of the handling of her death in Mexico in 2000, had told the media earlier this month that they hoped the song would finish the holiday season in the coveted "Christmas No. 1" spot in Britain as a way of honoring the singer.
Indeed, BBC reports that "Fairytale of New York" has finished on top of the charts this year (the fifth year in a row). Other 80s tunes in the top 5 include "Last Christmas" by Wham! at No. 3 and then both versions of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid 20 and Band Aid at 4 and 5.
In addition, Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan celebrates his 50th birthday today. He told the BBC his credits his lifestyle for surviving so long: "Smoking, drinking, partying -- that's why I've stayed alive as long as I have."
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
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Santa was definitely thinking 80's this year. I got the remaster of Hall & Oates H2O, the DVD's of Caddyshack & This Is Spinal Tap, and the coup de gras... a Stuck In The 80's t-shirt! Christmas 80's style... FANTASTISH!
Posted by: Bassnote | December 25, 2007 at 11:07 AM
What a haul this year.
I got an '80's Board Game, and some Tiddly-winks (seriously) and Season 2 of the A-Team.
Capped off by a 300 page book of photos of Van Halen from 1978-84. I saw them earlier this year, and now this totally awesome book!
Simply wonderful.
Posted by: Al | December 25, 2007 at 06:21 PM
My fabulous bride not only hooked me up with a "Stuck in the 80's" t-shirt, but a hat and a mousepad as well.
So despite the fact that I cut my foot on some coral snorkeling with the kids, it has been a great Christmas!
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | December 25, 2007 at 10:29 PM