Thirty-six tracks recorded by forty acts make up 20th Century Paddy — The Songs of Shane MacGowan, a tribute album released on Friday through Rubyworks.
Victoria Mary Clarke Creates Shane MacGowan Tribute
Spearheaded by Victoria Mary Clarke in partnership with independent record label Rubyworks, the collection follows the death of Shane MacGowan in November 2023 at age 65 after being diagnosed with encephalitis.
Clarke said that managing the project over a three-year period provided her with daily structure and motivation after her husband died, giving her purpose and a social life.
“I think up in heaven, he’s very aware of what’s going on,” Clarke said.
Clarke watched the global outpouring of grief and tribute following her husband’s funeral on December 8, 2023. Crowds filled Dublin streets before mourners danced in the aisles at St Mary Of The Rosary Church in Nenagh, County Tipperary, to performances by Lisa O’Neill and Glen Hansard.
Artists Record Reimagined Classics
Bruce Springsteen opens the compilation with A Rainy Night in Soho. Hozier and Jessie Buckley deliver a reimagined take on Fairytale of New York featuring lyric alterations including “you cheap lousy blaggard” and “you’re an old hag on junk.”
The duo recorded their version in the exact same vocal booth in London’s RAK’s Studio 1 where Shane and Kirsty McColl traded barbs and bouquets nearly 40 years previously, a detail they were unaware of until the day of recording.
Other contributions include the Dropkick Murphys racing through The Body of an American, Tom Waits tackling Summer in Siam, and Steve Earle taking on If I Should Fall From Grace With God. The 36-track triple album also features Bob Geldof covering St John of Gods, Johnny Depp and Imelda May teaming up for Haunted, and U2 recording a version of the Pogues’ Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.
Artists Contribute Late Cover Songs
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon, said the connection between music, community, and social change during the project’s launch.
The album also features contributions from two acclaimed Irish artists who have passed away since recording their covers for the album.