Bruce Springsteen is just one of many well known names who have contributed to the new tribute album 20th Century Paddy, which showcases the music of Shane MacGowan. It falls to Springsteen, though, to mark the first single released in advance of the album’s eventual full release day of 13th November.
Bruce Springsteen has eloquently explained the reasons why he became involved in the tribute, in a short tribute he contributed to the accompanying liner notes, saying: “Every once in a while, every once in a great while an artist comes along whose voice seems to speak to history itself. Woody Guthrie, Jimmy Rogers, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Coltrane, Patti Smith, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, John Lydon, Hank Williams, Sinatra. Geniuses all, they were both timeless and the embodiment of their moment in time. Many, unsurprisingly, led difficult lives not easily bound by the shackles of convention. They were natural rebels unable to stifle or heed the impulses that led them to their glory and personal hardships. Great art is by nature lawless. We do not get to choose our obsessions. We do not get to dictate our blessings or our transgressions. It’s a little joke the gods play on us. Shane’s voice was so deeply real, profane and honest, his writing so flashing, alive and historically rich its genesis appeared as a mystery to all including, I believe, its creator. The dangerous joy, the glee and courage, the humor in the face of fate, the wild ramble of a life driven towards the artistic heavens and the daily balm of self obliteration. Shane was all naked bottomless humanity. Threatening to force us to ask ourselves if we were living deeply, authentically. He was raw, hilarious, no apologies and profound. His soul was filled with the transgressive and ecstatic properties of the saints. I don’t know who’ll be listening to my music in 100 years but I know they’ll be listening to Shane’s. Though I did not know Shane very well, I spent a lovely afternoon in his presence shortly before he passed. He was not well but he and his wife Victoria proved warm and gracious hosts. As I left, I thanked him for his beautiful work, his music, his songs, his life. I stood in his warmth, kissed him and told him I loved him.”
20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan also features contributions from Camille O’Sullivan, Cronin, Damien Dempsey, David Gray, Dropkick Murphys, Garron Noone, Glen Hansard, Hozier & Jessie Buckley, Johnny Depp & Imelda May, Johnny Mac and The Faithful, Kate Moss, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Lisa Moorish & Another Day, Lisa O’Neill, LYRA, Madra Salach, Moya Brennan, Mundy, Picture This, Pinch of Snuff, Primal Scream, Steve Earle, The High Kings, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Libertines, The Murder Capital, The Pogues, and Tom Waits. Given that it’s no surprise that it’ll be available in multiple versions with the deluxe package being 3LPs, 2CDs & a 56-page book of memorabilia and liner notes.
