Could anyone post the Irish Tenors' lyrics here? I mean those passages which differ from the Pogues' version. I'd love to see how the dignified gentlemen coped with the „ticklish“ lines.

Ehm, I love the Pogues for their music... for their rawness and their capability of sometimes describe hell on earth in the same breath that they sing about boozin' and screwin' (or all three mixed into one).

I have my doubts that some classically trained singers can convey the same. Don't misunderstand me, I do love classical music, but making classical (or pan flute! *gag*) versions of rock just doesn't seem like a good idea for me! The classical version of Rammstein's Mein Herz brennt didn't exactly do it for me either.

the irish tenors are kickass

The tenors have completely excised any of the harsher lyrics. As a result, it's a much, much different song.

Samples are [url=http://mfile.akamai.com/2851/rm/razntie.download.akamai.com/2851/MS2897_01_04_H.ram]here[/url] and [url=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/clipserve/B0000D9PST001004/1/002-1636680-7287256]here[/url].

The Amazon.com paid reviewer had this to say:<blockquote><blockquote type=cite>There's a commercial inevitability to holiday song collections that can tempt music fans to mutter "humbug" under their breath. Yet while this
collection (released in conjunction with the Tenors' Christmas
Spectacular tour of 2003) is no less market savvy, in the end the trio's
earnest, energetic performances earn their fair shair of respect. The
trio's Celtic shadings impart considerable warmth to "Fairytale of New
York" and other performances, but it's the range of influences they
(also in solo and duet turns, all solidly backed by the Czech National
Chamber Orchestra) bring to bear elsewhere that adds compelling new
dimensions to these holiday favorites. Anthony Kearns' "It Came Upon a
Midnight Clear" may be solidly traditional, but Ronan Tynan imparts
"I'll Be Home For Christmas" with some deft, jazzy drama while Finbar
Wright gives "Mary's Boy Child" an unexpected Carribean spin. Elsewhere,
the folk-classical influences behind "We Three Kings," "O Holy Night,"
and the gospel traditional "How Great Thou Art" span renaissance,
baroque, and modern with a grace missing from the on-the-sleeve
sentiments of the closing duo of patriotic warhorses--what would the
Prince of Peace make of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," anyway?
--Jerry McCulley</blockquote></blockquote>And some customer said this about it:<blockquote><blockquote type=cite>***** We Three Kings, December 5, 2003
Reviewer: A music fan from United States
This is an incredible CD, much better than the first Irish Tenors CD, probably because Finbar Wright is a much better singer than McDermott. Personally the highlights of the album for me are the solos and duets by Anthony Kearns. The Lord's Prayer stands out from all the others. On the lighter side is Fairytale of New York. I would definitely recommend this CD for anyone.</blockquote></blockquote>"On the lighter side is Fairytale of New York"? Have they actually listened to the lyrics? Or have the tenors mangled them such that it's a charming story of Christmas Joy in New York?

Just hear the "Three Irish Tenors" version of Fairytale of New York. One of the funniest Pogues covers you'll ever hear. Cleaned up lyrics, seasonal lyrical embellishments.

Making Shane MacGowan safe for your grandmother.