Thousands Are Sailing

[Zuzana]

Poguetry.com rocks...

Broadway and Times Square comprise the heart of the theatre district in New York City. There's a statue of George M. Cohan in Duffy Square. Cohan was an early twentieth century American composer of such classic tunes as "Over There," "You're a Grand Old Flag," "Yankee Doodle Boy," and, of course, "Give My Regards to Broadway."

[Nordlicht83]

Thanks a lot!

[CaptBradBeard]

Over the past several years, one of the highlights of the live shows has been when Phil sings "Thousands Are Sailing." I'm curious if, besides what appears on the box set, there exists a recording of Phil singing this track (live or otherwise)? Unfortunately, the recording on the box set sounds like Phil's microphone was turned way down.

[Low D]

Over the past several years, one of the highlights of the live shows has been when Phil sings "Thousands Are Sailing." I'm curious if, besides what appears on the box set, there exists a recording of Phil singing this track (live or otherwise)? Unfortunately, the recording on the box set sounds like Phil's microphone was turned way down.

I think that version had his voclas as "guide vocals", ie: they were indeed turned down, for Shane to listen to on headphones while he sang his part, i guess.

There is a version (with 3 fiddles!) sung by Phil on "Bringing It All Back Home vol. 3". You can get used copies cheaply on Amazon. It's pretty damn good.

[firehazard]

Among "official" recordings, there is the version on the live CD that comes together with the Pogues' Ultimate Collection CD. Recorded at Brixton Academy 2001. Utterly brilliant. Worth the price of purchase even if you've already got all the songs on the Ultimate CD itself.

[mats]

There is also a very short acoustic version(the first verse) from the Poguetry documentary -I think, haven´t watched in a long time could be some other. That´s a version I´d love hear complete.

[The Duke of Ingmar]

There is also a very short acoustic version(the first verse) from the Poguetry documentary -I think, haven´t watched in a long time could be some other. That´s a version I´d love hear complete.

You´re right - I believe Mr C is playing the song in the record shop he used to work in before he joined The Pogues.

I, too, would have loved to hear a complete solo-version of "Thousands"... and still do.

[Smoz]

Was there ever any consideration given to Philip singing on this track when it was originally recorded for the 'If I Should Fall From Grace With God' album?

[philipchevron]

Was there ever any consideration given to Philip singing on this track when it was originally recorded for the 'If I Should Fall From Grace With God' album?

Not really. From the outset it was considered "single material" by Steve Lillywhite, so it made more sense for Shane to sing it on the recording. However, despite several attempts by Steve during the mixing period to get me to create edit points where the song could be pared down from its 5.5 minutes length (i.e. too long for a single) I could never bring myself to compromise with the song. So it never did become a proper single, though Island records made it half of a double A side 7" with "Fairytale" in Canada and Island in the US put it out as a promo 12" with that quality sleeve. I've never much regretted sticking to my guns on this. I still don't hear any "edit points" after all these years.

[Doktor Avalanche]

Island in the US put it out as a promo 12" with that quality sleeve.

I've never seen it - got a pic to post?

[philipchevron]

Island in the US put it out as a promo 12" with that quality sleeve.

I've never seen it - got a pic to post?

No, though I'm sure someone has. It's just another shot from the much-used Fall from Grace album cover photo session, set against a green background with some "Irish-American" typography, if that's the word. Turns up for sale online quite frequently, which suggests Island pressed up considerably more than the "500" they claimed at the time.

[philipchevron]

Here it is, found after a quick search on Medusa.

http://pogues.com/Pics/Covers/Promos/Th ... usands.jpg

[Doktor Avalanche]

Thanks Mr. C. btw, what's the B-side?

[DzM]

Thanks Mr. C. btw, what's the B-side?

Thousands is the A & B.

[Doktor Avalanche]

Shoulda guessed - typical US promo nonesense. I was always a fan of UK import singles because the b-sides were usually non-album tracks. Never really the case here.