The Medusa Fora

I've been listening to Peace & Love quite a bit lately (for some reason I always listen to that one a lot around this time of year) and I'm always struck by how gorgeous "Lorelei" is. It's definitely one of my all-time favorite Pogues songs. Philip, have you got any interesting info about the writing and/or recording of that one you'd be willing to share with us? Did the finished product on the record turn out the way you'd hoped/imagined it would?

Anyway, I think unfortunately this track often doesn't get the credit it deserves, but in my mind, it's one of the best songs the Pogues ever did.

Found this web page which may explain the background of the song

http://www.pantheon.org/articles/l/lorelei.html

Rich, glad you like the song. I wrote it about the despair of being away from someone you love so much of the time. I met my boyfriend, Joachim Kind from Hamburg, who came along like an oasis of calm and quiet strength, in a turbulent personal time for me. The song reflects that tension between tempest and safe-harbor, or tries to at least. Kirsty did a wonderful job of the co-Vocal. Joachim sadly died about 12 years ago.

Many thanks for sharing the personal background.

More generally, Lorelei is one of the best-known German folk songs, quite sad and beautiful, written by the romantic poet Heinrich Heine in 1827. It has been set to music by many composers, from Johanna Kinkel to Franz Liszt, with the best-known melody by Friedrich Silcher (from the Remstal, Alex). Can't find an mp3 just now, there must be one around. During the Nazi era, the song was often attributed to "trad.", Heine having been Jewish. There is a not-bad translation by Mark Twain (http://www.loreley.com/loreley/marctwai.htm).

Not much to do with the Pogues

even though I don't know him personally lol

Christine wrote:...with the best-known melody by Friedrich Silcher (from the Remstal, Alex

Thanks for your reply, Philip. I think the song definitely achieves what you were going for lyrically, and knowing the background makes me appreciate it even more than I did before. I'm listening to it right now. And you're right: Kirsty sounds beautiful on this one. Thanks again.

Have been listening to Lorelei and awful lot lately actually. Fantastic song, Phil has a great voice.

"Tis a brilliant and beautiful song, right up their with "Thousands Are Sailing," also "First Day of Forever," was great too.

Mr. Chevron, what is Dublin, like I plan on taking a trip to Ireland soon, my great grandfathers are from Silgo and Cork, as well as other places as well. So, I'm wondering what sites are their worth seeing. I wouldn't mind living there to be perfectly honest with you.

Thanks,
Iain

Christine wrote:Many thanks for sharing the personal background.

More generally, Lorelei is one of the best-known German folk songs, quite sad and beautiful, written by the romantic poet Heinrich Heine in 1827. It has been set to music by many composers, from Johanna Kinkel to Franz Liszt, with the best-known melody by Friedrich Silcher (from the Remstal, Alex). Can't find an mp3 just now, there must be one around. During the Nazi era, the song was often attributed to "trad.", Heine having been Jewish. There is a not-bad translation by Mark Twain (http://www.loreley.com/loreley/marctwai.htm).

Not much to do with the Pogues

So what's the story. Is the song on Peace and Love written by Philip or not?

Lorelei is one of my favorites - so lovely; haunting. Philip, so sad for your loss.

jspellacy wrote:

Christine wrote:Many thanks for sharing the personal background.

More generally, Lorelei is one of the best-known German folk songs, quite sad and beautiful, written by the romantic poet Heinrich Heine in 1827. It has been set to music by many composers, from Johanna Kinkel to Franz Liszt, with the best-known melody by Friedrich Silcher (from the Remstal, Alex). Can't find an mp3 just now, there must be one around. During the Nazi era, the song was often attributed to "trad.", Heine having been Jewish. There is a not-bad translation by Mark Twain (http://www.loreley.com/loreley/marctwai.htm).

Not much to do with the Pogues

So what's the story. Is the song on Peace and Love written by Philip or not?

Yes, I believe it was. I think the confusion has been caused by Christine's excellent deposition on the German folklore figure. When I was in Germany as a lad, I sailed up the Rhine past the fabled point where the Lorelei lured boats to the doom. Or something. Christine simply meant that there is a famous German folk-song called 'Lorelei' that predates Mr. C's beautiful effort.

Philip, the guitar sound on Lorelei reminds me a bit of the Jesus & Mary Chain. Possible influence? Can you shed some light on how you got that guitar sound, I don't know anything about it and I've loved the song from the first chord on.

Eyeball_Kid wrote:Philip, the guitar sound on Lorelei reminds me a bit of the Jesus & Mary Chain. Possible influence? Can you shed some light on how you got that guitar sound, I don't know anything about it and I've loved the song from the first chord on.

In a word, yes, though filtered through my love of the Velvet Underground and American garage bands in general. If you listen carefully, you may also be able to detect Sean O'Riada's "Mna na hEireann" (Women of Ireland) in the guitar figure going into the choruses ("River, river.....") but Steve Lillywhite mixed that lower than I would have liked.

"Lorelei"...Is there a story behind this song? What is it?

If you listen carefully, you may also be able to detect Sean O'Riada's "Mna na hEireann" (Women of Ireland) in the guitar figure going into the choruses ("River, river.....") but Steve Lillywhite mixed that lower than I would have liked.

If I were you, I would have sneaked into the control room and bring that fader up a little more when Lillywhite wasn't looking. That's the only way you'll get it the way you want...LOL! No one will ever know!