Reissues - why Matilda twice?

[The Duke of Ingmar]

The original Poguetry In Motion EP came out in early 1986 and was produced by Elvis Costello. The 1991 version [on the reissued Poguetry EP and as a single A side in its own right] was produced by Steve Lilliywhite and contains various elements from the original recording as well as several new parts. I can no longer remember which parts are from 1986 and which are from 1991, though I daresay Medusans with acute ears may be able to figure it out. Kirsty's backing vocal was new, obviously.

How did it come that Steve Lillywhite and the Pogues worked together again after Joe Strummer produced "Hell´s ditch" in 1990 ? Or was "Rainy night in Soho" recorded in 1989 and just released it 1991 ?

It was a one-off job, an attempt by Mr Warners to find a "new" hit single to go with The Best of The Pogues, I think.

Were you all happy with the new version ? I must confess I prefer any of the 1986 versions to the new one.

[philipchevron]

I like all the versions of "Rainy Night In Soho" for different reasons.

[Simon Maguire]

The 1991 ones the best version. But the lack of instruments in 86 version makes Shane's voice sound fucking mega.

[The Duke of Ingmar]

I like all the versions of "Rainy Night In Soho" for different reasons.

What was the reason for leaving out the first "Now the song is nearly over ..." bit ? I think it works particularly well in the 1986 versions with this repeated as a kind of chorus ... it really intensifies the meaning of "you´re the measure of my dreams".

[philipchevron]

I like all the versions of "Rainy Night In Soho" for different reasons.

What was the reason for leaving out the first "Now the song is nearly over ..." bit ? I think it works particularly well in the 1986 versions with this repeated as a kind of chorus ... it really intensifies the meaning of "you´re the measure of my dreams".

I can't remember for sure. Something to do with the length of the track, I think. If it was going to stand a chance of being a hit, apparently we had to lose some of it and that seemed like the least damaging place to cut. That said, I agree with you.

[The Duke of Ingmar]

As we´re now talking about the 1991 "A rainy night in Soho" I´d really like to know who had the idea of each member presenting their instrument in the single´s B-side "Squid out of water". Was it Shane cos he´s credited with writing the song ?

I´ve always liked "Squid out of water" but somehow I always had the feeling that this was "intended" as a farewell song, due to Shane´s farewell from the Pogues around the same time. Was this actually the last recording with Shane ?

[philipchevron]

As we´re now talking about the 1991 "A rainy night in Soho" I´d really like to know who had the idea of each member presenting their instrument in the single´s B-side "Squid out of water". Was it Shane cos he´s credited with writing the song ?

I´ve always liked "Squid out of water" but somehow I always had the feeling that this was "intended" as a farewell song, due to Shane´s farewell from the Pogues around the same time. Was this actually the last recording with Shane ?

I think you may be reading too much into it. The only Pogues instrumental with a subversive message is "Repeal Of The Licensing Laws".

[The Duke of Ingmar]

I think you may be reading too much into it. The only Pogues instrumental with a subversive message is "Repeal Of The Licensing Laws".

Did you succeed in repealing the licensing laws ? Or was the message too subtle ?

[philipchevron]

I think you may be reading too much into it. The only Pogues instrumental with a subversive message is "Repeal Of The Licensing Laws".

Did you succeed in repealing the licensing laws ? Or was the message too subtle ?

Yes, we succeeded. We now play it in celebration of the fact that common sense finally caught up with the Government. Even, yes, a Tony Blair government.

[The Duke of Ingmar]

Yes, we succeeded. We now play it in celebration of the fact that common sense finally caught up with the Government. Even, yes, a Tony Blair government.

Then please don´t hesitate to come over to Germany ... our government certainly needs common sense, too ...

[firehazard]

I think you may be reading too much into it. The only Pogues instrumental with a subversive message is "Repeal Of The Licensing Laws".

Did you succeed in repealing the licensing laws ? Or was the message too subtle ?

Yes, we succeeded. We now play it in celebration of the fact that common sense finally caught up with the Government. Even, yes, a Tony Blair government.

And gloriously, the tune was played on BBC2's Newsnight during their report on the day the new law came into operation.

[theCOOP]

I've seen mention of it before, but please refresh my memory..."licensing laws"?

I too love Squid Out Of Water, Infinity and Curse of Love. Still can't understand the decision to leave them off the album.

So many of the B-sides...especially from those albums which most people seem to agree lacked something, could've made them truly wonderful albums IMO.

[Dropofpoison]

I think you may be reading too much into it. The only Pogues instrumental with a subversive message is "Repeal Of The Licensing Laws".

Did you succeed in repealing the licensing laws ? Or was the message too subtle ?

Weren't the licensing laws repealed like 100 years ago?

[RICHB]

Whats the difference between the B) side/extra on Red Roses for me and the Rum Sodomy and the Lash version? Its a verse missing isnt it but wich one?? I could check tonight when I get home from work but if anyone knows that would be great. PS I have checke the DISC area here but they both appear the same

[Kilmichael]

Compared to the RSL version the B side version has the 2nd and 4th verses missing, plus has brass on it. As far as I know they have only ever played the B side 3 verse version live, compared to the RSL 5 verse version.