The Pogues' 'Fairytale of New York' to be released as limited edition 12” zoetrope vinyl EP

Almost four decades on from its original release, The Pogues' 'Fairytale of New York' is set to be released as a limited edition vinyl EP on December 12, featuring zoetrope imagery based on the classic music video.

The EP includes the original version of the track – which features Kirsty MacColl – as well as an instrumental version, and a live rendition from Glasgow's Barrowland in December 1987. There's also a live version of 'Dirty Old Town' from the same gig included on Side B.

The previously unreleased live version of 'Fairytale of New York' was recorded the first time The Pogues ever played the song in front of an audience – and is also Kirsty macColl's debut live performance with the band.

"We found this in the Pogues vault, asked Steve Lillywhite to spruce it up a bit and here we are," the band wrote on social media. "This record is a perfect encapsulation of how the Pogues sounded in our golden age – raw, furious, tender and passionate. What a beautiful noise!"

'Fairytale of New York' was originally released as a single in November 1987. It went on to feature on The Pogues' third studio album, 1988's If I Should Fall From Grace With God.

The Pogues' 'Fairytale of New York' limited edition 12” zoetrope vinyl EP is available to pre-order from record shops now.

Listen to the live version of 'Fairytale of New York' below: