U2 have released a joyful new cover of the Pogues’ “Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah”—or, as we are now calling it, The Yays—and the Garden Tarts have thoughts.
In this episode, Hillary and Jenny talk about U2’s light, playful take on the Shane MacGowan song for the upcoming 20th Century Paddy: The Songs of Shane MacGowan tribute album. They discuss the connection to producer Steve Lillywhite, why the cover’s childlike keyboard sound works for them, and why not every U2 cover needs to be heavy or “important.”
They also take a friendly but firm detour into the importance of checking sources before sharing U2 rumors, tour dates, album art, and supposed announcements. If it is not coming from U2 directly—or from a dependable source clearly labeling speculation as speculation—proceed with caution.
At intermission, listeners share moving, joyful, nostalgic, and occasionally spicy feelings about last week’s Cigar Box selection: “Beautiful Day.” From weddings, first homes, fatherhood, recovery, and graduation to questions about singles, setlists, and “Vertigo,” this conversation proves once again that U2 songs become part of people’s life stories.
Then Hillary reports back from a weekend with U2topia and Coldplay tribute act Back to the Start. There were thoughtful setlists, “Do You Hear Me Coming, Lord?” in “One,” “Shine Like Stars” woven into “With or Without You,” a brilliant Back to the Future-inspired opening, and a joint finale of David Bowie’s “Heroes.”
And finally: the Cigar Box has spoken. Next week’s song is “Zoo Station.”
In this episode
- U2’s cover of the Pogues’ “Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah”
- The upcoming Shane MacGowan tribute album, 20th Century Paddy: The Songs of Shane MacGowan
- Why the Garden Tarts find U2’s version “adorable,” light, and fun
- Steve Lillywhite’s connection to the Pogues’ original recording
- U2 covers we love, covers we do not, and why that is okay
- How to separate confirmed U2 news from rumors and misinformation
- Listener memories and reactions to “Beautiful Day”
- Why All That You Can’t Leave Behind remains emotionally tied to the era around September 11 for many fans
- A lively “Beautiful Day” versus “Vertigo” discussion
- Jenny’s U2topia concert recap
- Coldplay tribute band Back to the Start and their Back to the Future entrance
- A shared performance of David Bowie’s “Heroes”
- The next Cigar Box pick: “Zoo Station”
Listener voices
Thank you to everyone who shared a “Beautiful Day” memory or opinion.
Your stories—from weddings and parenthood to recovery, new homes, and hard-won graduation days—made this week’s conversation especially meaningful.
Links and calls to action
- Follow the Garden Tarts on social media: @the_gardentarts
- Visit: thegardentarts.com
- Subscribe to the Garden Tarts YouTube channel
- Sign up for the newsletter
- Support the podcast on Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee
- Share this episode with your U2 friends
- Leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts
Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, a U2 podcast with the Garden Tarts, is created, produced, and edited by the Garden Tarts. Intro and outro music by December.
