Reviews (page 2 of 8)
Gowan lads
Loved the pogues again
It might but the Burnham influence but fuck it, I loved this.
Fuck's sake read the Wiki. There's only twelve songs on this album not 18. Anyway, until I read the reviews I forgot about the particular kind of Pogues fan who just uses them for a knees up - it's all FUN, apparently. Not a criticism.You do you. I'm not saying there isn't fun to be had but you must be skipping The Old Main Drag and drunk under the table by the time the band plays Waltzing Matilda.
Wow!
One of my favourites! Best Pogues album One of the best original folk punk records ever. Brilliant. Tom Waits was right with this one.
BANG. Absolutely wonderfullll and majesticccc. Makes me want to learn the bagpipe while sailing towards skellig Michael and reenacting that monastic lifestyle. Top tier that! Drink: cool glass of milk. Rating 9.5/10
I'm a sucker for Irish folk punk.
About as close to the sort of music I love as I’m going to get on this list. Not bad at all. Certainly some nice trad moments.
You will never make me hate The Pogues so long as I live. One of the greatest bands ever
1985! I had no idea this was that old. It feels fresh and I love the feel of the songs. Wild Cats of Kilkenny sounds like the perfect Halloween song, wild and crazy like a storm wind blowing through your hair. Great punk\folk\rock\Celtic mix. Navigator is another outstanding song. Just a joy to listen to, every track just goes too fast, in true punk style.
It has enough going on to satisfy their punk fans, their Irish trad fans and the casual listener. This is a fantastic record that I've enjoyed every time I've spun it.
Wonderful album full of energy and emotion and really benefits from Elvis Costello’s ‘Hands off’ production.
The best record by the Pogues and for me one of the best albums of Irish music at all. This is perfect.
Great album, lots of enjoyable songs. As in my other review of The Pogues, I'm a sucker for Irish music with a punk attitude, so this is right up my alley. Shane's lyrics and vocal style are perfect for songs about the beauty in the gutters.
Just buy it……
I've loved their version of Dirty Old Town for years but to my utter shame never really listened to this album properly. It sounds like stumbling into a pub I Dublin, the air heavy with smoke and stumbling across a bar band telling hard luck stories that make you start to cry.
G’wan - even if only half-Irish!
Sounds perfect for a pirate adventure. 8/10
PogueChamp
It wasn't until this album that I discovered that the group was England based as I always thought this group's music and voices sounded Irish. After listening to the first couple of songs, I had to check only to find that they were founded in King's Cross England, but a lot of their music was Irish traditional songs along with original compositions. (My source was Wikipedia) I enjoyed this album a lot, but I could have done without that awful noise on "Wild Cats Of Kilkenny". I liked quite a few songs; but my favorite was distilled to: "I'm A Man You Don't Meet Every Day". I was amused by, "The Gentleman Soldier". The last song, "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" broke my heart.
The Pogues have always been great fun! Love that it was on Saint Patrick
This was a great listen. I love the wonderful Irish sound of the Pogues and this was no surprise. The Waltzing Mathilda was probably my favorite -- I love a good ballad. I listened to it twice -- five stars.
Great album! :)
Solid musicians, serious lyrics and sense of humor.
This rules, I love it. Highlights are Sally MacLennane, Jesse James, and Patrick O’Mulligan Irishname. I think most of those are real.
Einstök hljómsveit og í raun einstök upplifun að hlusta á Pogues. Ekki bitursæt hefðbundin írsk þjóðlagatónlist heldur hrá, ljót og ógeðsleg. Það gerir hana enn fallegri fyrir vikið. Shane var góður maður og frábært skáld.
Geggjuð tónlist og geggjaðir textar.
One of my favorite Albums - my brother took me to a Chieftains concert when I was a wee lad and I loved it, years later heard this album and it brought me instant joy 5/5 #musicsky #albumsky
Love the Pogues.
Whenever I listen to the Pogues, I find myself wondering just how on earth they became so popular and successful. They just seem to defy all the rules of the pop charts - they're not pop, they're not rock, they're not indie, or R&B, or any of those pigeonholes that dominate the charts and propel people to stardom. They're a gnarly, raucous, London/Irish folk band that have words like sodomy in their album titles. You can smell the booze on the record sleeves, and yet I think everyone has a favourite Pogues song. This is a great record and it always will be.
The pure genius of Shane Macgowan on display for all to hear. That's not to belittle the whole fabulous band but the poetry of his lyrics and snarling delivery help them stand head and shoulders above almost any other band for providing heartbreak, stories, wit and even some social history. This album will spin forever as a true great.
Sooo good,
My 250th album to review and what a wonderful album. Produced by Elvis Costello, whose production holds up remarkably well decades later, "Rum Sodomy & the Lash" is a brilliant collision of Irish folk tradition and a punk aesthetic. While the first side is exceptionally strong, the entire record showcases a band of superb musicians. Despite the "old-fashioned" instrumentation - with particular focus on the fiddle, penny whistle, and banjo - the delivery remains visceral and urgent. At the centre of it all are Shane MacGowan’s vocals: honest, wonderfully imperfect, and deeply evocative. Despite common misconceptions, the album does not directly address the Northern Irish "Troubles" - a deliberate choice by the band. Instead, it serves as a gritty collection of tales exploring the diverse facets of the Irish spirit, viewed largely through the lens of the emigrant experience. The album is remarkably consistent, featuring several essential recordings but two songs, however, deserve special recognition: - "A Pair of Brown Eyes": Perhaps MacGowan’s finest hour as a songwriter. The narrative follows a man in a pub attempting to drown the memory of a lost love while an old veteran beside him recounts the visceral horrors of war. It is a haunting masterpiece of storytelling. - "Dirty Old Town": A cover that The Pogues transformed into their own definitive anthem. It is a bittersweet love letter to a grim, industrial landscape, weaving together memories of young romance by a factory wall with the desire to "chop down" the town because of the hardships it represents. For me, this is a five star album, full of tunes that make you think, make you listen but also allow you to have fun. Side one 1- "The Sick Bed of Cúchulainn" (5/5) 2- "The Old Main Drag" (5/5) 3- "The Wild Cats of Kilkenny" (4/5) 4- "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day" (5/5) 5- "A Pair of Brown Eyes" (5/5) 6- "Sally MacLennane" (5/5) Side two 1- "Dirty Old Town" (5/5) 2- "Jesse James" (3/5) 3- "Navigator" (5/5) 4- "Billy's Bones" (4/5) 5- "The Gentleman Soldier" (5/5) 6- "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" (5/5) Total - 55 Average - 4.62 250/1001 138/250 albums reviewed were new to me
Whimsical af what the hell
5/5
Wonderful stuff, they’re in a genre of their own un many ways.
Love this album, realised that I'd only ever been listening to the extended version until getting it on this list. One of the best Irish albums of all time, there should be more traditional Irish stuff on the list.
Favorite Track: A Pair of Brown Eyes
Great tunes of home thx
Play this at my funeral like they do in The Wire.
This has been one of my favourite albums ever since its release. It's a flawless masterpiece.
Greatest album ever
Diese Musik ist wie ein frischer Wind vom Atlantik – ehrlich, handgemacht und voller Lebensfreude. Die Melodien sind eingängig, die Texte authentisch, und man spürt in jedem Ton die irische Seele. Ob fröhlicher Folk, gefühlvolle Balladen oder mitreißende Rhythmen – hier wird Musik gemacht, die direkt ins Herz geht und gleichzeitig die Mundwinkel nach oben zieht fuck the dirty old town 😉
I LOVE THE POGUES
Any list of great albums should include this. Actually, any list of good things.
I love Irish folk music and basically any fusion of folk music with another genre works for me.
Love this album
The best Pogues record, improving the sound and song mix from their first, though retaining their raw edge, and featuring some extraordinary songs from McGowan. Sick Bed, Sally Mac, Old Main Drag, I’m a Man You Don’t Meet, and most of all, Pair of Brown Eyes, are enduring marvels. Phenomenal record.
Wild that I got this album today. Yesterday, for whatever reason, the idea popped into my head to listen to The Pogues, so I turn on this album. And it's not like I listen to the Pogues often, its probably been over a year since my last listen. Then today, the generator gives me this album. Wild coincidence, can't imagine the odds. Anyways, this album is so much fun, love it. The traditional Irish folk instruments are exceptional; the flutes, accordions, and what sounds like a banjo, mixed with the drunken slurred vocals makes it a blast to listen to. Every song's got character, this album is truly unique.
Fantastic energy throughout, nice blend of originals and covers. They were very much the best at what they did.
man, i dunno what you want me to say. this album fuckin rocks. it's high-energy, punchy, fun, profound, and emotional. love the pogues, inject this shit directly into my veins. favorites: tracks 1, 3-9, 11, and 13
The Good: We get to have some rum! The Bad: We’re not certain about the sodomy… The Ugly: Fuck the lash! What a gem of an album for those who’ve never heard it before and who actually like folksy-punky-bluesy stuff. Plenty of comments referencing the fact that this is best listened to whilest under the influence of a pint or many, and I will agree that a pint or many does make the album more of an experience, however, that doesn’t mean it is the only way to have the experience. So, here’s to me cracking open another can or beer, while I pretend to join in on a merry sing-a-long in a pub I wish I was at… 4 1/2* upgraded for posterity!
Folk punk lives! Seriously thought about holding this album to a 4 just because I wanted to leave room for the later Pogues album on this list that eclipses this one. But that's just dumb. Rum, Sodomy, etc is a definite 5, If I Should Fall From Grace With God just goes to 11.
The Pogues have been on my radar recently because I got really into one of their songs, Fairytale of New York, after hearing Hozier cover it on SNL last December. That tune is on another of their albums, 'If I Should Fall from Grace with God', which is also on this list. This album feels like a drunken night at the pub spent dancing the night away and celebrating life. I appreciate The Pogues's punk twist on Irish/Celtic folk music. Some of the songs are a lot of fun, while others are quite beautiful, and they all tell interesting stories. I love the sound of the traditional Irish band, complete with banjo, mandolin, accordion, fiddle, and tin whistle alongside the guitar, drums and bass. Add in Shane MacGowan's gravelly vocals and it all comes together. Top tracks for me are The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn, A Pair of Brown Eyes, And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda, A Pistol for Paddy Garcia and A Rainy Night in Soho. 9/10.
I really enjoyed this. Didn’t realize the Pogues sounded like this. I love drunk sailor music.
I can’t believe they’re getting away with this but they are. Charmers.
Not quite as good as If I Should Fall From Grace (lacks the variation in genres), but I really enjoyed this today.
I once listened to this album while driving through the Irish countryside. One of those special listening experiences. It’s The Pogues at their best. I’ve been a fan of the band for about twelve years or so now, ever since spending a Saint Patrick’s Day around that time listening to them while pounding pints of Guinness. It’s too bad Shane MacGowan couldn’t temper the drunken Irish troubadour persona that made him and the band famous. He really was an amazing songwriter and had a singular voice.
hated the name, loved the freaking album.
yes
A delightful romp
Great album.
With the extended version this isn't far off the best of the pogues and I love the pogues
FUN FUN AS HELL
One of the first albums I ever brought - it still sounds as raw and fresh as the day it was released - a must add to your collection
I have a strong personal bond to the first Pogues album (Red Roses For Me), but this one is musically a step up. 'Sickbed of Cuchulainn' and 'Sally Maclennane' in particular encapsulate what the band was all about, but there's no filler on here. Magnificent. Five stars all the way.
Best Pogues album
had this cd in my car stereo for most of high school
Don’t even to listen to it today. A masterclass is storytelling and instrumentation.
The Irish are the best of us. Listening to this album this morning reminded me of the time I was in Regina for work and I spent the evening sitting at the bar of an English pub drinking Guinness and Jamesons and played “Death of an American” on the jukebox. This happened last week so it was pretty easy to remember. The only decision here was 4 or 5 stars. I was leaning 4 as some of the early songs were a little forgettable, but just as I arrived at the office “And the band played waltzing Matilda” came on. I had never heard it before and I just sat in my car for 8 minutes staring into an early October sunrise holding back tears as Shane MacGowan told me a story of the tragedy of war as plainly and beautifully as I’d ever heard it. 5 stars.
Was very surprised by this and enjoyed it, some Irishy shanty music
Already a big, big fave of mine. Come back to it time and time again over the years. How they make such chaotic music with such beautiful lyrics is beyond me. Shane’s voice is unparalleled in Irish music. Only criticism is the second half isn’t as good but I also haven’t given them the time of day.
This is a 4 to 4.5 star album for me, but I have to give it a 5 on this scale. It has such amazing songs and really was an introduction to so much of the world of the punk-infused Irish folk sound of The Pogues that is timeless and both brutal and beautiful.
Exactly what I needed at the beginning of autumn.
Incredibly surprised at how much I absolutely love this.
Fun stuff
Great Irish band. Great album. You think of great Celtic music, one of the bands that’s always at the top, The rogues!
Day615 - it’s fun it’s different and i would listen again. the exact kind of album i want to discover
The Sickbed of Cuchulainn has been on my favorites playlist for YEARS! Of course, I enjoyed the whole album. Wild Cats of Kilkenny had me reminiscing about the days I did Irish stepdancing, and then suddenly I was in the Wild West with A Pistol for Paddy Garcia. I will definitely listen to this album again.
Какой же Москаленко лошара…
An appropriate soundtrack for a crappy Wednesday at work.
Already listened to this album. Shane McGowan is a great lyricist.
An almost perfect fusion between punk and folk, fluctuating between beautiful retellings of classic folks tunes, and raucous outbursts of energy. There is so much to love about this album.
Whats not to like? Happiest album ever?
Early on, I was considering a 1. My mind has never been changed so much. Most songs are so fun and happy. "A Pair of Brown Eyes" and "Sally Maclennane" were the songs that made me question my final rating. From there, the songs were mostly great. "A Pistol for Paddy Garcia" is an amazing instrumental track. Finally, "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" is such a heartbreaking song. It may seem out of place on an album full of songs about drinking, but I am glad this song is here. All unmentioned songs are fine at least. Only song I could put as worse than fine is "The Old Main Drag." At points in this album, I seriously considered every single ranking.
what a great band and album
What's not to like!
if ya didnt listen, you owe yerself...
There are a lot of people who do not understand how much of a piece of art The Pogues and their records are. It is so much more than your ordinary Friday pub sing-along punkiness. It's all about reflection on the why and how societies may end up drinking and singing such stuff, embedded into a rather far-reaching historical reflection on top. Great.
Some really cool British Isles music... described as "folk punk"... a good album from start to finish... Elvis Costello produced it... highlights are the vocal by Cait O'Riordan, "I'm A Man You Don't Meet Every Day"... "A Pair of Brown Eyes" is a GREAT song by Shane MacGowan... Elvis plays some mandolin on it... side two only has one original on it... but the covers and trad songs are top notch... a great, sparse rendition of "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" closes out this journey through the sound of Celtic punk... Five Stars.
The energy on this is through the roof. I don't see anything comparing to this.
WAY better than any other punk albums we've gotten om this list. The traditional Irish music works so well with this genre, and its not used as a gimmick either. This held my attention from start to finish. Pogues tapped into something great here and all the pieces fit together nicely. It reminds me a little of Great Big Sea here and there for the more lighthearted songs. Great use of folk music here all around.
Turns out all punk had to do to make me love it was inject traditional Irish folk songs. This album slapped! I kissed the Blarney Stone
Absolutely great album. Irish punk might not be everyone's thing but I absolutely love it. Great sound, We wouldn't have Dropkick Murphys or Flogging Molly without The Pogues. Sound still holds up today, Definitely belongs on a list of albums everyone should hear! I'll be adding this to regular rotation.
Sounds like Rum, Sodomy and the Lash.
I knew this album because of Josh, who has great, eclectic tastes. He'd definitely give this 5 stars. If it weren't for him, I'd have probably given it 3.5, but previous exposure increased my enjoyment a lot of this. Not to mention how influential the Pogues have been to so many of my favorite contemporary artists. 4.5/5, and I'll round up for Josh.
Man I love The Pogues. Marrying punk attitude and aesthetic with traditional Irish music and lyrics that speak to the soul. Dirty Old Town is just so good. McGowan really had such a captivating voice.
It’s just the greatest.
The pain of losing Shane keeps coming back. What a great lp, one of my favorites
Celtic punk energy in its rawest, drunkest, most poetic form. Shane MacGowan sounds like he gargled broken glass and regret, and somehow it’s beautiful. Feels like getting punched in the heart by a fiddle.
I really liked this album. I love the vocals and the way it takes you into that area of the world and time. Transported me into his world. RIP Shane MacGowan
I used to think I hated the Pogues. Don’t think I’ve heard a more beautiful song on this journey than ‘a rainy night in soho’
This might be my most controversial five-star rating because I enjoy the sea shanty/folk genre. It is everything I want out of it. However, I understand if people rate it lower because it is not their thing.
I'm a sucker for the Pogues. I've always loved folk, and the integration of folk and punk is particularly inspired in their work (juxtaposing the small-c conservatism of folk with the avant-garde-ism of punk). Also my dad's erstwhile band loved doing the Pogues, and I'm a big fan. Probably the best Ireland ever had to offer (take that, U2 and Thin Lizzy--jk Thin Lizzy I love you too). The way these truly innovative musicians have such a deep love for centuries-old tradition. This is what the "leftist folk singer" always pretended to, but the Pogues nail this so well. Also, the audacity to be the greatest Irish band of all time and not even have a fiddle. Incredible stuff. And so well earned for a spot on this list. There's truly never been anyone who do it quite like the Pogues. I love the realism on this album. The lyrics feel earthy and real. The punk looking around at his world, and seeing a world that has defaulted on it's promises, but is yet somehow worthy of love because of (not in spite of) it's foibles and shabbiness. The soft vocals on "Man you don't meet every day" pair so well with Shane MacGowan's truly legendary drunk-ish splutter elsewhere on the album. I used to think Fall from Grace was their best work (and it has their best tracks), but I think this is a much more well-rounded product now. I used to think of this as a four star album, but it's so much more perfect than I realized. Strong contender for favorite so far. Often I give a first listen to these while working, with limited notes as I go, the try again paying at least a little more attention. But on a first listen this was endlessly distracting in a good way. It has too much to say and it demands attention. I kept turning back to it (this written on the 8th track). I think this is as good a case as anyone has ever made for vocals that aren't traditionally beautiful--the way MacGowan sings demands you pay attention. Alex reminds me to look up lyrics every once in a while while I'm listening, but on the great stuff, no reminder is necessary: I can't ignore MacGowan. Further thoughts: -Dirty Old Town is inescapable if you ever go to Ireland. And their version is dominant. Rarely is such tenderness and distaste for the same place given such clear voice. To me, this is what it means to really love a place. To know it, all it's grime, industrial soot, and to remember all the good that was accomplished there, the loves one met, the dreams it fostered. And to aspire to making it better (in this case by "chopping it up"; I'd advocate a more constructive vision, but this isn't a policy program -The forlorn defeatism of Waltzing Matilda is served so well by MacGowan's "I've just given up" voice. -Pistol for Paddy Garcia is a fun, almost western vibe. I forgot this existed. The genre-playfulness on this album work so well (I know, I don't always appreciate genre playfulness, but here I love it). -Again, love the way that some of these songs are even danceable! Like, we've gotten so many punk/hardcore albums that are immune to the idea that music can *move you*, and then the Pogues just do it -Body of an American: in days of rampant xenophobia, hard to imagine a more beautiful tribute to immigrants in America, and American values. It's not starry eyed about what America is, but there's a love for the idea of adopted homelands that I find beautiful (I'm probably just being a sop on this one and misinterpreting) -The parting glass is one of the oldest traditional Irish songs I'm aware of. And it gutting and perfect. And the percussive performance the Pogues give to finish their album is amazing. I love a band that can neatly blend deference to tradition with breaking new ground. Pogues are about as good as it gets here.
Wow I really really enjoyed this album!! I only knew one song by The Pogues before starting (Fairytale of New York - my all time favourite Christmas song) so I wasn't too sure what to expect I enjoy Irish music and I like a bit of humour in songs - so this was a perfect combination! Ended up recognising a few of the songs by the end too 5 ⭐️
One of the greatest albums ever. Can’t help but smile and dance.
This rocked. I love the sound of this, Irish Folk Punk absolutely rocks. Low 5 stars.
Должно быть, "Плот "Медузы" Теодора Жерико по-настоящему потряс современников. Громадное (без малого 5 на 7 метров) полотно, пронизанное напряжением, сконцентрированная энергия в широте диагонали композиции и палитра отвратительно-мрачных коричневых тонов - единство чистого ужаса и красоты грубой силы! На салон 1819 года, где господствовало прославление монархии и избитые мифологические сюжеты, "Сцена кораблекрушения", как тогда назвали "Плот" дабы не давить на больной мозоль слишком сильно, допущена практически чудом. Академики и критики старой школы единодушно ругали неправильность рисунка, освещение, мрачный тон и задавались вопросом: "Стоит ли вообще браться за такие недостойные сюжеты?", и всё же они не могли отрицать главного - колоссальную силу идеи. Потому ли, что Жерико лично опрашивал тех немногих выживших с злосчастного плота (из 147 человек лишь 15 увидели берег, да и то пятеро из них вскоре скончались), что работал с уменьшенной его копией, сделанной плотником "Медузы", что орудовал камерой-обскурой, но он достиг небывалых высот воздействия на зрителя. Почему же забулдыги The Pogues избрали самое жуткое полотно эпохи романтизма для своего второго альбома? Довесок к изречению о трёх китах военно-морской традиции, лишь бы уколоть англичан? Может быть: во-первых, группа англо-ирландская, а во-вторых, достаточно и во-первых. Но есть в этом натяжка, всё-таки на обложке красуются лица самих музыкантов, да и ходила "Медуза" под французским флагом. А может, их привлекла та самая грубая сила, ведь в ирландских мотивах прямоты и энергии ничуть не меньше, чем в морской стихии и движениях страждущих. Не удивительно, что Том Уэйтс назвал "Rum Sodomy & The Lash" одним из своих любимых альбомов - певец затхлых баров и сточных канав просто не мог пройти мимо завсегдатаев ирландского паба. Это потрёпанный рукописный сборник печальных историй и разухабистых баек, где кельтским узлом сплетаются пьянящая поэтичность, душевновсть застольной песни и задиристость панка. А сколько в них красок! Изумрудная зелень народных мотивов ("I'm A Man You Don't Meet Every Day"), призрачно-голубые лирические баллады ("A Pair Of Brown Eyes") и полные удали и разгильдяйства вещицы в оранжево-алых оттенках ("Wild Cats Of Kilkenny" и "Sally MacLennane") формируют на диво цельную, полную жизни картину. Да, некоторые её детали полны печали, а мазок порой слишком груб, но балом правит простая радость и стойкий народный дух.
Aye, matey! This be me new favorite album t'listen to on St. Patty's Day! If ye "Survivor: Pearl Islands" was yer album. AHOY! 'Tis best tune: "The Sick Bed Of Cuchulainn".
Fantastisk jo. Pubmusik og sidde og kigge trist ud af vinduet musik på samme tid
Fucking great album. Love all the celtic instruments used and the writing is great
Really wish I had discovered these guys earlier. Great stuff.
Expectations were fairly high, but I think this exceeded them. Definitely passes the 'could I see myself listening to this again long after the generator has become a distant memory?' test. A part of me worries I'm becoming increasingly blasé about dishing out maximum starage in my old age. To that dissenting voice I simply say: Dirrrrty ooold toooooooown, dirrrty ooold tooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooownnnn 4.5 stars.
Such a great blend of modern and traditional
We Stan the Irish
Repeat listen
Brings back memories of sitting in Flanaghans Apple, Liverpool, mid to late 80s. Spent many hours listening to this album and enjoyed every moment. Strangely uplifting but also poignant - brilliant stiff!
Punk rock at its heart. Irish at its soul. I can't think of any better music to get drunk to! RIP Shane MacGowan. 4.5/5 Album 16/1001
I’m very biased. I’m of Irish descent, from Boston, and I used to see the Pogues every St. Paddy’s day in Boston. Those shows are some of my favorite memories of live music. Fantastic musicians and such fun nights of music. This album has my four favorite Pogues songs - Pair of Brown Eyes, Sally Mclenane, Body of an American, and Rainy Night in SoHo (the last two being on the deluxe version) - so I’d say it’s pretty special to me. A very biased 5 but a 5 nonetheless.
I really like this album. Drunk in an Irish Pub music. I really liked the Jesse James cover. 9.25/10
what a wonderful album
The Pogues überraschen mich immer wieder aufs neue. Großartiges Album voller Gefühle und Stimmung. Ich bin inzwischen ein Fan von ihnen.
A classic.
the concept of combining traditional Irish folk music with punk is such a common concept today that it's crazy to think of it as genre-shattering in the 80s, but that's what The Pogues did. I can already tell that I love this album a couple songs in.
I was so happy when I saw this pop up in the list. It’s OG punk in attitude and desire to tear down the establishment, but it’s also beautiful and heartbreaking. I love The Pogues, and I love this album.
A wonderful collection of gritty songs, a huge step forward from their (also excellent) first album, which was more frantic. Shane McGowan never sang better than he did here, and the band's songwriting and arranging had matured significantly. In an interview promoting the album, Spider Stacey showed the low regard that the band had for the music press, who tended to present them as a bunch of drunks, ignoring the fact that they were a bunch of drunks who crafted a great band and wrote great songs. He was asked "The songs - they're pretty much all about death, aren't they?", and he explained that they are ALL about death, because the instrumental "The Wild Cats of Kilkenny" is about two cats in Irish legend who fought each other so hard and so long that all that was left were their two tails. Romantic, yet bleak, a marvellous work
Rum, sodomy and the lash, my 3 favorite things! How could I not give this a 5?
This is not your grandfather’s Irish music, but yet it nods appropriately to a more traditional time. From the flat out bombastic to the somber and sweet. Shame on those who think this is a green-beer once a year St. Paddy’s Day excuse to be Irish. You’re missing the point. This shit hits hard right outta the punk rock gated teeth of Shane and crew, and lasts year ‘round. From trad tunes to raucous originals Shane’s eloquence and delivery is like no other, proving there is no other band like The Pogues. This album was a major graduation in the band’s sound and Shane’s lyrical abilities, only to be shown further on their next LP If I Should Fall From Grace With God. An amazing time for the band.
Alors, mettons les choses au clair tout de suite, le projet "1001 Albums", c'est un marathon, pas un sprint. Il y aura des disques qui me passeront au-dessus de la tête, d'autres qui me feront saigner les oreilles, et quelques-uns, je l'espère, qui me rappelleront pourquoi je suis tombé amoureux de cette came quand j'étais un ado boutonneux dans les années 80. Et puis, il y a des disques comme celui-ci, des disques qui ne trichent pas, des disques qui puent la vie, la vraie. Le titre déjà, "Rhum, Sodomie et le Fouet", ça pose le décor. On n'est pas là pour enfiler des perles ou pour écouter de la musique d'ascenseur. C'est une déclaration d'intention, une promesse de chaos, un avertissement. On est loin de la world music pour cadres sup' en mal d'exotisme ou du folk propret pour festivaliers en sandales. Ici, on parle de musique qui a les mains sales, les dents gâtées et le foie en vrac. Je me souviens de la première fois que j'ai posé ce vinyle sur ma platine. J'étais en plein dans ma période post-punk, je ne jurais que par les basses caverneuses de Joy Division et les guitares déchiquetées de Sonic Youth. Et là, je me prends dans la gueule un banjo frénétique, un accordéon asthmatique et un tin whistle qui semble jouer sa vie à chaque note. Ma première réaction, je l'avoue, a été de me dire : "C'est quoi ce bordel ?". C'était comme si un groupe de punk avait kidnappé un orchestre de bal irlandais et l'avait forcé à jouer sous la menace d'une pinte de Guinness. Et puis, la voix de Shane MacGowan est arrivée. Shane MacGowan, le poète édenté, le barde déchu avant même d'avoir atteint le sommet, l'homme dont le gosier semble avoir été mariné dans le whisky et le désespoir. Ce type est une anomalie, un miracle. Il chante comme un docker qui vient de perdre sa paie aux courses, avec une diction qui ferait passer Tom Waits pour un présentateur de journal télévisé. Mais ses textes... ses textes sont des putains de poèmes. Il y a chez lui une tendresse et une brutalité qui cohabitent dans la même phrase. Il te parle de la misère des immigrés irlandais à Londres, des amours perdues au fond d'un pub, des gueules cassées par la vie, et il le fait avec une grâce et une lucidité qui forcent le respect. Il y a plus de romantisme et de vérité dans une seule de ses strophes que dans toute la discographie de U2. Cet album, c'est l'apogée de leur art. La production d'Elvis Costello est un coup de génie car le binoclard le plus cool de la new wave a eu l'intelligence suprême de ne pas essayer de les civiliser. Il n'a pas poli les angles, il n'a pas nettoyé le son. Au contraire, il a capturé l'énergie brute, l'urgence, le sentiment que tout pouvait s'effondrer à n'importe quel moment. Il a enregistré le son d'un groupe en état de grâce, soudé par l'alcool et une vision commune de ce que la musique traditionnelle irlandaise pouvait être au 20ème siècle : non pas une pièce de musée, mais une matière vivante, violente, et furieusement moderne. On ne va pas se mentir, je pourrais passer des heures à décortiquer "A Pair of Brown Eyes", ballade déchirante qui te donnerait envie de pleurer dans ta bière, ou "Sally MacLennane", qui te donne envie de sauter sur les tables et de tout renverser. Mais ce serait passer à côté de l'essentiel. "Rum Sodomy & the Lash" n'est pas une collection de chansons, c'est une atmosphère, une expérience totale. Ça sent la sueur, la bière renversée, le tabac froid et les chagrins d'amour qu'on noie dans un verre de trop. Ça sent le plancher qui colle, les rires gras et les bagarres qui éclatent sans raison. Ça sent le port, le sel sur la peau et l'écume marine. C'est un disque qui te prend aux tripes. En tant que mec né en 1970, qui a bossé dans un disquaire et une radio indé, j'ai vu passer des tonnes de disques qui se voulaient "authentiques" et la plupart n'étaient que des postures. Les Pogues, eux, étaient l'incarnation de l'authenticité. Ils ne jouaient pas un rôle, ils étaient ce qu'ils jouaient. Cette honnêteté crasse, cette absence totale de calcul, c'est ce qui fait que cet album, presque quarante ans après sa sortie, n'a pas pris une seule ride. Il reste aussi pertinent, aussi vital, aussi nécessaire qu'au premier jour. C'est la bande-son parfaite pour chanter à tue-tête avec des inconnus, bras dessus, bras dessous, en manquant de s'écrouler à chaque refrain. C'est un disque qui célèbre la beauté dans la laideur, la noblesse dans la déchéance, et la joie féroce de rester debout malgré les coups. Pour moi, c'est un 5/5 indiscutable. Pas seulement un album à écouter avant de mourir, mais un album qui te fait te sentir furieusement vivant. Et ça, c'est la marque des plus grands.
Love an Irish folk album! I felt like I was in a pub!
Great find
Another album that I am embarrassed, particularly as an Irishman, to have neglected, if not ignored. And it is an excellent album, a mix of punk-cèilidh thrash, more tender reflective ballads, some great instrumentals, even a touch of Ennio Morricone in "A Pistol for Paddy Garcia" and all anchored by Shane Magowan's wild, slurred growl. A lot of credit has to go to Elvis Costello who, as producer, controls the mayhem and gives the instruments and voices, including that of his soon to be wife, Cait O'Riordan, room to breathe. It feels like you are in the room with them, and what a room that would have been...
Never liked them in the day. Always associated them with the worst of Irishness in the uk in late 80s. Good album in retrospect Ps love the cover
My cousin bought this back from University and played it to me - though it took me much longer to appreciate it as a work of broad genius. The songs are all episodic narratives, and tunes underpin the traditional Irish folk style. Others have tried but nobody has matched this. I don't usually allow the extended versions but this has Rainy Night in Soho, which is a sublime piece of work of great great beauty.
5/5
Started off great and got better with each song
Brilliant album with deep lyrics and amazing vibes. Amazing for keeping the peace and putting everyone into a great mood. Might be the top album I've listened in this project so far.
A perfect album. If you don't think so then fuck you.
The easiest 5 ever. A perfect album from start to finish.
Five stars deserved for The Band Played Waltzing Matilda alone, the rest is also amazing. RIP Shane.
Great listen, best on a cold grey day with a pint this one, more traditional that other albums but like it a lot.
I grew up in a house where Irish folk and rebel music was played. And I was very much into punk / hardcore in the 80’s. So when I heard the opening bit of Sick Bed of Cuchulainn when it came out I pretty much went bonkers. I love everything about this record.
What a great album. The mix of Celtic and punk really works and I want to listen to this album in a pub with a pint.
How can you not like The Pogues? They're a perfect blend of Irish folk music, slightly tinged with punk. Makes you want to get up and dance. It's very fun, catchy, feel good music. 'Wild Cats of Kilkenny' almost strays into heavy metal. It's a really good instrumental track that builds nicely and sounds quite dark, despite the jiggy Irish melodies and instruments. There are also some more gentle arrangements as well which still manage to keep the Irish sound. 'Dirty Old Town' is one of their most popular and understandably so, it's a quality track and shows off Shane MacGowan's vocals very well. It's a perfect song for the middle of the album to slow things down a bit after the bouncy and very catchy 'Sally MacLennane'. You can't accuse the Pogues of being boring and they're so much more than their Christmas song. Go into this knowing what you're going to get and I promise you'll have fun and enjoy it.
Perfect album for roadtrips to the Ren Fair.
The album that solidified my love of the Pogues
Best album title ever? What is it that makes it work? The Irish spirit of responding to suffering with a gleefully defiant glint? It's not saudade but I wonder if this sits somewhere near that in the 3D genre cloud if the musical universe. It's got the earthy Celtic Instruments and harmonies. And some good old see shanties that I happen to live. Instead of being serious and austere it's wild and tiny bit unhinged like a wild night at the pub. And why would you go home early for that? But self destruction isnt normally comedic and imminently catchy entertainment. Never has so much fun been had singing about soiling yourself and others in bars and throwing up in church. The ships horn book ending the piano accordion. Beautifully broken songs. It's the tender pathos and humour. They can do what we cant and entertain us with it... Our modern jesters remind us of our animalism while we click our mice, and look at blueish screen wearing suits and sigh. Anyone who doesnt know the wonderful drunken jigs of the Pogues have indeed missed out. Loved hearing this filthy, debauched, addicted, album.
Ah, the Pogues. Is it folk? Is it punk? Is it Celtic? Yes. What a mix. Such attitude and emotion. Plus I’m a sucker for some banjo, especially where you might not expect banjo. Dirty Old Town it the tops on this album for me, but it’s all good.
Older Pogue album than the last one here on the list, but the comment is still correct: "Irish Folk Punk. It doesn't get better than this. This album is pure fun. Always a pleasure to listen to."
The Pogues are an amazing band and this album is incredible. The energy and passion draws you in, slams you around from pillar to post, and never let’s you go. On top of that their version of “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda” will absolutely break your heart. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-rum-sodomy-and-the-lash?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
There is a revolution in Ireland now with Irish music! Lankum, Kneecap, The Mary Wallopers, The Scratch, etc, A huge inspiration for them is The Pogues and this album in particular, this has nothing to do with the album yet, but for Irish culture, it's a big album. The Pogues revolutionize Irish music, blending the old Irish trad music, with rock and punk and singing about modern problems, while also telling a great story! Shane MacGowan is one of the great songwriters of our time and often goes underappreciated. His unique style and powerful lyrics have left a lasting impact on music. This album shows his amazing talent With, A Pair of Brown Eyes, Shane's writing skills are at his best! Tells an amazing story with some beautiful and witty lyrics! This album is one of the greatest to come from Irish music and made Irish music relevant again!
One minute in and I know I'm gonna love it Edit after listening: I loved it.
Lovely stuff
8/10. While listening to the album, I kept on thinking to myself: "What the hell am I listening to?". I loved it! It is original. It's unique. It's dope! :) Because of the originality, I'm giving this 5 stars instead of 4 stars. :)
Honest 5 star album.
Drove down the street blasting this while swinging my arm back and forth. Big fan, and absolutely wouldn’t have listened to this without this project.
I love this sound. I love this band. I love this album.
Absolutely brilliant
nice
I love this album. It's raw and true and fun and flawed. And it accepts the fact, without apology, that it's all of these things. So grab your mates and slur a verse of the Dirty Old Town And when you're done just toast to Shane and buy another round
8.5/10 - I don’t know why but the pirate/Wild West music just works for me. I don’t really enjoy his voice but everything else is just so amazing. I can fully see myself singing to these songs on a road trip or while camping or even studying. This doesn’t deserve 5 stars probably but for me it’s just too good. Waltzing Matilda brought it down a little bit but it wasnt bad enough to remove the 5 star status
No deep thoughts this time. I just think Celtic punk is fucking awesome. And Celtic folk, too, for that matter. I just love the melodies these have. Like, damn, I feel like I should be in a pub, five Lagers deep trying to sing along, but I'm so blitzed I can't even **speak right**, let alone sing. And when the band plays "Waltzing Matilda", I'm down on the bar sobbing. Gawddamn. Amazing stuff.
I’m at a 5. I really didn’t expect to enjoy that as much as I did, but talk about just hitting a vibe I never knew I really wanted to hit upon until now. I’ve never heard of “Celtic rock” as a genre, but like… yeah, this makes sense. Honestly, I’m still kinda just stunned. I think the instrumentation here is super fun, I think the storytelling in the lyricism is fabulous (especially on the final track), and the vocals are pretty good across the board. The only real knock I could even have on this album is that the volume levels gradually go down as the album goes on, which certainly doesn’t feel intentional. There are some lulls here and there, but ultimately, I just found myself captivated by what felt like such a lively world. There’s a genuine feeling that all of this could have (and probably did) happen, and it’s reflected in just about every aspect of the album. I thought it was really, really cool, and easily deserving of the 5. Just a super cool listen.
Never heard it before but I always knew I would love it and I was right. Stupid I never checked it out before. Delighted by the very deep and direct musical connections it makes with American country music. A great punk rock record in the truest and best sense of the term.
Outstanding
I’m not a Hegelian, but I am a Marxist, which has historical Hegelian basics, and I’ve also studied Hegel, and so as a qualified expert, I’d like to offer an opinion that creates a synthesis of the two opinions offered as the two top rated reviews at the moment. If we look at the Pogues purely from an Aesthetic point of view, then they are absolutely worthy of a place on this list based in their insight into the lives of drunkards and the Irish-British underclass. If we are to look at the band from the point of view of influence, then I’d probably give them more credit than others have. While it’s true that there was never a specifically popular Celtic Punk movement that followed the Pogues particular style, the fact does remain that there was a movement of New Wave that utilised Celtic traditions. It seemed to achieve it’s zenith in Scotland with bands like Big Country and The Waterboys, but it was present in Ireland and amongst the Irish diaspora. And I’m too drunk to find some sort of synthesis between these two points. It was gonna be something about art transcending direct influence, and that the influence of the Pogues talking about down-and-outs and drunkards allowed other bands to talk more openly about those sorts of themes. But I can’t be asked to elaborate on that more right now. Póg mo thóin
5 de manual
Shane MacGowan looked and sang like a goblin. Is it actually possible to not like this album?
No one songs about a dirty old town like these boys do
I love this. Always been a big fan of Shane’s. I especially like his version of Dirty Old Town.
Fantastic
Celtic rock/folk. First off just have to say I loved this album. It was a new sound to me and was so refreshing. There's a real passion and energy behind each song that I could feel the whole time. And the instrumentation was beautiful as well, incorporating a lot of traditional instruments that made the whole album just that much more genuine. Gruff singing but again, very genuine. Felt like I wanted to be in a pub drinking with the boys while the band plays in the background. Just an incredibly fun and unique experience. Well, fun if you ignore the darker lyrics I guess. Overall had a great time listening. Would love to relisten, maybe visit their other albums. 4.5/5
Best example of Irish fusion
Oh, the Dropkick Murphys but actually Irish and first! This kicks ass!
I’m a sucker for this kind of music. How can you not want to draw a pint and sing along with all your new friends from the bar you’ve been in all night. While it is not my favorite from the pogues, and maybe because I am not as familiar with it, it is a great album. I could throw this on with all my Irish drinking buddies…because aren’t we all Irish?
Probably not everyone’s cup of tea. However, I enjoyed it from start to finish Shane McGowan will be missed.
Fantastic!
This was SO GOOD. Loved it.
Gets better every listen
Rum, Sodomy & the Lash is an incredible effort from the Pogues. Their punk by way of Irish folk songs is their distinct sound, and it work so very well because of the vivid storytelling from Shane MacGowen. This is drinking music - and unapologetically so - and a brilliant version of drinking music. The Pogues made a unique, distinct addition to modern popular music, and this album demonstrates why they had a devoted following. This talented band has instrumental songs - "Planxty Noel Hill" - but most of the tracks feature MacGowen's brogue and his engaging stories.
Love it
FUCK YEAH PIRATE FOLK PUNK! finally something worth listening to, 5/5
wtf this is so fucking good. why have I never heard of this? The mix of irish folk and ocasional punk outburst is so good. will def listen to more of them
I met my love by the gas works wall Dreamed a dream by the old canal I kissed my girl by the factory wall Dirty old town Dirty old town Clouds are drifting across the moon Cats are prowling on their beat Spring's a girl from the streets at night Dirty old town Dirty old town I heard a siren from the docks Saw a train set the night on fire I smelled the spring on the smoky wind Dirty old town Dirty old town I'm gonna make me a good sharp axe Shining steel tempered in the fire I'll chop you down like an old dead tree Dirty old town Dirty old town I met my love by the gas works wall Dreamed a dream by the old canal I kissed my girl by the factory wall Dirty old town One of the greatest of all time. RIP Shane. 5/5
Irish Folk Music is a guilty pleasure of mine so I was very happy to learn this was that. Add in the punk element and you have the recipe for a top notch album. The Band Played Waltzing Matilda is a beautiful and sad song. I will definitely be coming back to this (and diving further into The Pogues)
Not available in Canada. I posted to ougue essentials on Apple Music. Good! Lovely!
Classic Irish music with thoughtful punk-ish arrangements. Traditional Celtic music can be grating after awhile, but the Pogues keep your interest here.
RIP Shane MacGowan
I’d mostly only listened to covers of fairytale of ny before this, but this makes me want to spend more time with them
I really enjoyed this
I liked this way more than expected. I normally don’t like Irish music but this was more than the cliches. It sounded great - I read it was produced by Elvis Costello which is cool. Shane’s lyrics and delivery were Sunday morning drunken filth regret in the best way. Not a quintessential “punk” sound but all the attitude.
Very nice
Banger
very cool
Gimme Rum! Happy and cheerful, wonderful!
with 'If I Should Fall from Grace with God' their best album.
Ierse folk rock altijd 5 sterren 🗿
A genre defining tour de force, the best album by the band that is synonymous with Celtic punk. A real classic.
Dirty OL town
An LP I know very very well but rare for me to listen to this sober, this goes so well with drinking it’s almost a waste not to be drunk to this magnificent singalong. It’s full of character, warmth, romantic, party & punk spirit & always reminds me so much of my Irish family. It’s timeless, to me this feels like these songs are older than 1985, like they’ve always been there & it’s true some are traditional and some are based on others. I love the instruments, so much going on - accordion, banjo, tin whistle, mandolin, fiddle, french horn, pipes & the instrumentals work just fine. But Shane Macgowan’s voice just blows me away, full of passion & soul & such amazing lyrics. Lyrics full of stories, characters, down & outs, soldiers, war, history. So many monumental songs on this but ‘A Pair of Brown Eyes’ would be my pick for best track, gives me goosebumps every time. But there are plenty here not sung by Shane as well as the instrumentals which I think works as it breaks the LP up & Shane’s voice sounds even more powerful when it does kick back in. This is a timeless classic & sounds like no other band or genre I listen to, this is indeed an album you must listen to before you die.
This is my jam
If you like Irish music you’ll absolutely love this like I did 👍🏼 5/5 🌟
I absolutely love the Pogues. Shane MacGowan's voice is so gruff and unpolished. It almost gives the feel of some drunkard sitting in the street and singing these songs. I love the blend of Celtic music and punk music that these guys so seemlessly blended together. The Band Played Waltzing Matilda is such a beautiful and heart wrenching song about war, loss, and the real suffering that some Australian soldiers went through. Very poignant this close to Remembrance Day. I can't hear Dirty Old Town without getting chills. It perfectly describes my hometown, and hits me with waves of nostalgia every time I hear it. Such a beautiful song. There is such a haunting quality to Shane MacGowan's voice which perfectly compliments the dark, dreary, industrial description of the town he is singing about. Favourite songs: Dirty Old Town, Sally MacLennan, The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn, A Pair of Brown Eyes, Jesse James, I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day, Navigator, The Gentleman Soldier, The Band Played Waltzing Matilda Least favourite songs: The Old Main Drag Easy 5/5
I really liked this! The later tracks seemed to be of lower quality in sound recording, though.
Didn't realize Celtic punk was a thing but I really liked it
Love The Pogues.
Klassiker och toppbetyg.
I just recently listened to IISFFGWG in the backlog, and after listening to that I immediately listened to this. Happy to listen to it again. I adore this album and play it every St Pats. The firepower here is insane. You’ve energetic, almost claustrophobic songs like Sick Bed and Sally, and then gorgeous, spacious songs that take their time - Pair of Brown Eyes, Old Main Drag, Man You Don’t Meet, Dirty Old Town, and of course Waltzing Matilda which is an absolute triumph.
I found myself thinking "This has a Costello-y edge to it" and have just read the wikipedia and discovered he produced it. A match made in heaven. This album captures lightning in a bottle - pure Irish storytelling with a new wave sensibility. I loved this.
Part of the toxic relationship I have with this website is that the more I know about the albums that are left, I put off listening to ones I’m sure I’ll enjoy. I’ll hear them eventually, since they’re on the list! (That didn’t stop me from binging “Dirty Old Town” & “Sally MacLennane” this year, even singing the latter at karaoke one time) But yeah, Rum Sodomy & the Lash. Came not a moment too soon. Never a dull moment. Even the bonus tracks are fire HL: "Sally MacLennane", "Dirty Old Town", "A Pair of Brown Eyes", "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day", "Wild Cats of Kilkenny", "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda", "A Rainy Night in Soho" [bonus] August 30, 2023 (much later)
The crowning achievement of Elvis Costello's career. 👏 But seriously, this is just such a fun listen from start to end. Can't rate it anything else honestly. MAYBE not as good as If I Should Fall From Grace With God, but it's kinda a toss up.
loved it
I love this album, and have very fond memories of seeing them at Oxford Poly on the tour for this too. Less fond memories of an out-of-it appearance at Reading later in the decade. By far their most coherent album, and a thrillingly original idea of joining traditional Irish music with punk energy. Really, this is a flawless album, culminating in an epic take on Aussie anti-war classic And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. How original the melodies of Pair of Brown Eyes and Sally Maclenanne are can be debated, how fresh they are here is unquestioned.
Ik word heel vrolijk van deze muziek! Genieten van begin tot eind
The Band Played Waltzing Matilda.
These songs sound like 200 year old folk songs but most were written in the '80s a the time of the album. Punk energy with traditional acoustic instruments. Insightful and even devastating lyrics. Sick Bed is funny and kind of sad. The Band Played Waltzing Matilda is a fantastic anti-war song. I have no idea how these guys got as big as they were, but I am glad they did.
A perfect album when it came out - still fantastic. Peak Pogues.
Awesome, all those years ago Euan Brown lending me the record and saying they’re playing rock city. Hooked ever since
Pretty good one. I kinda liked it
Great stuff - full of energy and life. Irish Folk-Punk at its finest. Loved it.
Beautiful
I listened to this in the truck at work today. Twice. I very rarely listen to the same album back to back and it's even more rare for me to do so at work, but this was another one of those "what the fuck have I been doing with my life?!" moments! Certainly, I've long been aware of The Pogues legacy and them being loved by many musicians and friends that I dig, but I've never done the dive before today. Foolishness! This is my second favourite discovery of the project so far. "The Wild Cats of Kilkenny" is stone-cold brilliant. A 6 out of 5 surrounded by 4s and 5s. Their covers of "Dirty Old Town" and "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" are equally incredible, but truly there's nary a misstep on this album. The A-Side is staked with MacGowan originals while the B-Side is just stacked! Turns out the version I played twice is the extended 2005 reissue, which included a pair of "Dirty Old Town" B-Sides bookending the four songs released on the wonderfully titled Poguetry in Motion EP - even these were strong songs with "Body of an American" and "Rainy Night in Soho" being particular standouts. This one will be getting lots of play for a while now, and is going on my vinyl wantlist pronto!
Super fun!
very fun
You either like the Pogues or you don’t. I’m a fan. Giving it five stars because I could reposted many more times.
One of my all time favourites
Some of the best shit out there. Grew up with this and it will never get old.
This is the apex of Pogues records
Fuck, I love Celtic Punk
Excellent album, probably my favourite by The Pogues Each track is superb
one of my top ten albums of all time.
This album was a breath of fresh air after a string of albums I did not like. I am a sucker for Irish punk rock and sea shanty vibes so this album made me very happy to listen to it (3 times in 2 days.)
Put together a tin whistle, banjo, and accordion and I'm in. Add some powerful stories and it's perfect. Lovely.
I enjoyed this album quite a bit. As soon as I finished my first listen, I immediately wanted to listen again...and I did. It was amazing!
To me this album means home. It is heartbreaking but gorgeous and exhilarating. I love every moment.
I thought The Pogues were some kind of indie, maybe punk music when this came up. Why? I have no idea. Turns out I had no idea what The Pogues were all about. I certainly did not expect that Irish folk with a little country thrown in. Nor a disturbing anti-war anthem based on “Waltzing Matilda.” I did not realize that would be the perfect soundtrack for my day. Amazing storytelling. Amazing music. I love it! Rum Sodomy & the Lash was never so great!
Just a solid set of bangers in here. Irish Punk Shanties are definitely underrepresented in music.
I would put this album along side Dexy’s Searching or the first Specials album - genre-bending and game changing. I don’t listen to a lot of Pogues these days, but I love d the rebel spirit of this at the time. There are some absolute classics on here, not least The Old Main Drag, along with a couple of duffers (Jesse James, for one). But they save the best for last here. And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda is one of about 3 songs I can name off the top of my head that makes me teary every time that I hear it. I am not a folk fan - far from it - but I absolutely love this.
Great albom
Absolute belter of an album, good fun all round
I love the Pogues, and this album is amazing from beginning to end.
The unruliness, the vigor, the wit, the sentiment, the absolute joy of the Irish soul is in The Pogues, as it is in Brendan Behan and Seamus Heaney and James Joyce. Here that soul has been brought into the twentieth century (the rapidfire drums and howling vocals on The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn) but it's still essentially nostalgic -- about green lands, slower time, a community based on old custom (A Pair of Brown Eyes). Maybe traditional music played like this isn't for everyone, but I think it's so original, so unmistakably the music of a place. A Dirty Old Town so deeply beloved.
this is exactly why i wanted to do this a pair of brown eyes, dirty old town, navigator fills beautifully between, starts strong with ‘sick beds’
Als ik ooit een jaar verdwijn weet dan dat ik dit album bij me heb. Instant reisklassieker
An Irish classic from an iconic group from the region. This album is simply so fun and entertaining and enjoyable. Classic Celtic flutes, accordions, rhythms and humorous and honest lyricism.
This is an essential album
Lots of my favourite songs on this one
Actually pretty great. Energetic, folky with all the charm you'd expect.
epic!
The Pogues! Not expecting to see them here, but I'm pleasantly surprised. It's not my favorite album by them, but it's still really good. While I think the bands they influenced aren't bad, you really don't need Flogging Molly or Dropkick Murphys albums when you can just listen to The Pogues instead.
Doesn't disappoint on any level - Bill (5/5) Reminds me of the UK, makes me happy - Shannah (5/5) Better than anticipated, more measured and musical than expected - Conor (4/5) (4.7/5)
Well for one thing, this popped up a day after St Patrick's Day - feels like a missed trick. It's one of my Dad's favourite albums too (the last one to come up was Take Five, and it got five stars just like that... I feel like this might have the same treatment. And you may need to add an additional star option when Graceland arrives). A perfect mix of sentimental, offensive, raucous and fun.
10/10 Best song - Sally MacLennane
Oh, how I wish I'd seen them live. Preferably in a pub with a dance floor. I love the little touches that elevate it above folk (I love good Celtic folk BTW). My favourite is the surf guitar solo on, "A Pistol For Paddy Garcia." I was expecting to mark this down because of repetition, but this glorious LP is packed with variety, fun, skill, and that spark of anger and rebellion that turns good into great.
I am a big fan of Celtic punk and the Pogues are largely responsible for popularizing it. This album is at times angry, political, and endearingly reflective. Shane MacGowan’s distinctive delivery can be heard in later bands such as Flogging Molly, and serves to highlight his influence. The music itself is brilliant. Combining punk forms with traditional Irish instrumentation is a unique and effective hybrid and one that allows for the expression of a cultural identity within a popular genre.
Absolutely great album - fantastic mix of songs, given a unique twist.
What a brilliant album, Punk / Folk / whatever, still sounds great
Just classic. I love every song!! Drinking music.
Bloody love the Pogues, such a great band. I has such nostalgia for this album, my parents playing it a lot when I was young.
Chaterrimo
Music that makes me happy!
This is the greatest drinking album I've ever listened to
this album will get 5 stars from me every day. i don't exactly remember the first time i heard it, but i remember the time, if that makes sense. i was probably 19, and while i knew of them, i don't think i'd really heard anything by them until then. and for some folks, there's a clear line between when you don't love the pogues and when you do - that summer was the line for me, and i'm glad to be on the other side of it. i mean, just try to imagine a world where shane's poetry never happened, or where spider stacy never played the tin whistle on sally maclennane...we'd all be the lesser for it. anyway, if it should happen that you've never heard anything - or anything much - by the pogues, congratulations! you get to experience them for the first time, and that's an amazing day. this album is a fantastic starting point - it's got a little of everything. the opening two tracks tell you, in no uncertain terms, exactly what you're in for: sometimes slow, sometimes mournful, sometimes absolutely jumpin' - but always beautiful, always something unexpected, and always with something to tell you, a message just for you. i've gone on quite a bit now, so let's wrap this up. old main drag will make you sad. dirty old town will make you nod knowingly, even if you've somehow never seen a town like that. brown eyes will somehow make you remember the first world war as if you'd been there, and then make you sad. a man you don't meet every day will make you fall in love with cait. sally will make you wanna dance, and then make you sad. and if you make it all the way to the end, you'll be so numb by the time you make it to matilda you won't even notice how sad it makes you. and yet, somehow, it is not a sad album. it's just...irish, y'know? sadness kinda comes with the territory
Piraten muziek. Hoe episch!
The Pogues hold the distinction of being the worst musical group that I ever saw on SNL when they were on the show in 1990. So I expected that this album would be similarly horrible. Surprisingly (for me) the music was good and I found the lyrics to be clever. There are a lot of sea shanty type tracks here, and lots of songs about pubs and drinking.
Could do with an oxford comma in this title. Hello, this is my daughter, Rum Sodomy, and her little dog, The Lash. Or maybe superheroes. Anyway, whatever genre this is ("Celtic punk"?), I wish there was more of it. Very nostalgic. Lotta war talk. Slur count = 0-2 (unclear due to cultural differences). Highlight: not just one, but TWO funny little voices in 'The Gentleman Soldier'.
In much the same way that the Violent Femmes were way ahead of their time with their debut, this one feels similar and what I'm getting is that folk punk doesn't evolve at all. And honestly it doesn't need to. Prefer when its more punky than folky in this case though (just coming from listening more to stuff like Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly). But still a great album. Honestly a tad surprised, wasn't expecting to like it quite as much as I do.
It's crazy how this band's music could genuinely move you to tears when it wanted to. McGowan was such a fantastic lyricist. 'A Pair of Brown Eyes' is genius. There are a couple weaker songs but oh well. Nice production from Mr. Elvis Costello as well-o.
Love it!
Great 👍
Classic of the genre. I don't think there is an album that better encapsulates drunkenly singing late in the night with friends after much drinking has occurred. Some classic irish tunes in there, like Dirty Old Town, but I don't really think of it as an Irish Folk album, more like a homage, that is well executed and entirely its own thing. I put this on every now and then. 4 stars.
Irish trad and rock are always going to be a winning combo for me, and I’m fond of the Pogues. This record is stronger than the sum of its parts for me—a lot of the individual tracks didn’t hit for me, but the cumulative effect was delightful. Standout tracks: Sally MacLennane, A Pistol for Paddy Garcia, Dirty Old Town, The Gentleman Solider Rating: 3.5
I love this jaunty, punk Irish style
Gorgeous writing (especially the ballads, Shane, though I know you were a rager), traditional Irish instruments playing with punk venom, and punk venom played traditionally Irish. They made better albums, but this one is extremely good.
Makes me want a nice cold beer. Favorite track: Dirty Old Town 3.5/5
021223 18:00 4
a good ol irish hooting time. i have been forced to listen to dirty old town in many a karaoke session by british men. definitely not my favorite song from the album; i enjoyed A Pair of Brown Eyes and I'm a Man You Dont Meet Every Day.
Wednesday, 10 June, 2026 I enjoyed this too to bottom. “The Wild Cats of Kilkenny” gives it at least a 4/5.
the irish are spiritually appalachian in my opinion. creating irish folk punk feels like an oxymoron considering how those genres just go hand in hand (if your actually doing it right). enjoyed his voice much more than i thought i would.
Appreciate the foundation these guys set for Celtic Punk. I don't listen to this type of music as much as I used to, but they're still the top of that genre. 4.5/5
Hell yea. Very into this one.
The Pogues are sweet - makes me wanna go to the pub.
נהניתי ממוזיקת הפיראטים
Enjoyed it, few good tracks in there
+4
Great Irish vibes
It’s a cool album! This is right up my alley. Not every track is a winner so it won’t get five stars but I enjoyed my time with it and it passed quickly.
Ya know I think I didn’t expect to enjoy The Pogues so much! I figured it’d get same-y to me, and the singer’s non-voice would start to grate, especially getting two of their albums so close to each other, but maybe I liked this one even more than the first? I just really love the sound and the songwriting, what can I say! We love to discover new music we really connect with!!!
Some outstanding tracks, some great trad music, it's a little uneven in the tone and pacing of the album, but Shane MacGowen's lyrics are great works of poetry.
Full and complete sound making the best of every song !
classic
Man, why did I only know that one christmas song? These guys are awesome! I'm gonna fall deep down this rabbit hole.
It is exactly what you might expect from Irish music, it's not bad but you need to be in the mood for it. The somber tunes are quite nice.
Fun Irish tunes
my colleauges looked weird after i started drinking and singing to this album but that did not stop me!
didn't think I'd be diving back into the Celtic well again so soon after that Waterboys album I looked at just two days ago, but here we are! the sound of the Pogues is a lot more raucous than that of the Waterboys, mainly owing to the worn, weathered voice of Shane MacGowan. to my ear, Rum, Sodomy & the Lash draws most strongly from the musical tradition of Irish drinking songs, with MacGowan utilizing this format to tell harrowing stories of romance, working people, and his own complicated identity as an Irish emigrant in Britain. the traditional Celtic instrumentation is gorgeous, especially the tin whistle and uilleann pipes. their earlier albums deal more in punk, but I really think the Pogues were destined to reach this sound. the bittersweetness of it is just magnificent. decent 8/10.
Lol .. saw another review saying this was good for middle aged suburban dads who want to build some Irish heritage even though their ancestors have been in the US for 150 years. I feel attacked. That said - I really like this album, well constructed lyrics and love the punk/Irish music fusion of it.
I'm sad to say I must be on my way, to listen to the new album the list spat out today (out today). I'd like to think I'll be relistening when I can, to Rum Sodomy & The Lash -- and to Sally MacLennane!
This was fun!