Reviews (page 3 of 9)
Everyone in Ireland has a Shane MacGowan story. I remember someone I went to college with telling me about the time they went to see The Pogues: “We were waiting for an hour for Shane MacGowan to make an appearance. When he finally did, he was in such a state that he couldn’t stand up, and they had to bring him out in a wheelchair. But as soon as the music started, he was up, singing as if none of that had happened.” How much of these types of stories were true, and how many had grown legs? It’s hard to say. He had become the stuff of folklore or legend. I’ve never been a huge fan of Irish trad. I know, I’m Irish, what the hell? I enjoy listening to it live, I appreciate the musicianship, but it’s just not something I’d ever really sit down and decide to put on at home. I’ve gotten to love a lot of the contemporary Irish trad stuff that’s emerged in recent years, like Lankum in particular, but trad just wasn’t ever my thing really. Saying that, The Pogues aren’t JUST trad. There’s a raucous punk vibe that they bring to the trad scene. Or are they bringing trad to the punk scene? It’s not just MacGowan, but he’s clearly the figurehead. I really liked this album. The changing tempo dynamics of “The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn”, the folky brilliance of “A Pair of Brown Eyes”, the mad feral energy of “Wild Cats of Kilkenny”, and the absolute best version of “Dirty Old Town” ever made. “And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda” is definitely my favourite song here though. Paired back to just MacGowen’s voice and a banjo to start off with, more instruments start to sneak in: an accordion first, then the rhythm section, and so on, until the glorious moment that the brass section comes in. Shane MacGowen’s antics always took the attention, but listening back to an album like this shows how much talent The Pogues had for songwriting and performing. Even if trad isn’t fully my thing, I absolutely loved “Rum Sodomy & The Lash”.
PogueChamp
Good music, but not really my thing
I enjoyed this one. Never knew what the hype was about them until I heard this. Jaunty and fun. Glad it's on the list.
I have a visceral dislike of Irish music, given how it has been forced upon me for a lot of my life. The screeching violins and whistles, often accompanying the worst excuse for dancing known to humankind, and it's the only type of music which makes my physically ill. Then again, I love Fairytale For New York and i appreciate any lyric which is a middle finger to the British establishment, the Monarchy, and which speaks of rebellion and defiance. Oh yes, I'm also Irish. No, not the fake American Irish, let's wear kilts and ginger wigs in Boston on "Patty's Day", while we sing songs about the 'Ra before heading back to our wooden mansions and lack of healthcare. No, I'm Irish in that I was born in Ireland and have lived here for most of my life. In summary, if you're going to have one Irish flavoured album on this list, it makes sense that it's this. However, this album would be much better if all the Irish sounds were stripped out.
I didn't expect to like this so much. I was aware of the band, but honestly this feels so heartfelt and sincere. Probably more Irish folk here than punk and I like it a lot.
I like the raw folk-punk energy of Rum Sodomy & the Lash, but it feels very tied to its environment. I can imagine it being much more enjoyable in a London pub than listening to it on my own in Japan.
High 3
This entire record just sounded tacky to me. Why is there a song about Jesse James? Favourite Track(s): And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda Least Favourite Track(s): Jesse James
3 stars I hadn’t heard a Pogues album before If I Fall From the Grace of God a few months back from this list, and I loved it. I was looking forward to this. It’s not bad, but comparatively it was a let down. The other record is an exhilarating experience from the jump and features one great track after another. This was a decent listen, but I was not excited about revisiting. I relistened to the other record to compare and sure enough it was a great listen again. So I’d keep one of these albums on the list and leave this as a not as good runner up I may not return to.
absolutely not
Always kind of mildly avoided The Pogues, maybe it’s the people I went to high school with that liked them, and how earnestly they did, and how they can’t relate to the subject matter? I don’t know if this is a complete thought. It’s akin to a suburban white kid really into hardcore rap or something.
Här finns en del fräscha och roliga låtar. Men man kan bara dricka så mycket whisky i en shanty town.
Muy lento pero buenas instrumentales.
8/10 Irish forever
Never heard of album or band. Low expectations based off album cover and band name. Sick bed is interesting. It’s what I was expecting and not at all what I was expecting at the same time. It’s very pirate y. Good songwriting, pretty catchy. The old main drag is pretty similar. Nothing special about it. Well written. Kilkenny is cool. Really cool sounds. I’m a man is fine. Too slow for me. Good vocals tho. I lie pair of brown eyes. Really fun. I want to sing along. Sally MacleanAnne is more of the same. It’s catchy and fun but nothing life changing. Pistol for paddy Garcia bumps. Great mix of modern and old school instruments. I like the songs with no lyrics the best so far. Dirty old town is fine. Good lyrics again. Nothing life changing. Don’t like the singer in Jesse James. This is another one that sounds very similar to the first few. Good story telling at least. More pirate bullshit on navigator. It’s fine. I like the harmonica. Billy bones if forgettable. Gentleman soldier is weird. Why would you just not get a women for the women part. I hated that song honestly. Again good story telling on waltzing Matilda, but it’s over done at this point. Need more variety than straight story telling for 45 mins. And the themes are all kinda of the same. Always has to do with being on a boat. Overall the album is fine. Musically and lyrically it’s impressive but it will never be the style of music I like. Straight average album, 2.49 stars.
Hit me a week after St Patricks Day. It's fun, but not something I'd listen to unless the mood called for this specific type of music.
6 days late for St. Patrick's Day which would have earned it an extra star.
This really isn't my speed, but it definitely has a place, and I can respect it. They have a very unique style of music and I liked the album, but it isn't something I would listen to regularly. Low 4.
This is an unbelievably clever album, it harnesses chaos and sentimentality but never lets any one mood dominate. They make traditional songs sound current, and make their own songs sound like traditional songs. And the voice, having been lucky enough to see them live with Shane singing there’s so much soul and passion, far more than more technically proficient singers can provide
i had never heard of the pogues before but this album so enjoyable i became an irish pirate for a moment
I enjoyed the album a good amount. I didn't connect to many of the songs specifically. So good vibes / music, just not individual entries that really light me up within the album.
Well, with a name like that, how can it NOT be all kinds of fun
Fun, diverse, and knows exactly what it's doing. Will have to return to it at some point
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.
Well done for what it is, just not my cup of tea.
A Rovin' I'll Go For A Pair Of Brown Eyes 1001 Albums Generator 250 (3/18/2026) What an album to get the day after St. Patrick's Day. I should've been listening to this all day yesterday. Also 250 albums! Crazy that I've been at this for almost a year. Anyway, as with their following album, If I Should Fall From Grace, a lot of the best songs here have these slow starts before exploding into unapologetically Irish punk. The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn is a great example of this. I do think that my favorite songs here tend to be the drinking songs that you could just imagine dozens of drunk Irish blokes screaming in a pub somewhere in Belfast, like Sally MacLennane and Billy's Bones. Some of the ballads here are good too, but they tend to be more hit-or-miss. I'm a Man You Don't Meet Everyday is beautiful (Cait O'Riordan's vocals are a real standout), but The Old Main Drag is not great in my opinion. Now, what to do about the 8 minute closer? And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda is a slow waltz that I didn't like much on first listen, but it grew on me so hard during my second listen. I know it wasn't written by The Pogues, but they do it justice and gosh, the lyrics are just so heartbreaking. I think it's a brave way to end the album. In spite of a couple hiccups in the tracklist, Rum Sodomy & The Lash is a wonderful album, and I think I like it slightly more than their following effort, although I could see an argument for either. 4/5. FUCK THE BLACK AND TANS. I could go for a Guinness.. Favs: The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn Sally MacLennane And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda Least Fav: The Old Main Drag
I hate this album lol
The Pogues have always been great fun! Love that it was on Saint Patrick
I like the faster/punkier songs more than the slower ones.
Definitely something you have to be in the right mood for. I enjoyed this more than I was expecting as it reminded me a bit of the fun Scottish songs in the pub in the movie Once. Probably not something I'll listen to often but scratches a very specific itch if you need it.
Pirate Rock is great 5:35 AM study music, it turns out. A ton of fun!
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.
Loved it and not a Christmas song in sight
Great album! :)
It was okay, not my favourite that I have listened to so far
Although The Pogues can be blamed for inspiring a couple of absolutely terrible bands (I'm looking at you Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys), Rum, Sodomy & the Lash is an excellent album.
Their second album, produced by Elvis Costello, sees a much more focused approach to traditional folk song and the definitive Irish wedding band in their prime. Shane McGowan is also sounding the best he ever did. A real contrast from the pop scene at the time. The title was based on a quote from Winston Churchill….
Such an interesting album and fun! All fun and games until Spotify couldn't load the last song lol
1.5 - Hoo-boy, not for me at all. I would give it an extra half star if possible, because I can see how some people would like this and the musicianship is good.
Solid musicians, serious lyrics and sense of humor.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! I could see myself re-listening to this album.
I enjoyed this quite a bit. Celtic punk in it's prime.
Great album, perfect for hiking the Highlands.
This is a perfect 10 song album and a very very good 18 song album
I can tell this is good but I don't actually like it. I do like the song I'm a man you don't meet everyday and a pair of brown eyes is pretty good but the rest of it miss me.
Drinking songs should have good choruses. Wasn't paying close attention but I didn't really hear any on this album
This rules, I love it. Highlights are Sally MacLennane, Jesse James, and Patrick O’Mulligan Irishname. I think most of those are real.
Not for me
Gotta love the Pogues
Yeah this was a riot
A pretty good version of what it is, falls dangerously close to being in the same song for an hour territory but just about pulls it out of the bag
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.
3.0
When your looking for traditional Irish pub style sounds this album fits the bill splendidly. I don't realy care for the tunes that cater to the rowdy drinking crowds but some of the rest ranges from bearable to pleasent.
Terrible
I was liking the album, some great songs in the beginning. Honestly the folk/callresponse/new england thing really works for me. But about halfway through I began to lag and it was just taking more time than I was hoping for. There was a sameness to the songs and the shtick was getting tired... BUT THEN CAME I'M A FREEBORN MAN OF THE USA. I'm not even American and it hit so hard that I turned around. Great album, perfect wake song, get pissed with the boys in an Irish bar and sing along.
Pirate ahh music
Pleasantly surprised I did not expect to like so much this album. But the flutes and bagpipes where a fresh note to the music I am used to listen to. I will definitely have a second listen to the album or a different album by the band. 3,75/5.
Didn't I listen to this last week? Oh, so you're telling me that The Pogues somehow got 2 albums on the list despite being completely average and a bit annoying and I somehow got both of them a week apart? Ok. Since they sound exactly the same, I'll copy my other review: Too much Irish folk punk. It was mildly interesting for about 3 songs, then mildly annoying.
Imperfect, honest, warm and mesmerising. A classic album. RIP Shane
My first experience with The Pogues was seeing them open for U2 on the Joshua Tree stadium tour in 1987. Shane McGowan had bad teeth and swigged from a bottle between shouting incomprehensible lyrics. Traditional Irish music with an edge that tells a story. The music tends to run together.
I wouldn't listen to this voluntarily, but it was very fun. I started doing Irish dances and unknowingly opened a can of beer. Very fun, but just in this context.
This is basically proto Dropkick Murphys, except these guys mix in more traditional Irish music into their songs. I don’t know who Celtic folk-punk rock is aimed at other than Irish people and maybe Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. I enjoyed more of the traditional Irish music than the punk stuff. Overall it was OK, nothing I’d return to though. 3/5 seems right for this album.
Typically enjoy these kinds of songs, this was fine. Up the RA
This is the perfect album to listen to when drunk. Favourite Songs: The Wild Cats of Kilkenny, Sally MacLennane, A Pistol for Paddy Garcia, Dirty Old Town. Least Favourite Songs: I'm A Man You Don't Meet Every Day, Navigator.
像海绵宝宝的歌
I don't like irish folk
I can't stand Celtic stuff.
I liked this record a lot, definitely more than If I Should Fall From Grace. Made me want to drink and dance and sing with friends. 3.5/5
Good album. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I think overall I like this about as much as the other Pogues album though. Really good, not quite great. 3.49/5
Unexpected, but a nice surprise. Every different performer brings their own energy, and the storytelling is great. Billy's Bones and The Gentleman Soldier were my favorites. Good but not something I'd seek out again. 5.7/10.
Yar har matey
I do not have any deep thoughts. It’s simply not for me.
Well to prepare for this experience I listened to No one is as Irish as Barack Obama. And except for the first and last sang, NOIAIABO clears this whole album and its not even close. The first one I would politely describe as drinking during st-paddys day in a random bar in america slop. the Band played waltzing matilda is not their original song, but its done well here. I dont think id be happy to stumble upon anything in here really, but also I dont think Id notice. Overall I would say the songs range from fine to forgettable, but hey NOIAIABO slaps and I wouldn't have listened to it otherwise.
Nee... niks voor mij. Paar aardige nummers maar de stem vind ik niet zo fijn om naar te luisteren
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
I should like this and the Pogues, but i dont. Lets start with the good: the playing is great, the energy is up there, it has good stories and on the surface a rebellious attitude. On the reasons i dont like it: im an englishman who moved to Ireland a decade ago, so i'm not Irish but have skin in the game. To me this represents an Ireland that is out of date, offensive and only exists any more for the tourists. I know that the eighties and early 90's weren't great here but the Ireland it describes isnt recognisable. Its stereotype of grime and alcoholism is inflated by the nostalgia of emigrants. In the modern day, it only resonates with americans who say they are 1/16 Irish and use it as an excuse to drink. Plus Shane MacGowans voice is awful and he needed help for his alcoholism not glorification. There is a wealth of incredible Irish trad and modern music that should be here, but for whatever reasons of timing and culture, this made the cut. If you like this, use it as an entry point and discover what Ireland really was and is.
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,
I feel like I’m drunk on a ship, definitely a vibe but not a vibe I often crave.
This got much better after doing some research, but the music isn't for me. Then again, I'm not Irish
Lekker iers, zelfs al komen ze uit London
4. Good. Not very replayable?
219/1089 Second Pogues album from this project and once again i enjoyed listening to it. it’s not as strong as If I Should Fall From Grace With God but i do like this style of Irish Folk/Celtic Punk Rock fusion faves: A Pair of Brown Eyes, A Pistol for Paddy Garcia, The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn, Wild Cats of Kilkenny 73/100
Fine album.
I hate the Pogues the music is so annoying fucking Riverdance punk why would anyone want to listen to this.
Growing up here in Nova Scotia this music has been pervasive (or perhaps invasive) to every party, bar, etc that I have ever been too. Sometimes it is much worse than what we hear on this album sometimes it’s better but it’s always there. I get that some people like it but I do not. It’s impossible to listen to as just background because it somehow claws its way to the front of your brain. I was hoping that the Pogues who I’d heard of but not registered would bring something new to this sound but alas it is just the same. If you like it I can recommend no better place to live than Nova Scotia, if you do not stay away.
Listening to this I picture myself having a few pints in a pub and everyone around me is singing right along but I don't know the words because I'm the only American there. I enjoyed this. 3.5/5
Dig the Pogues.
Raw and emotional. And drunk. Really, really drunk.
I mean it's alright
Really good album with Shane MacGowan's instantly recognizable voice. This has exposed a lot of people to celtic music with it's typical depressing lyrics. LOL
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
I think I liked “If I Should Fall From Grace With God” more than this offering, but that’s not to say this one was bad. The best work on here is some of the more catchy, life-affirming tracks. “A Pair of Brown Eyes”, “Sally MacLennane”, “Dirty Old Town”, and “The Band That Played Waltzing Matilda” were all great. ‘Period piece’ music done well like this is so colorful! There’s a popular review on here about how this is enjoyed by Americans who strongly claim their Irish heritage despite their lineage living here for 150 years which is probably somewhat accurate. A guy that doesn’t play about Notre Dame Football, rockstar energy drinks, and his labor Union — he probably really likes this record. He is a product of his environment which he more often than not doesn’t care to ever leave, for his views are set in stone. For better or for worse. A good 3/5
As a cultural phenomenon, an illustration of how traditional folk music is evolving, I see why this album has its place in this list. Yet, it's repetitive and of little to no value outside of its niche.
Ierse folk bangers, guinnes joepie
The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn - 4/5 The Old Main Drag - 3/5 Wild Cats of Kilkenny - 3/5 I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day - 3.5/5 A Pair of Brown Eyes - 3/5 Sally MacLennane - 4/5 A Pistol for Paddy Garcia - 3/5 Dirty Old Town - 3/5 Jesse James - 3/5 Navigator - 3.5/5 Billy's Bones - 3/5 The Gentleman Soldier - 3.5/5 And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda - 3.5/5
This is my 2nd Pogues album, and while I prefer their follow-up, If I Should Fall from Grace with God, this was fun listen as well. The song that stuck with me the most was A Pair of Brown Eyes, but that might change with another listen. For some extra credit I listened to the og The Band Played Waltzing Matilda by The Dubliners. I actually think I like the grit of The Pogues' version more. This is currently sitting at a 3.5 for me.
I didn't think I'd enjoy a full album of trad music, but these guys proved me wrong.
Got these guys not too long ago, but it was their following album. I was impressed to say the least. Let's see how they started out: This was more of what I was expecting after having listened to the Pogues already. Maybe not the quality they would later produce, but they definitely stick to their roots here and this feels more soulful as a result.
5/5
Have you ever started your blender with the top off? That’s this album. Starts slow, but then the contents of the blender shoot to the ceiling, covering everything on its descent down. You clean it up, but now you have PTSD from the experience, and as you toggle between pulse speed settings, you are reminded of the blast of energy. Veggies spin wildly, hitting delicate fruit bits, while ice pierces anything and everything in its way.
I prefer If I Should Fall as a listen but this album kicks some serious butt and pulls some major tears. What may set this - two songs that feel like standards - Old Main Drag and Pair of Brown Eyes. That is by no means faint praise. Quite the opposite.
The most fun I’ve had since starting this project
Wonderful stuff, they’re in a genre of their own un many ways.
It's excellent if one likes Irish music. Fortunately today I was in the mood for it
Really fun music. Enjoyed it very much.
lol wtf is this this is actually so funny, it sounds like a circus aw the fourth song is sweet giving like spring festival vibes its a very cute album I'm sure this album means a lot to someone but not me
dans la file d'attente du bateau pirate
Drinking music to be sure. Can handle this for moments but not repeatedly. It's fine but not the classic some have made it out to be.
Um folk com sangue verde, mas não é um álbum que escutaria novamente, nem possui as características que gosto do pogues. Depois de 30 min me deu uma cansada.
Kinda samey.
Irische Volksmusik - Folkpunk
Day 183 Incredibly talented songwriter, some classics here. Highlights A pair of brown eyes Dirty old town The band played waltzing Matilda
cool
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.
Not for me
Makes this sober Australian feel like a drunk Irishman.
I don't remember having heard this before and I really enjoyed it a lot. Probably my favourite discovery so far from this site.
There’s sthg here & I’m certain a deeper dive would be worthwhile & increase my appreciation for the band & their work. That said I felt like I was watching every Irish gangster movie montage on a loop for an hour. I don’t doubt these cats were original in their day, but all these years later they’ve been appropriated & turned into a cliche. Or that’s my initial impression anyway. 3 stars
Irish folks songs with a punk twist, whats not to like
Listening to Rum Sodomy & The Lash feels like being trapped in a pub where the floor is sticky, the accordion is legally intoxicated, and every song is determined to shout sea shanties directly into your soul whether you consent or not. The vocals sound like he’s wrestling while talking loudly through a megaphone submerged in whiskey. Charming? Heh. Pleasant? Only if your idea of pleasure includes tinnitus and the smell of regret. The band barrels forward with such enthusiasm that subtlety is left face-down in a puddle outside the pub. I wouldn't notice if you played just one song in loop bc they all sound the same. Altough, it has some "character". But so does a raccoon with a drum kit, it doesn’t mean I want to hear it for forty minutes. By the end, you don’t feel moved; you feel like you survived a 1700's pirate raid. 2/10
This album appealed to my punk and Celtic tastes, with raw chaotic energy and searing ballads. The type of album you year in a pub late at night and lifts the room with its ballads.
Full of bangers, the difficult 2nd album clearly not thoroughly enjoyed the vibe
Great instrumentation and Shane McGowan’s voice matches it perfectly. The songs are brilliant. Just a really enjoyable listen.
Favorite Track: A Pair of Brown Eyes
Is it St. Patrick’s Day already? I am never annoyed to listen to The Pogues, but I don’t know that they’re a band I ever actively seek out (except maybe in mid-March). I listened to this 3-4 times and found it incredibly compelling. I’m not sure if an Irish band making anti-English music is more punk or folk, really. Either way, I like this version. “A Pair Of Brown Eyes” stood out to me every listen
I quite enjoyed a fair few of the tracks. I was surprised because as a rule I hate tin whistles. Some tracks were a bit crap especially the dirge with the female singer. Nevertheless it wasnt half bad.
Shove your tin whistles up your arse.
Cool album cover. Was worried this would all just be pirate punk folk music which is my idea of hell but there were some really nice tunes on this
3.5/5. I’ve always been aware of some of the more modern Celtic punk/folk bands like Flogging Molly, and listening to this album you can definitely tell it influenced many of those groups. Theres a Lot of little instrumental flourishes I like on this album, like the snare on “the gentleman soldier” being made to sound like a gunshot or the horns on the closer “the band played waltzing Matilda.” This one was a pleasant discovery for me.
The Pogues! Not my favorite band, but damn are they fun. Sometimes this stuff hits in all the right ways. I hadn't listened to a full album of theirs until today, and I'm damn glad I have now done so!
Best Track - "Dirty Old Town"
Great tunes of home thx
was not mentally prepared for pirate music this morning LMAO 3/5
Mye mer fornøyelig enn jeg hadde antatt, da jeg ikke kan fordra Fairytale of New York, og har derfor unngått The Pogues. Sterk 3'er.
got old after a while but not bad
Another fun album by The Pogues. I can't believe out of 1000+ albums, I get the two by this artist less than a month apart from each other.
I liked it when I was listening to it but then the rest of the day I found it really hard to remember what I had listened to. I had been in between a 3 and 4 for this and that made my decision.
Traditional? Serious? Drunk? I’d guess drunk
Play this at my funeral like they do in The Wire.
8 - GOOD
This has been one of my favourite albums ever since its release. It's a flawless masterpiece.
They are certainly in a good mood. Or is it the alcohol speaking?
More English punk. What a shocker. 1.
That was enjoyable! The album cover is deceptive. It was folksy, dancey, and pleasant to listen to.
Pogues gonna Pogue...
Fun album of shanty and folky pub song type tunes.
Enjoyed it more than I thought I would!
Enjoyed the storytelling , especially on the second half
The only time this would be even moderately tolerable would be in an Irish pub on St Patrick’s Day. Two star because it’s good for what it is, I suppose. (2)
2.5
Mm no se. Crudo cocido
not a fan
I luv me lucky charms
Cheers
I can appreciate the Pogues but this aint really my jam. too much hurdy gurdy and tin whistles i suppose.
Greatest album ever
Celtic punk, folk punk, new wave. Worth a revisit.
not my cup of tea but I lowkey vibed with this
Litt trivelig, men begynner å kjede meg etter 3 låter
Tredje dekk på Titanic vibes. Et sted mellom 2,5 og 4 her alt etter mitt eget mood. Skal høre mer på denne.
Skjønne at noen like det her, men det e bare ikke min greie. Dirty Old Town e fin.
Hørt på tur med Guri. Kom meg bare halvveis - dette er ikke for meg. Skjønner greia men hater å høre på det lol.
Gir meg ingenting.
Didn't give it a real chance, but the portions I samples didn't sound up my alley
Fun sea shanty style
Good
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 😉
6.5/10
2 seconds in and I knew this would be a tough album to get through. I am the bagpipe's biggest op, and I don't really care for folk music in general, so this was a terrible combo for me. "I'm a Man you don't meet everyday" was almost pleasant listening though. The whole thing is giving "The Pirates who don't do anything" 2/10
I LOVE THE POGUES
This album makes me want to sit in an Irish Pub and drink a Guinness
This is must be the feeling of getting a score with an Irish girl after getting outta of a bar at 16 in the morning, I don't know.
I thought that parodies of irish pub music must have been exaggerating sone things, but they pretty much nail it compared to the real stuff. Really fun listen, favorite track was Sally MacLenneane
Any list of great albums should include this. Actually, any list of good things.
That was a nice listen.
Not my cup of tea :)
I grew up with my dad's love for the polite Clancy Brothers, and by the time I was in college I was into Boston Irish punk of Dropkick Murpherys. This is somewhere in between (closer to the latter) but what I really dig about The Pogues is they really straddle that line between the drunken pub patron and full out pub brawl, which I thanks gives them an a slight Edge only because they are quite more variant than either the Clancy's or Murpherys. Granted I do like *Fall From Grace* better and it has the quintessential Pogues songs, this was a great first time listenin for me, most notably "A Pair of Brown Eyes", "The Wild Cats of Kilkenny", "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" (great political closer), and Cait O'Riordan's take on "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day" 8.4 ★★★★
More consistent than the other Pogues record in the book. There is still s limit foe my enjoyment od this Celtic rock stuff. 4 stars
I think this is a great album with plenty of great tunes. Elvis Costello produced it, and while their next album has their biggest songs, this one is more consistent to me. "The Old Main Drag", "A Pair of Brown Eyes", "And the Band Played Waltzing Matlilda", and "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day" are the standouts for me, but nothing really weak here. 4.5 stars.
3.5
Top of the morning to ya! What a fine Pogues album we have here. With many a great song such as Dirty Old Town… and Dirty Old Town. Perfect music to go with my 10 pints Guinness and pot of gold. Four leafed clovers out of five.
I love Irish folk music and basically any fusion of folk music with another genre works for me.
I like Irish music, though my taste usually lies more with U2 and The Cranberries. This is still a great album though, but not quite 5 stars.
Love this album
Cool if you’re into pirates, I guess
If I could give this negative stars I would
More traditional Irish than I thought it would be - I liked it but not sure I’d put it on in my daily life
J’aime bien ce riguedon-style des temps modernes, j’en profite même pour m’exercer en pleine rue sur mes moves de gigues. Je le trouve juste moins puissant et entraînant que leur premier album généré, à l’époque il m’avait frappé, le facteur choc s’est peut-être épuisé
Album #27: Rum Sodomy & The Lash Genre (W): Celtic punk, folk punk, new wave Singles: A Pair of Brown Eyes, Sally MacLennane, Dirty Old Town I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts: This is an interesting album. I think it’s one of the first Celtic punk albums but I could be wrong. I may not know what they’re singing about, but the music reminds me a lot of pirates and things like that. Favorite songs: A Pistol for Paddy Garcia, Jesse James, Navigator, The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
A band I'd avoided for years, assuming their schtick was inauthentic, or maybe I just wasn't ready for the instrumentation or folk stylings, but this album is hitting for me now. Elvis Costello did them a solid recording the band as live as possible- they have an infectious passion and the album has a potent and virile energy front to back. The record is perfectly sequenced, alternating originals, covers and instrumentals, as well as different vocalists and styles. The ‘punk’ tag doesn’t make a lot of sense to me, and I still don’t really know how authentic it is in regards to Irish folk, but what I do find convincing is the sound of youth- staying up late, drinking too much, locking eyes across the room and singing at the top of your lungs, feeling invincible and doomed in equal measure.
The volume varies so much from song to song. Some ok some are unbearable.
This is the second Pogues album I've gotten while doing this list and damnit, their music is really starting to grow on me. I was halfway through before I knew it. You definitely need to be in the right mood for their "Celtic Punk", but if you are this is a pretty incredible album. Great music.
Eh
I knew of and have heard The Pogues many times over the years. But I never once sat down and listened to a whole album or saw them live or anything. I knew that they were more or less an Irish folk band. I did not really pay much attention to their actual words. But now I did... and it is sometimes beautiful and sometimes rough, but damn! Holy moly what a band this actually is! I think if one pays little to no attention it "becomes" a sort of fun Irish folk genre study. If you do dare to listen closer though... it is a sometimes devastating portrait of life that can really hit you in the feels!
Good
Fantastic LP. Not my favorite band by any stretch but you have to love their spirit.
Toda la música con ruidos de pirata me recuerda a bob esponja y eso no puede ser malo, pero igual se me hizo aburrido porque casi no tiene cambios en el ritmo y así
3.5
Not really any different to the other Pogues record on here, but still good fun.
OK
fun
Eigentlich auch nicht meine Musik, aber da heute Freitag ist und ich gleich in den Pub gehe, kam das schon sehr gut.
Ich halte mich eigentlich für musikalisch tolerant, aber hier werden Grenzen überschritten.
Ist wirklich nicht mein Genre. Auch die Murphys ertrage ich nur in kleinen Dosen. Dafür hat es mir überraschend gut gefallen. Ein paar Songs zu cringig, insgesamt hätte es etwas punkiger sein können, aber da waren schon gute Sachen mit dabei.
Hat mir richtig gut gefallen.
Ich habe vorher viel vom Album gehört, ich kannte das Cover, den Bandnamen, aber doch irgendwie nichts inhaltlich. Obwohl, doch mindestens 2 Lieder habe ich schon vielfach auf der Gitarre am Lagerfeuer gezockt. Alles irgendwie sehr wild und gefühlt ist es mir unmöglich, das Album ordentlich zu bewerten. Dann haben wir hier eben gefühlte 4 Sterne.
Bis gerade eben dachte ich diese Band und The Stooges wäre die selbe Band. Wie sich herausstellt sind sie es nicht. Es ist also weitaus weniger punkig als erwartet. Nach zweimaligem Hören komme ich aber zum Schluss, dass mir das ganz gut gefällt. Obwohl das Genre recht begrenzt ist gibt's hier genug Abwechslung, sodass es nicht langweilig wird
What a band, man
The category says pop, but this is really irish folk music, which was very nice and different from what I'm used to listening.
Lots of power and energy. Maybe not the most memorable, but definitely enjoyable.
Probably fun to experience live in a bar, but otherwise what a load of bollocks
Love this album by The Pogues. Shane MacGowan in his prime, writing vividly. This is perhaps their best album. So many classic tunes. 4.5/5.0
This is an easy five star. It loomed large in the soundtrack to a lot of my Saturday nights/Sunday mornings in the '80s. I hadn't listened to the entire album as a piece in almost thirty years, really glad to see it come up today.
3.5
another entry from the pogues, and i recall really enjoying listening to the last album i heard from them in 2024. just like that last one, this one too is also very celtic in nature. it's still as energetic as the last one, but i'm not sure if i'm feeling this one as strongly as the other? not too sure why... i think the last one got me feeling like beating people up and drinking on a ship, this one, we're still on a ship, but there's less brawling and more shaking hands.
I had no idea Celtic punk was even a thing. However, it’s not really my cup of tea
Fun but not an album I’d return to
I've always loved this album but has it dated badly???
4.5
Wasn't as fond as the previous The Pogues album we had. This was more straight up folk rock. Still fun though
This is the best of any of the 1001 albums on this list with Elvis Costello's input
I really have a hard time rating the Pogues. I don't really like their music but its oddly catchy.
Pre dropkick murphys. This sound is less punk
I love this stuff, but I know it’s not everyone’s cuppa
Previously rated: #112 - If I Should Fall From Grace With God (3/5) ***************************************************** Album #999 More Irish folk rock. It's fun enough, I guess. Just not something I'd choose to listen to again. The best track I think was the one where they had a female singer, I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day. I just think this music sounds prettier that way versus a gruff punk sounding dude. He sounds similar to the singer of Social Distortion.
Very lively and fun to listen to, their impact cannot be understated. Music and lyrics are on top and this album brings it all together. Very good!
Was ready to write this off but it got better. I liked I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Everyday. Some tracks were just not good but overall it was interesting.
Fun.
Sea shanties before that brief period when they became uber trendy and commercialised chart fodder. There's a degree of authenticity to these that's more charming than I'd have imagined. They sound a little chaotic, off the cuff, fun and playful.
Strange in a good way
Ett album jag lyssnade på kassett första gången! Sen hade syrran (eller brorsan) CDn. En svingrym skiva. Diggar fortfarande. Det är inte bara nostalgi, men möjligt en aning. Kanske det som petat över till en femma. Men oavsett, riktigt grymt!
Riktigt bra skiva och musik man verkligen sveps med av och blir glad av att höra. Utan att vara någon musikhistoriker så känns det som att Pogues har skapat, eller åtminstone är helt synonyma med, den här genren, vilket förstås ska premieras. Var inne på att sätta en femma ett tag, men tycker att det det finns några låtar som inte riktigt håller måttet för högsta betyg. Kanske om den hade kortats ned lite. Grym skiva oavsett och en stark fyra!
Oh I 100% see the flogging molly comparison. I almost dismissed it based on band/cover, but what a grand irish time! My head was bopping. 5* for it being different and fresh. Highlights: the sick bed
Very Celtic, and I sang Waltzing Matilda with my college choir.
Not for me
You can sodomize rum? I've got new weekend plans
It was okay. My dad has had this in his playlist for decades. So, I heard all these songs before. Plus, I also live in an area where all the white people think they are of Irish descent on Saint Patrick’s Day. This album just conjures up memories of bring in a bar that’s brimming to capacity after a Saint Patrick’s Day parade.
The fusion of styles here works better than I expected. It’s got a scruffy, drunk-poet charm that keeps things interesting for a while, but it somehow sits somewhere between a history lesson and a bar fight. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn - A Pair of Brown Eyes - Dirty Old Town
I think there’s a certain cultural gap here that keeps me from fully “getting” this, probably akin to how non-Americans feel listening to country music. Still, it’s a solid album with great energy and a unique sound.
Jaunty Irish tunes
All a bit trashy for me.
Celtic fun! Not something I’ll be going back to but a good time while it lasted
This was a big surprise for me I thought for sure I would not like this album because it would be too Irish. While it was occasionally typical Irish music it was also mixed with slower more complex songs that I enjoyed. This one’s a keeper.
The Pogues are an insanely fun band to listen to. The kind of music that makes want to get up and riverdance while drinking pints and pints of beer. And I don't even like beer! Not sure we needed two of their albums here though, as they sound pretty identical. The other is the better one. Key tracks: The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn Sally MacLennane
Есть угар и шарм кельтов, но не мое вообще
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.
Goeie, oud maar goed, niet zo upbeat als de songs die ik normaal luister dus valt dan bij mij in de easy listening, oftewel, lekker voor op de achtergrond, maar zou er niet direct naar luisteren. 1 ster minder want het enigste sea shantie dat ik heb gehoord viel buiten het album
Zitten een paar goeie bangers tussen, sommige geven mij castlefest vibes.
Makes me want to chug a tankard of ale and mosh on a ship. Faves: Sally MacLennane, A Rainy Night in Soho, The Body of an American
bonne ambiance le nom, très mature
Je suis persuadé que les pirates écoutaient ce type de musique, mais malheureusement j'ai toujours été team corsaires. En gros c'est de la musique de farfadet que des roux alcooliques écoutent en buvant de la bière à 4% en faisant genre qu'elle est forte. J'aime bien leur bière mais j'avoue que leur musique et leur chocolat c'est trop (chocolat au whisky berk qui a eu cette idée de con...). En plus askip c'est ce bon vieil Elvis Costello qui a produit l'album et ça c'est trop.
Its pretty funny, made me feel like a pirate of today london. But thats all, cause taking it seriously wont take you to nowhere. As a joke it is good, and this is it. 2⭐
Très sympa, très The Dubliners, j’ai kiffé
god the singing here is miserable. nails on chalkboard tier, and the instrumentation does NOT help. the album experience of a bunch of drunk lads poorly shouting incomprehensible songs together inside a pub while you walk by on the sidewalk completely sober. it sure SEEMS like there's music going on, and you assume they're having fun, but you probably plug your ears and walk a bit faster. the garish cover art does this no favors either. feels like a prank album mocking celtic music rather than a revitalization of the genre such as is claimed but what the hell do i know when i don't even know when my dad's side of the family emigrated from scotland.
Elvis Costello did the production for this album, he should stick to it he's quite good at that. This album sounded pretty good to me at first but it did get repetitive and old fast. The songs are all very samey and not really a subject matter I care for, it almost feels like a caricature of Ireland with how much they talk about drinking and little else. But I did really like the instrumentation so there is that!
Fun but too much of this is way too much
Not my cup o' tea.
Initial first few songs were a lot more lackluster, didn't grip, but playing it through actually gave this some bite, something that was enjoyable. It wasn't mind blowing, or anything, and I don't plan on listening to this again, but it's a good song to get my feet wet in "Celtic" style music.
I really like this album, but there seems to be some filler. At more than an hour long, they could have made some cuts.
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.
did not enjoy
This brings to mind Great Big Sea and a grand kitchen party - I love the sound, although there are a few flat tracks on here.
A great album! Not a dull track. It's a tight but varied collection: blistering, raucous pub songs mixed with instrumentals and emotional ballads. Skillfully performed. It's a great sounding studio album with the energy of a live band. Every song tells a story. It's my first Pogues album. I had no idea what to expect. I loved it. "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda," is a crushingly heartfelt masterpiece. It's a sober, beautiful way to cap off wild 45 minute adventure.
Who doesn't love rum sodomy? But over an hour of it may be a bit too much. Is it all one track? Is there much of a difference? Is my ear not discerning enough for the pirate folk? The day after listening, I woke up with a bad case of scurvy.
Huh, never heard the Pogues before. Kinda different but gave it two listens and no song jumped out at me.
Very frenetic punk folk that I didn't know I'd be enjoying today, overall 4 stars, I really liked the slower Waltzing Matilda at the end.
This is essentially a Celtic Folk album (pub songs, not fiddle/dance tunes) with a punk attitude. And it works very well. 4 stars.
Not something I would expect to like, but the first 3 songs were impressive. The only issue was as this went on it stayed the same, but was a drop down from those first 3 songs.
It’s cool to get a second Pogues album. This one was at least as good as the other, if not better. Some of the banjo was a bit much, but I really liked the overall album. Favorite Track: A Pistol for Paddy Garcia
Was only familiar with the Christmas song from athe Pogues but I was pleasantly surprised by this. Love the Irish folk punk vibes.
I did not like it or the singers voice but it had a consitent theme.
Pretty solid album. Not really my cup of tea but I can see how this is influential and highly regarded.
Cualquier disco de los Pogues te transporta a la buena y vieja Irlanda rural. Con su folklore, cultura, bailes y canciones de taberna.
Fantastic energy throughout, nice blend of originals and covers. They were very much the best at what they did.
Reconvertir el folk irlandés a algo moderno y agradable, disfrutar de estas canciones que suenan a piratas y borrachos no tiene precio. Me guardo "A Pair of Brown Eyes" y "Dirty Old Town".
Hated it.
Some amusing stuff here. A full album (and especially an extended version) is a bit much, but could have been worse.
Enjoyable. Better in smaller doses.
Irish fun.
Aye Captain! First track is pirate-sounding song with I think country pop as its main theme. I like it.
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.
i mean, you cannot deny this album is doing exactly what it sets out to do. the pogues are doing their own thing and i applaud them for it. i did feel sort of mocked by the bawdy rowdiness of it all while i was stuck in traffic on a slate-gray dull work day, but they'd probably think that was funny. won't revisit but go off pogues. alternate review: this album was so poguerrs
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
Meh
Excellent
Enjoyable but the type of music that I would listen to more than once.
Wasn't sure if would like this but was really fun to listen to.
Haven't heard this for a long long LONG time. Decent, but not as good as "If I Should Fall...." or "Peace and Love" which came later.
Not for me. 1/5
Sounds like a bunch of drunken sailors
I really like this album but I don’t love it. I think the biggest issue is the fucking singer on Jesse James and Gentleman Soldier.
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!
No está mal, pero de su estilo me gustan bastante más otros