Rum Sodomy & The Lash

Classic

Good stuff, some keepers.

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".

Groupe connu de nom, je suis sur d'avoir déjà entendu des morceaux du groupe mais sans les apprécier assez pour en retenir même le titre ... 40 eme album classé en 'Folk' proposé par le générateur. Ses autres racines le rendent plus audible : les morceaux plus dynamiques sont bien entrainants, mais l'album contient aussi des morceaux plus lents moins intéressants. Et sur la longueur je trouve l'album lassant. Je ne l'écouterais pas une seconde fois. =>2/5

Fantastisk jo. Pubmusik og sidde og kigge trist ud af vinduet musik på samme tid

Den her plade giver mig altid lyst til at flytte til Irland og blive pub-bums.

Does indeed sound like an Irish Pub.

This is Irish as fuck which means it's automatically good.

Not everyone can spin a yarn like the great Shane McgGowan could.

I love The Dubliners to death but can't find the same enthusiasm for The Pogues.

Eh, they're no Flogging Molly.

I like Irish folk music in theory, but a whole album of it gets boring.

Love these guys. No one like 'em. Modern day Robin Hood music

what

I should like the Pogues, I really should. I had my Enya fase and I liked all kinds of modernized folk music. But somehow I don't dig them. I can understand they are good, but not for me. Too bad.

Who knew the Pogues sang sea shanties.

Pogues uten Fairytale of New York??? Alltid gøy med irsk folkemusikk, men krever flere Guinness å høre gjennom hele.

Not my jam

I’ll respect it if you’re someone who says they can’t get into The Pogues but I don’t have that problem, and I’m superior as a result. I can’t help it! Great music, especially “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda.”

Fucking great album. Love all the celtic instruments used and the writing is great

This was all right, it didn't move me but I made it through.

Quite enjoyed this one, a different type of music than I usually find myself listening to but one I could enjoy occasionally. I know they didn't write it, but I did find their rendition of "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" moving.

It’s unique for sure. A bunch of Irish folk punk songs that are fairly catchy but get repetitive. It’s not bad, just very specific. 2.5/5 Might listen again

Feels very standard Irish bar music. Perfectly serviceable if that’s what the evening calls for.

A classic

For a while there in the 1990s this was one of the handful of albums I considered untouchable. Not perfect, but just special in a way that couldn’t be tarnished. You could slot this along side just about anything on a mixtape, With time, The Pogues, if not their records, and Celtic punk have indeed been ruined a bit by association: my fellow Irish-Americans adopted them and all that came along as an authentic music, the real deal, etc. The Clash, but when you’re throwing back Jameson and Guinness with your people. You see it all over media, but only in that completely fabricated McDonald’s franchise of the diaspora: the Irish pub. Of course this leaves aside that they were as Irish as I am, none actually native-born, just with Irish ancestors. But, however you convey authenticity, Shane and co. had no problems there. Just, ugh, if I have to see another Irish wake set in New England that features a Pogues sinaglong...Hollywood is convinced you could meet someone outside the Broadway T stop and they’d sing the entire Pogues catalog and dance a jig FOR FREE.

first listen love it

This some pirate type songs

I love Shane McGowan's delivery and writing. It's a great album and my wife loves the band in general. Irish punk isn't my first go-to and Irish folk isn't either...but in a pinch it's a great way to start the work day.

Really wish I had discovered these guys earlier. Great stuff.

Arrrrrr... ey Capt'n! I now feel like an irish pirate 😅 I guess pretty groundbreaking for that time

I'm a fan of bands like Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys and I like to drink a pint of Guinness (or 5), but this album seemed a bit bland to me. Nothing really terribly wrong with it, just a bit meh. Still, fav track: Sally MacLennane

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.

01) The Sick Bed of Cúchulainn - 8,0 02) The Old Main Drag - 7,0 03) The Wild Cats of Kilkenny - 7,5 04) I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day - 7,5 05) A Pair of Brown Eyes - 9,0 06) Sally MacLennane - 7,5 07) Dirty Old Town - 10,0 08) Jesse James - 8,0 09) Navigator - 8,0 10) Billy's Bones - 7,0 11) The Gentleman Soldier - 7,5 12) And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda - 8,0 TOTAL: 7,92 (79/100) Current ranking: 185/538

Sounds like a group of pirates singing traditional Irish folk songs. Rubbish. The storytelling the only saving grace.

not really my thing sorry irish people

# Album Name: Rum Sodomy and The last # Artist: Pogues # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Good album. Love the irish folk feel on it. Biggest downside is the number of tracks and length of the album. Could easily be 15 mins or so shorter. # Top Tunes: Brown eyes / Sall maclennane / dirty old town / navigator # Would I listen to it again? Most of it

I reviewed The Pogues' other album back on Valentine's Day this year, and I gave it four stars. I liked the overall sound of it, and I thought the songwriting was strong too. One quick note about this album title before I jump in: I had to look up the meaning of the title, because without commas, it reads as "rum sodomy" which sound incredibly unappealing. But enough about my punctuation nitpicks, let's fire up another album that's turning 40 with me this year! I didn’t care for this effort from The Pogues as much as I enjoyed If I Should Fall From Grace With God. The songwriting on this album was good, and the overall sound was enjoyable, with a good mixture of upbeat, rocking songs and slower ballads, but I felt like this album relied too heavily on Shane MacGowan’s vocals and on the accordion and tin whistle. The accordion and tin whistle really wore me down over the course of the album, and I would have liked to hear more songs that were guitar or banjo based in their sound. I really liked Spider Stacy’s vocals on “Jesse James,” and I would have liked to hear more of his singing. Even though I wasn’t a huge fan of this album, I still thought it was well made and featured a unique sound. It’s not the sort of thing I’d come back to, but it was an enjoyable experience.

Enjoyed the Body of an American as reminds me of the Wire

This is music that white Americans who pretend to be Irish listen to. They predominantly live on the East Coast, most likely Boston or Philadelphia. They like pahhking cahhs, and drinking in bahhs. They often get into fistfights and a large part of their vocabulary is racist and homophobic slurs. Most of them are named Tommy (which they pronounce as Towmy), Mikey, Sully, or Marky (Mahhky). They won't shut up about their city's sports teams. They REALLY like fistfights. Anyway, the album is pretty good. I couldn't listen to it all the time, but as a change of pace, I don't hate it. Every song sounds the same, though.

Good. I love Shane and the irish sounds that the pogues produce however a little over long.

Such a great blend of modern and traditional

pirate music

Interesting to listen to the album. Won't be on my favourite list.

Good fun album! No really bad songs, but I prefer when they speed it up a little. Best track: Sally MacLennane

Some great songs on this but some stinkers also.

We Stan the Irish

I don’t think I liked this one quite as much as If I Should Fall From Grace With God. Favorite songs were The Old Main Drag, Sally MacLennane, Dirty Old Town, and The Band Played Waltzing Matilda.

I was expecting to hate this as their song that blocks the airwaves every Christmas makes my arsehole itch! It wasn't as bad as I was expecting, and I did make it all the way through, but it never once got me excited or appreciating the music.

Sober: 4 stars With some drinks at the bar: 5 stars

Honestly I didn't hate this album as much as I thought i would. When at a bar after a few drinks would definitely give this a better rating.

The only context I could listen to this album again would be at my local pub working on getting blackout drunk on pints of Guiness and shots of whiskey.

Repeat listen

unlistenable to me even as an irish lass

Folk, and punk for that matter, are generally quite limited genres. It's about what you do within reasonably limited restrictions, rather than some kind of free-for-all. With that in mind, this is pretty impressive. Mixing fantastic lyrics with a range of instrumentation and styles, from dancing on the tables to drowning your sorrows alone. Shane MacGowan is not a man blessed with a pitch perfect trained voice, but the character and swagger is there in abundance. It's not perfect - London Girl in particular smacks of "will you give us a single for the radio?" - but you're unlikely to get this combination bettered anywhere else. Will be coming back to this one.

It's fun and reminds me of hanging out at a friend's house drinking and smoking in the early 90's. They are very good at setting a mood and telling a story. It's an enjoyable album.

look its great i really do like it but im not sure we need two Pogues records in here

I'm not sure I would ever choose to listen to it. BUT I found myself quite enjoying it. Maybe it's my Irish blood? It's a 2.5 rounded up.

3.5

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!

I've been hearing The Pogues since I was a little girl thanx to my dad and I like all their albums with Shane MacGowan (The Pogues released 5 albums with Shane MacGowan on lead vocals, 2 with Spider Stacy on lead vocals & a live album with Joe Strummer who took over vocals after Shane MacGowan was fired for excessive drinking in 1991) super fun stuff but it all starts to sound pretty same-y to me which is why I'm giving this album a very SOLID 3/5 it's very good just not essential IMO If you love Irish music this is likely a 4/5 for you or maybe even a 5/5. I don't know.

This was sick

Qnd era adolescente cheguei no the Pogues por causa do Joe Strummer. Mesmo tendo ouvido algumas vezes, nunca foi muito o meu rolê, ainda que uma música ou outra ache interessante.

Music for tourists who haven't gone to an actual concert since the 70s, who then take a weekend trip to Dublin, go straight to Temple Bar and are all amazed about there being "authentic Irish live music" and the proceed to drunkenly video-document (with the flash on) a full five minutes of "I drank whiskey and beer, too ra loo ra la."

2.75

I think my lack of understanding of this genre doesn't help me at all because sitting here listening to this I just think something obviously stupid about the music and its the realization that Celtic rock or Celtic music as a whole is what I associate with pirate music (besides Sea Shanties) and that's, well, dumb because I know there's a lot of history behind this music and a TON of people love this band (I realized as much when the singer died last year). So obviously I hate making a memey comment and just leaving it there as my only take away of the album... but like, it is aligned in the exact kinda music I just don't vibe with much if at all which makes it harder to enjoy, generally music that goes more along the lines of folksy music gone rock or gone punk whose vibe just doesn't always work for me, especially with how theatrical it can get. Basically, it conjures up the same feelings as when I listen to folk punk bands like AJJ and I just do not enjoy that so I have a hard time with this one when it goes for a faster sound, I think I enjoyed more the slower and more melancholic songs but honestly? Not by much. Oh also this album has the Elvis Costello connection so there's also that

Eh?

This album is one of those on this list that people will either love with a passion, or hate with an equal passion. There really is no in between. Read the other reviews. For me, I enjoyed it. It made me wanna drink Guiness in a pub till I couldn't see, punch a donkey, piss in the street and pass-out in a barn while walking home. Not for everyone.

4 stars

3.5 - cool Irish punk

A classic. Immediate but rewards detailed list, strong lyrics. A blend of folk with a punk sensibility. It is still a great lp and has not dated sound just as fresh.

Each song is alright but listening to them all in a row is a bit much

Did I enjoy this album? Kind of. Is it great? Absolutely. -1 for lyrics, even though they are pretty hard to decipher sometimes. -1 for instrumentals, pretty unique sound. -1 star for catchy tunes. Dirty old town, dirty old tooooooooown. -1 star for being original. Punk and folk together is something I hadn't thought of mixing. -I'm docking one point for this album being too long and some boring songs. Also, the sound is too constant (not enough variety). I can see why it's here, and they are certainly doing something new and cool. It's just missing something. Not sure how to explain it. Also not really my style. Absolutely belongs on this list, but my enjoyment of it was probably 3/5.

I felt like I was in a pub singing Irish drinking songs with folks who'd had one too many pints.

Annar tónlistarstíll sem mér finnst gaman að hlusta á, hressandi írsk drykkjutónlist. Það versta er að textarnir eru oft mjög skemmtilegir eða áhugaverðir en ég næ ekki að meðtaka þá alla vegna framburðarins og hraðans en gott stöff samt

You know what? Hell yea.

Julemusikk

This is annoying, and its also shit.

Correcto

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

Right from the start, we have a crazed frenzy of accordions, acoustic guitars, flutes, and a grand Irish-folk sounding vocal. It's the kind of music that's just ridiculously fun to listen to, and (at least at the beginning) there's very little to fault. The Pogues are having a blast, and it shows. The instrumental tracks interposed throughout the album, containing just as much energy as any of the sung ones, are fun. I wish more albums were willing to do the same. (Interludes don't count. I'm looking at you, 90s hip-hop.) Overall, I don't have too much to say about the album. There's isn't much of a flow or sense of album structure apart from the last few tracks. Rum Sodomy ends with a harrowing war lament in The Band Played Waltzing Matilda, kind of thematically similar to Billy Joel's Goodnight Saigon. I like to think the former was inspired by the latter. It's an unexpectedly serious ending to an album filled with joy and colour. The ones that really throw all caution to the wind and just have fun repetitive lyrics are some of the best (specifically, Sally MacLennane). A very good record. 4/5 Key tracks: The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn, Sally MacLennane, The Band Played Waltzing Matilda

Was in a rush. Stopped after first song am afraid. Didn't do it for me, although will try again, promise.

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

As far as I remember it this morning, that was a fantastic night at the pub.

what a wonderful album

The Pogues in general are a beautiful collision between Irish trad music and punk rock, and this album is truly a delightful example. Just visited Ireland in January, and hearing this makes me want to go back 😊

The Pogues überraschen mich immer wieder aufs neue. Großartiges Album voller Gefühle und Stimmung. Ich bin inzwischen ein Fan von ihnen.

Fine art british folk

A full album of pirate/irish bar-punk is just a bit too much to take. The musicianship and energy isn't entirely lacking, but this kind of music and vocals are not for me.

so THATS why people think the Dropkicks are corny

no.

A classic.

7/10.

This music might be good if you're shitfaced, blackout hammered drunk and you don't care about melody, rhythm, feeling, or sound quality. Why would we harken back to a time before good music existed?

Yeha not my thing. Sounds like irish pub music for st patricks but not anything Id put on any other day

That was so epic

Boisterous, loud, energetic and infectious. The Pogues hurl Irish folk into the 20th century with a shove, seamlessly blending punk and tradition into a superbly original sound. Best Tracks: - A Pair Of Brown Eyes - Dirty Old Town Worst Tracks: - The Old Man Drag Rating: 7.5/10

***A good Irish album

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'm afraid you have to be born to listen to this album, but I'm not. I'm not Irish and I'm not in Ireland at the moment. But I've been to Ireland three times, always for scuba diving. Sounds crazy, but no, it's definitely interesting and of course special. I've been to the pub before. Often around lunchtime when the curtains were drawn and you had to go through the side or back entrance, and of course in the evening to drink a Murthy's. There was music there too, but more classical and less in the style of the Pogues. Unfortunately, I only give the album a "lash" and at least 2 stars, because I think in the right mood and more than a Murthy's, the album is definitely bearable.

i grew up with this album

Irish folk punk. I would put this more on folk than punk. Not to say it didn't have punk, but the overall vibe of the album was less energy than I expect from just punk. I think lyrics may be important to this band, and I do not typically understand lyrics well until many more listens and more in depth listens so this album was a miss for me.

Another really fun album. Love the flutes and guitar. I just really like albums that use traditional instruments well. Highlights: The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn Wild Cats of Kilkenny Sally MacLeanne Jesse James The Gentleman Soldier

More fun than I'd expected!

Eigenlijk echt positief verrast! Ik was een beetje bang dat het het zoveelste standaard rock album was, maar dit is een soort Ierse folk/piraten band? Geen idee wat het precies is, maar ik heb me eigenlijk heel goed vermaakt hiermee! Alleen de laatste paar nummers zijn ontzettend zacht? Geen idee hoe dat precies komt, maar gelukkig is het begin wel normaal qua volume en zelfs echt lekker weg te luisteren. Nee echt. Piraten/Ierse folkrock, een genre dat ik nog nooit eerder gehoord had maar waar ik me best wel mee vermaakt heb. 4 sterren voor het verassingseffect! FAVO: The Sick Bed of Cuchulain, A Pair of Brown Eyes, Sally MacLennane, Dirty old town

I can’t say I relate to the heavy drinking theme explored here, but I can find great enjoyment in the humour of it all, and the surprising earnestness of many sections. Of course the reappearing core is the Celtic rock sound, which is almost always fun, and is only right to appear alongside talk of taverns, rum, barfighting, et cetera. The aforementioned earnestness is most prevalent on the closing track-cum-historical ballad, And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda - but also appears on the standout track for me, A Pair of Brown Eyes, with such lovely lyrics from MacGowan and some fine bittersweet instrumentation to pair it with. How’d I lose my job? Drinking at the pub. How’d I end up in the clink? Had too much to drink.

Brilliant - a little samesy, but plenty to say and plenty going on! :)

There is a wonderful kind of melancholy about this record. It sounds incredibly Irish, in a good way. I wouldn't be a huge fan of a lot of the instrumentation of the album. A lot of it is a style that I don't really like, however i can tell that it's very very solid, the playing is great. The musicianship is quite wonderful. I think I'd lean with a 3, which reflects it not really being my thing, but also a good record. I'm not sure how often I would dust it off to listen to it, but it's enjoyable none the less

You know what, hell yeah.

Did not connect to this at all. I’m sure it was important in combining folk, rock and traditional Irish music, but I did not really enjoy listening to it.

Twiddle dee doo, twiddle dee dum, this album was a little bit of fun.

Ok, but not something I would listen to for itself. I could tolerate it for background music

Tom Waits yesterday, The Pogues today - the generator clearly won't be happy until I'm swigging whisky in the gutter. I preferred Waits, but this did prove the Pogues aren’t just for Christmas.

The Pogues are truly unique, traditional Irish music, punk hybrid that speaks to my soul. Rum Sodomy and the Lash is them at their rawness, angriest however not their best. Still a defining album. 8.4/10

At first, when I pressed play, I was like “ahh hell naw!” Then as I kept listening my foot started tapping and a warm feeling arose in my chest lol this shit makes you happy & I can’t hate on that. Not my cup of tea but I enjoyed it nonetheless!

Does not compare to If I should fall from grace with God, but still very pleasant. 6.5/10 Fave: Sally McLennane

Heard several songs from this before. I generally enjoy Shane McGowan's singing style, and I have had periods where I've listened to a lot of Irish music. I figure I'll probably enjoy this one, especially the hits. Not too fussed about the amount of bonus tracks, though they will not count towards the final rating. The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn I don't really have much to say. I enjoy the energy. Fun. Would definitely be fun to sing along to. Great track. 4/5 The Old Man Draig Evocative imagery. Sounds miserable, pretty in theme with music of this ilk. He does seem to be describing England so it makes sense at least. Liked it enough. 3.5/5 The Wild Cats of Kilkenny Some era appropriate creative choices in the instrumentation, even when using traditional instruments it sounds distinctly mid-80s at the start. Melds into some traditional irish music, which evokes the image of someone dancing on a table. Punk elements blend for a nice fusion. Interesting. 4.5/5 I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day The female vocals were unexpected. Whatever that wind instrument is sounds cool. The vocals are nothing spectacular, chorus is just fine. I'll give it points for being unique on the album. 3.5/5 A Pair of Brown Eyes Fantastic song. I really like how it is written and performed. I just think everything works. Beautiful and emotional. A personal favourite. 5/5 Sally MacLennane A fun nostalgic pub song. Another fun song to sing along to. Well performed. Stereotypical in some aspects, though doesn't detract from it really. Like it. 4/5 Dirty Old Town Another classic song, evokes old memories. If you grew up in a small industrial town or rural area many of the lyrical themes here feel real. Can't explain why this one hit so hard for me. Personal bias. 5/5 Jesse James Rougher vocals fit as a creative choice for the story of the notorious outlaw. The whistle melody is fun. Fun retelling of the famous tale. Good. 3.5/5 Navigator The vocals are a bit muddled here. A bit slow. The chorus is great, think the vocal melody is pretty. Banjo sound good. Good. 3.5/5 Billy's Bones That's fast. Hard to follow. Short and simple, probably fun to attempt to sing along with. Just fun. 4/5. The Gentleman Soldier War critique. The alternating vocals don't work too well. The "female" voice isn't great. The song itself is fine. The leaving for service theme and the marching drums work well. Fine. 3/5 The Band Played Waltzing Matilda The vocals are differently mixed, making them really loud. Instrumentally sparse. I always found this song meandering and slow, which rings through for this version as well. It's an important commentary on the horrors of war, and well written, but I find it sort or boring and long. However it remains relevant in today's strange climate. Fine cover. 3/5 Bonus Tracks. A Pistol for Paddy Garcia Neat little instrumental which evokes old spaghetti westerns, featuring some Irish twang. The horse-gallop-like drums are fun. Decent. 3.5/5 London Girl I don't like the instrumentation, the style, or the mixing. Sounds extremely dated. The pop style really does not fit McGowan's vocals. I don't like it. 2/5 Rainy Night in Soho A popular song. Well written. Sax and flute work well. The strings are also nice. A bit overbearing. Decent. 3.5/5 The Body of an American Tempo switch is interesting. Muddled vocals. Chorus is the highlight. Goes on a bit too long. The instrumental at the end is a bit pointless. Evokes military funeral. Might be fun to sing along to after a few pints. Fine. 3/5 Planxty Noel Hill Another instrumental track, though this one doesn't add anything. Sounds like a fairly standard Irish band jam if that's even a thing. Overstays its welcome, gets a bit annoying. A bit pointless. 2/5 The Parting Glass Another traditional cover. Considering the history of the song it makes sense its at the end of the album. Decent performance. Fine. 3/5 I had fun with this one, though it was hard to figure out what to judge it by, as it's mostly covers and reimaginings of traditional songs. The Pogues did a good job at creating their own sound, and many of the reimaginings created tracks that are more palatable to modern ears while still respecting the originals. Much of what I liked about the album came from the performances. Thought the mixing was a bit hit and mix. Instrumentally I have no idea what I'm talking about here, so I can only say I thought it was good purely based on vibes. I must also add that there is plenty of history here, where many of the songs call back to times of turmoil under control of the British, which adds an element of commentary to the album, which I enjoy. I don't think there were any bad songs on here, some of them were even great, though it still lacks a little bit of consistent greatness to score full points from me. Fave track. A Pair of Brown Eyes Least fave track. Gentleman Soldier

I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. It's an interesting style musically, that's for sure!

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.

Thoroughly enjoyed

Nice album but not something i would listen on repeat since im sober

I usually enjoy music with folk elements, but this is just too much. Extremely grating and annoying to listen to. I did enjoy the storytelling aspect of the album, though. 2 stars

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

My second Pogues album on this list and I have to wonder why it's here. Only popular in its home country and I fail to see much influence outside a small niche. I'm going to post my review from the other album below as it fits here too. Tradition Irish music fused with punk is an interesting idea. When it works it's raucous fun. It doesn't always work for me though, and a full album at once is too much.

Rum, sodomy and the lash, my 3 favorite things! How could I not give this a 5?

Hard rockin good time tunes. Not much commentary, other than hell yea. 4.5/5

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.

Did know I need this in my life. Had me dreaming of an 18th century pub with a nice pint, maybe some whiskey and some good mates, talking about “foook the Gardaí” Also fun reading the Spotify band overview to learn the previous name of frontman Shane MacGowan’s band was: the Nipple Erectors.

If you don’t enjoy this are you even alive? Pour one out for Shane MacGowan who was with us longer than anyone expected. Guinness definitely tastes better with The Pogues playing in the background. Thanks just science. 4/5

Definitely one that I need to be in the mood for. A whole album of this in one sitting is a bit much for me. But in doses I like it more than not.

Interesting Irish folk+punk rock, although not something that will be in my regular rotation.

This is silly, unserious music

Good one from Ireland's Springsteen.

Definitely had some spunk to it, but not something that I'm going to be listening to on the regular.

He's a great songwriter/storyteller, and the emotion in his voice makes up for it's roughness. I normally don't listen to this much Pogues at once except on St. Patrick's Day but Rainy Night in Soho is a sentimental personal favorite of mine.

Felt like I could appreciate it more than I truly enjoyed it, but it was a good listen on a chilly Friday afternoon. Maybe I should have downed a few pints of Kilkenny first?

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.

Really good

Love an Irish folk album! I felt like I was in a pub!

This was a fun irish-sounding punk album. I'd listen to this again. 3/5

Sounds like Flogging Molly. And now that I know this was here before Flogging Molly, I know I have been missing out.

Perfectly frantic and equally beautiful. Only a handful of missteps - the inclusion and delivery of Jesse James is confusing at best. It’s also impossible to hear Dirty Old Town without replacing the lines with Virgil van Dijk.

Lots of hay’s been made over whether or not The Pogues are Irish or English or Anglo-Hibernian or what have you. Fundamentally, they’re the sound of the London Irish: of sticky carpeted boozers with céad míle faílte signs, of being the English cousin, of having at least one relative your whole family doesn’t talk about, of having more than a passing knowledge of the London GAA scene, of thinking you’re a prick if you can’t pronounce Áine

No thank you

The Pogues are not for me, but I connected with If I Should Fall From Grace With God more. This one felt a little more theatrical, or less authentic.

When I listen to this, I'm temporarily convinced that I'm Irish. The most Irish sounding music of all time. Slam a pint, do a little jig

Up the Ra type music. Expanded version has so many bangers too.

Awesome album! Great Irish punk sound. Def will listen to it again.

a fun listen absolutely. Only a strong 3 just because i don't think I'll listen to this again in its entirety, but still worth listening to this one.

I had a cursory understanding of the Pogues before this and now I have an appreciation.

Honestly was pretty good. 4/5

dirty old town .. lalala ;-)

Not my thing :/

My friend in high school fucking loved The Band Played Waltzing Matilda.

Is this essential? No. Is it fun? Yea sure, in an ironic way Best Song: Sallu McLennee Rating: 4.0/10 2 Star

getting in the spirit for st patricks day i suppose fun listen but that's about it, accents kinda irritated me icl

31/1001 Since I didn’t grow up with Celtic folk music there really isn’t anything, which makes this particularly noteworthy or interesting. Yeah the songs are decent and catchy, but nothing really special. 2,5/5

Was not enjoyable.

I always enjoy Irish bands and they are fun to listen to

Good album with some really great songs. I can listen to a few songs a at a time, but the whole album is a little overwhelming.

I'm looking forward to this one! I have memories of hearing the Pogues in a bar in Dublin. It will be nice to revisit with good headphones and while sober(ish? I'm stoned lol). Opening track "The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn" is quite the little bop. The bridge where the chick pukes at the church during midnight mass is really something. I ate dinner so I walked away from the computer for a few songs (was listening on headphones). I definitely like the faster songs than the slower ballads, with "Jesse James" being the example I can think of the most. I love between verses on "Navigator" there's some beautiful finger picking which I think is a mandolin. Maybe I changed my mind about the fast with "Billy's Bones" although Shane MacGowan impresses by being able to say those words as fast as Busta Rhymes. Overall, I enjoyed this album. I really appreciate Shane MacGowan's voice, the character in it is immense. I don't know how much of it I will be returning to, but I'm glad having done it.

Classic, reminds me of childhood. Its a bit much for me to listen to casually though.

I wonder what music would play in the background of police dramas set in the northeast U.S. if the Pogues didn’t exist.

Not really my thing, but very clearly good within it's genre

My favourite moments were when the flute played. I felt The Band Played Waltzing Matilda was too long.

Great find

Them’s fighting words

Fun Irish folk drinking album

This would have been really good in an Irish pub but felt a bit weird alone in my car.

Pretty fun. 3.5

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...

This album is very straightforward. Irish folky drinking music that is exactly as it's described. Is it good and entertaining? Sure. Does it deserve to be on a list of albums you MUST hear before you die? Probably not.

Feel like a jesters about to jump out my screen. Not for me but I can appreciate the artistry

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

3.75

Good bits are good, sad bits are sad.

Puzzled how popular they got.

Felt like I was on a pirate ship listening to very laid back shanties. Not terrible though, but would have liked a little more spirit.

Is it St Patty’s already? Quintessentially Irish. Accordions, Fiddles and a pint of beer. Your feet will keep tapping. A 4 for me

Heroin was an interesting song but otherwise the album was way too hippy-dippy for my liking. Felt like it was smelling it's own farts but maybe that's just my dislike for hippie culture

Give me a pirate hat and let's set sail! This album makes me want to drink, laugh and enjoy a nice body of water. Overall good vibes.

Great irish rock music. Very happy with this recommendation.

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.

Top-notch. Only not a 5 because it's hard for me to listen to a whole album with energy this high.

Stone cold classic. This is 'THE' album from the Pogues.

I wish I liked this album more than I did. I feel the passion and folksy authenticity behind the songs, but I just did not connect with it at all. If you love Irish folk music you'll love this album, I unfortunately don't and didn't. Wouldn't hate listening to a few individual songs, but the album is a bit much. Top tracks: A Pair of Brown Eyes, Dirty Old Town

12/18/24. The name looked familiar and upon the first track, I recognized the voice of Shane MacGowan, who we recently lost. Very uniquely Irish and fun storytelling, could be great songs to sing with a large group in a bar.

almost all of these songs are on the Pogues Best Of.

Fun!

i tried to listen but it’s really not for me so i gave up.

5/5

Chaque pièce est en soi réjouissante, mais, comme genre, je trouve que la fusion musique irlandaise-rock s’essouffle

I feel like I shouldn't dig this as much as I do. Excited to keep returning to and gaining an appreciation for this. 4/5

Was not expecting some Irish st pattys day shit but not bad

This was different and fun. And just enough.

A fun album to listen to every now and then

Rum, Sodomy & the Lash Never ventured into the Pogues, only really knowing Fairytale of New York, Fiesta and, due to The Wire, The Body of an American. Wish I’d tried earlier though, as I loved this. On the surface I didn’t think I’d be that keen on slurry sea shanty adjacent jigs, and the idea of folk-punk in general, but I totally bought into the world they built with all the amusing, strange, doleful, exuberant stories of rent boys, Irish history, warriors and politicians, immigrant life in the UK, longing for home, war, pub dwellers, booze, navvies and outlaws, all full of unkempt charm, joy, wistfulness and a ramshackle unsentimental romanticism. I love the covers/re-arrangements of I’m A Man You Don’t Meet Everyday, Dirty Old Town and Waltzing Matilda. Cait O’Riordan’s vocal on I’m A Man is superb, and the mournful horns on Waltzing Matilda are excellent, a brilliant to way to end the album. And the original songs a great too, The Sick Bed of Cúchulainn, The Old Main Drag, A Pair of Brown Eyes, Sally Mclennane all veer from tender and heartfelt to ebullient and dishevelled. The bonus tracks are fun too, including The Body of an American, but the original 12 tracks are such a great, concise and exciting listen you don’t really need them. There is something about the combination of Irish instruments, punk and traditional folk with the brilliantly constructed narratives that works so well, it’s such an immersive universe they create, making a pint or two of Guinness feel very appealing. I’m struggling to think of a reason not to give it a 5 as I enjoyed it so much. 🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻 Playlist submission: I’m A Man You Don’t Meet Everyday

2/5

Started off great and got better with each song

Heard an Irish accent and a harp and immediately got mad and turned this off. I'm sorry but I'm not in the mood. Fav Songs: N/A

нормалек, вайбово, но специально бы слушать не стал. напомнило фильм монти-пайтон про средневековье. подойдет для вечеринки в средневековом стиле или посиделок в пабе)

For this review, I will not factor in the bonus tracks included with the expanded edition. I already heard the other Pogues album on this list, If I Should Fall from Grace with God. Now here's the prior album, Rum Sodomy & the Lash, and it's yet another fun Celtic punk romp. I enjoyed Rum Sodomy & the Lash slightly more than If I Should Fall From Grace with God as the former is not as long, and there wasn't an odd piece like "Worms" was. But at the end of the day, it is a neat mixture of traditional Irish songs and original tracks with their brand of rollicking guitar-driven madness, especially for cuts like "Wild Cats of Kilkenny" and "Sally MacLennane". If that sounds up your alley, then by all means check this album out.

Fun, but not something I’d ever choose to listen to again

Sea shanties were not what I expected but greatly appreciated. Favorite track: Brown Eyes

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.

I now want to get into bar fights

Astonishing really. Sick bed of Cuchulainn is a winning statement of intent and extremely on-the-nose reflection of Shane's own struggles. Folk punk tales featuring a knackered and broken cast of rentboys, boozers, squaddies and navvies. And maybe that's just the band. Squalid and vibrant, thrilling and tragic.

Lots of fun and energy

too one-note sry (like i know that's their thing but ...)

A fun listen on a Wednesday morn.

Yes, thank you for making celtic punk a thing but after listening to Flogging Molly and alike bands, this mostly feels frustratingly slow.

This is the first time I have met album like this on 1001.

A perfect album. If you don't think so then fuck you.

Pretty good

Wasn't expecting the western and pirate songs in there! This was a great one to listen to.

Just like If I Should Fall From Grace With God, the celtic sound that The Pogues bring to the list is unlike most of the other genres on this list.

The easiest 5 ever. A perfect album from start to finish.

Definitely will revisit around St Patrick’s day

7/10 I'm a sucker for Irish music 11-25-2024

A Pair Of Brown Eyes and Dirty Old Town are great songs. Rest are ok 3/5

Þrjú Írlönd í röð. Dirty old town er mjög gott lag, hitt rennur saman ágæta þjóðlagasúpu. Og nú ætla ég ekki að hlusta á Pogues það sem eftir er vikunnar.

Aivan loistavaa irkkufolkkia taas. Osassa kappaleissa myös hyvä länkkärifiilis. Hyväntuulista kamaa. Toinen Pogues levy muistaaksenu silti parempi. Parhaat: The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn, A Pistol For Paddy Garcia, Dirty Old Town

i respect it but do i like it? no!

Fine

3/5

Not my thing, but whatever it is, it is done well.

I need to be in a mood to listen to this but it's certainly fun

This got me on the right day but I loved it. It's a clear look into a world and cultural feeling. The performance is full of emotion. I'll revisit and think this is exactly the type of thing that should be on the list. The exact way that Call of the Valley makes sense to be.

I nailed this the first time we listened to them. Some great fun songs on here. Probably best listened to drunk at a party and not really listening. It does what it wants; sitting listening to this alone, analyzing it doesn't make sense.

I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this, since Elvis Costello and I don’t always see eye to eye, but I was pleasantly surprised. Irish punk just seems to work really well together. It is a bit long, though.

I swear I could listen to someone sing nursery rhymes if it were done with an Irish Brogue- God Bless the Irish

Five stars deserved for The Band Played Waltzing Matilda alone, the rest is also amazing. RIP Shane.

i don’t know why The Pogues are on this list multiple times. they have a very specific sound, and this time around i didn’t like it as much as i think i did last time. it was never BAD but there was nothing that good in this album either

Not really in the mood for an hour of Irish music this morning, but when am I ever really. Dirty Old Town the only one worth revisiting

You gotta be in the mood for this, but it's good if you're feeling like listening to high energy Irish folk-punk. 3.5 stars.

The Pogues are a long time favourite. Was fun to revisit this one.

The most Irish any Englishmen (and one Nigerian woman) have ever sounded! A great collection, with well chosen covers and engaging originals

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.

I've listened to a lot of the Pogues over the years. I prefer the faster songs to the slower songs.

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.

Well, Rum, Sodomy & the Lash ain’t aimed at me, With reels and the chaos and MacGowan’s decree, I see the appeal of their rowdy ol’ charm, But it’s like a fair on a faraway farm. There’s noise and there’s drink and a fair bit of cheer, But it’s tangled and jangled and rough on the ear, In the quiet, some melody tries to come through, But it’s swamped by the fiddles and pipes barely in tune. MacGowan’s a voice you won’t soon forget, It’s a howl, it’s a wail, it’s a whisky-fueled threat, While Bassist Cait O'Riordan, bless her, sings it right, A cool drink of water in a brawl late at night. So raise ‘em a toast, if it’s your type of roar, But I’ll stick with their “Fairytale” carol once more, A salute to the lads and their riotous show, But on my own list? It’s a loud, rowdy no. Did I own this release? No Does it belong on the list? No Would it make my personal list? No Will I be listening to it again? I’d rather listen to "Fairytale Of New York" on loop.

I would give this 1 star but I know Kid Rock Devil Without a Cause is on this list and this Pogues album isn't as bad as that. So a begrudging 2 stars here. I do not like irish folk/sea shanty style. Sounds like bad SpongeBob music.

Never really understood the “punk” classification of this band. This album is 100% Irish folk, and it’s totally awesome. Great songs.

The Pogues. Don’t listen to them much, but when I do, they fuckin deliver. Righteous group of Irish folk songs here. Good range, lyrics, instrumentation, and writing. The vocals are recognizably Shane’s. Not their greatest, but still great. 4/5

Don't really like it any more or less than If I Should Fall from Grace with God. 3.5/5

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.

Fun album, great music. Just will listen to situationally.

I wish I had more to say other than that this feels severely out of place nowadays, and it makes me feel too sober to fully appreciate.

This kind of shit is fun occasionally as a gimmick, but an entire album? No thank you

Ah, the band with the depressing Christmas song! I find this type of irish-like rock/folk music very fun and cozy in certain settings, especially when experienced live. But a whole album like this wasn't really my thing... perhaps I wasn't in the right mood, I don't know. Admittedly, 'Sally MacLennane' is really catchy when hearing it again now one day after listening to the album first time. Still feels like a 3 for me, but if this really is your jam I can see how it deserves a higher rating.

Was looking forward to this as I love "Dirty old town" and "Parting Glass" but was a bit disappointed. It's mostly just standards of folk tunes. While good it is nothing that marks this as anything special compared to any other Irish folk band really. Maybe they were the first to become popular? Maybe my jetlag makes me not in the mood for jigs but a 3 star is all this gets today.

Perfect album for roadtrips to the Ren Fair.

The album that solidified my love of the Pogues

I knew dirty old tiwn, gentleman soldier, body of an American and sally Maclennane prior to listening and these stand out, but there’s some other older sounding tracks that are great too - would defo listen again

Not for me

The pogues album to listen to if you want to know the pogues. There are better ones but it lays out the manifesto. One mark deducted for Shane’s awful attempt at ‘and the band played waltzing Matilda.’ Otherwise this is where the music of rebellion (Irish folk music) meets the music of rebellion (punk rock). They are true folkies. And true punks.

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.

Looking at photos of Shane MacGowan at (many) punk shows of the late 70s, you would hardly pick him as the soon-to-be punk poet of Irish(-style) folk balladry that he became. I love the ramshackle playing and singing on this album. Elvis Costello was smart enough to largely stay out of the way and record them like a rowdy after-hours knees up, a boisterous pub lock-in with a Celtic folk band, three sheets to the wind and racing through a repertoire of classic Irish and Scottish traditional tunes. Except that many of the songs are MacGowan originals, although you'd be hard pressed to squeeze a cigarette paper between his songs of the traditional tracks or those by more establish songwriters. He can hold his own with Ewan MacColl and Eric Bogle. It is a shame to me that the alcoholism and drug abuse are so intertwined with the legend of Shane MacGowan. I think the persona was more than he could handle, and it damaged him physically and mentally and led to many years of distress for him. He was clearly an intelligent and sensitive man and well-liked and respected by his fans and peers. It is a shame that he did not have more time to play to those strengths. It is a blessing that we have this excellent document of him and the band at the height of their powers. Folk is too often played like museum pieces. This album takes the energy of punk and applies it to the folk genre to show what the best of folk can be; music for drinking, singing, dancing and weeping. God bless the Pogues, in all their rough and ready glory.

I feel like a pirate

Music that makes you feel drunk

It’s so Irish

I was aware they made more than just an overplayed christmas song from my Dad, but had never gone out of my way to listen to much of it. Definitely a marmite kind of taste but personally really enjoyed this

3.5 stars. The album is at it's best with it's upbeat sea shanty-esque "Billy's Bones", "The Gentleman Soldier".

I felt like I was back playing Walt Disney racing and this was the background music to the Pirates of the Caribbean course. Have heard of the Pogues and was excited to give these a listen. I wanted to like and I tried, but this wasn't for me. I guess if I was drinking at an Irish bar I would enjoy more or maybe get so annoyed I'd head somewhere else. I just couldn't get into it... Why did I keep thinking of that joke, What's a Pirates favorite letter? So that's it. I thought of Walt Disney's racing and Arrrr....... 2

4.5 An easy 4.5 album for me that’s probably a conditional 5/5 - seriously, you aren’t properly appreciating this album until you listen on St. Patrick’s Day with a beer in hand. That to say, I really didn’t care much for this album the first time I heard it. From what I knew about The Pogues going in, I was expecting a punk record - I mean, the group even allegedly formed after attending a Ramones concert. Yet, there’s nothing here that’s particularly heavy, fast, or even really all that gritty for that matter (besides maybe Shane MacGowan’s vocals… or teeth). As far as first impressions went, this just felt like the kind of thing that comes to mind when you think of Irish drinking tunes (aka general Irish music). But, I think once you know that and embrace it, you really start to appreciate what The Pogues do with it here, which, sitting here now, is probably the best I’ve heard it done. A handful of these tracks are takes on more traditional Irish folk tunes, and while I love the spin they apply to each, in particular, I especially love how they had bassist Cait O’Riordan - the only female in the group - take on the vocals for I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day (her work on this album here would also result in a 16-year relationship with producer Elvis Costello). While I’m not going to pretend I’m any kind of expert on traditional Celtic tunes, I can’t help but admire her take on it. And, with A Pair of Brown Eyes, it’s perfectly sandwiched between two of the most fun, energetic tracks found here in Wild Cats of Kilkenny and Sally MacLennane - if these two tracks don’t make you want to raise your glass and dance around the pub, I don’t know what will. However, my favorite track here has to be the opener, The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn - I absolutely love how slowly it starts before bringing in the action and energy the rest of the record provides, a moment that I always imagine is meant to be paired with a shot of Jameson before putting down a pint of ale. While it doesn’t quite reach levels of perfection for me (at least not on most days of the year), I can’t help but find this record all kinds of fun. I think of good times and slurry, joyful memories with your mates - as someone who’s never been to Ireland, I think this album may have convinced me to go more than anything else. Eurotrip 2025?? RIP Shane MacGowan - thanks for the music, buddy, I’ll pour one out for you in Dublin soon.

This list did not need two Pogues albums...

Enjoyable Irish Rock with loads or drunken jolly. Best album by the Pogues

I was pleasantly surprised. The Band Played Waltzing Matilda was heartbreakingly beautiful.

A great slice of Celtic folk punk that'll break your heart.

It's kinda better than a lot of the threes I've given in that musically more is going on but I can't give Shane McGowan more than 3.

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.

Pogues doing what they do best, jolly and sorrowful at the same time but a bit tiring at times

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 highs are mid , overall it’s mediocre but an interesting sound …. Worth a skim

Love the Pogues and this one is full of iconic tracks from them. I haven't listened to them enough as an album listening experience. It surprised me how varied the tracks are in the album dynamic, showcasing a whole spectrum. It helps tell a more holistic narrative about the personalities in the band over the bands that followed in their wake (looking at you Flogging Molly & Dropkick Murphies) that feel more like reductionist caricature artists of the Irish experience.

A bit more redundant than the last Pogues album on this list. This was fine, but nothing groundbreaking by any means.

If you like a consistent, never changing sound throughout your whole album, this is the one for you.

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

I imagine that this would sound amazing live in an Irish pub, while you're drinking Guinness, shouting loudly at your lads, and getting smashed. I can only imagine this since this is not an experience I have personally had. This album wasn't bad - it was admittedly kind of fun - but "vaguely pirate music" is very much not my thing.

Fun and catchy overall. Wild Cats of Kilkenny is a nice atmospheric instrumental. Surprisingly emotional at times, eg the female vocal led ballad I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day. Followed by A Pair of Brown Eyes, strong also. The Band Played Waltzing Matilda is a great closer. Not really feeling all of this, but there's always a time and place for Celtic drinking songs. *** 1/2

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!

Opzich wel leuk, maar niet alle bangers

One minute in and I know I'm gonna love it Edit after listening: I loved it.

Whiskey soaked misery. We enjoyed.

Nah

No. *Only acceptable drunk, at an english pub.

Lovely stuff

Affirmative

Folk/Punk/Celtic Punk/New wave Dirty Old Town - Sally MacLennane - A Pair of Brown Eyes - A Rainy Night in Soho

This is a rollicking good album, great cover, cracking tunes and some pointed and some maudlin lyrics. I bet they were a fantastic live band.

Enjoyed this a lot more than I expected

Well, it's a mix of styles I don't like (punk/folk) and sounds kind of piratey (another theme I don't like). Good for them, but not so good for me. Rating: 2

It’s a whole Irish world lost at the bottom of a bottle

Good, and brings back some memories, but gets a little samey at the end of the album

Giving it 1 just for the name

I liked this. More on the folksy side but definitely still some great punk elements.

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. :)