Reviews (page 6 of 13)
*If I Should Fall From Face With God* Bloody good Irish fun... With a wee bit of social commentary. I'm not the biggest fan of "Fairytale", but in context of the album it's great... Could have done w/o "Worms". (I prefer Poe's version) (8.75) ★★★★
At times cool mixture of Celtic sounds and punk, but gets a bit one-note after a while. 3.5 stars
I'm not totally sure if I like this as much as Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash, but it's very good nonetheless. Very cool punky Irish jams. The first half was a good bit stronger for me with the title track, "Turkish Song of the Damned" and "Fairytale of New York" being the big standouts for me. 4 stars.
3.5
There are a lot of good sloppy, brawly knees-ups to be found on The Pogues’ 3rd one but if great songs were potatoes then there would be a bit of a potato famine here. The main classic song really is The Fairytale Of New York and the next best song after that is the one towards the very end which has the same melody as Fairytale Of New York.
Irlandese. No ti prego
One of their finest. Not as „punky“ as the ones before but more political. And it contains two of Shane MacGowans best songs: „Fairytale of New York“ & „The Broad Majestic Shannon“
Fantastic record, probably their best, Celtic folk meets punk, musically brilliant, McGowan's vocals aren't amazing but that's the charm, lyrically the story telling is fantastic.
Loved!
This is so random. So fun. A light album to enjoy. Also so culturally interesting.
Neat record. Reminds me of a handful of different things. Firstly punk bands with this Celtics leaning from my childhood, flogging Molly and silly old dropkick Murphys, although those guys are at best Irish Americans. And then second my first job washing dishes in an Irish pub. And my boss getting hammered on ironicly American beer, budweiser, and doodling away on that little Celtic flute. Interesting memories. But this crop of tracks is pretty damn good. Very folky and not only Irish coded either. Fiesta is very spanish and also a highlight for me. That gravely and harsh vocal delivery is so damn good. It just gives the peices some real grit and slot in perfectly in my opinion. My biggest gripe is its a hell of alot of a good thing. An hour on the 03 remaster is too much. Almost 20 tracks. But there are alot of gems in there. I'll never turn away from the punky eff off type vibe that some tracks bring. And even the straight folk stuff is wonderful too. A great one to put on in your local pub and mosh to.
My junior year of high school, my dad took me on a trip to New England to visit colleges. We were late smart phone adopters and didn't pay for satellite radio, so FM radio was our primary entertainment. As we channel-surfed through the Berkshires we stumbled onto a radio show called "Irish Power Hour". It was one of those moments of serendipity that don't seem to happen in today's algorithmically-driven world, and I can only imagine how much the Pogues, and this album, inspired the show. Much like that radio show, this album was a rollicking good time. The Pogues take a traditional Celtic sound and amp it up with what feels like the sort of gleeful irreverence you should expect from a good punk band. They convincingly spin tales of gambling, drinking and all other manners of debauchery (yes, even in their Christmas song!) that make you wonder how they lived long enough to make it through a recording session. Fiesta, a Latin and polka-inflected tune yielding musical blends I never thought to consider, is a particular standout to me. For all the fun, the album isn't perfect in my eyes. The Pogues sound begins to blend by the end of the album, and outside a couple exceptions (Thousands Are Sailing, a touching ode to Irish emigration to the United States, and Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six) the lyrics lack much in the way of depth. However, the album makes it very clear that the Pogues aren't too interested in making profound personal discoveries, and you shouldn't be either. For what this album is trying to be, it hit its mark in no uncertain terms.
Some good catchy songs, not what a typically listen to though.
Vibes: 4/5 Instruments: 5/5 Production: 4/5 Emotional Value: 4/5 Storytelling/Lyrics: 3/5 Stand Outs: Fairytale of New York, Birmingham Six Overall Rating: 4
I can see why people would think it’s fun. Undeniable classic that Christmas one, and I liked the second track. I’d like to give it another go at some point
I love it. Love the integration. Of irish traditional, folk, punk elements. It is harmonious. If I should fall from grace with God, fairytale of new york are standouts, especially fairytale and the a side and everything on the b side.
A pretty engaging and interesting listen. Definitely a precursor to Gogol Bordello. 3.5/5 - 4/5
4/5
A mix of Irish folk and punk rock that was a pleasant listen.
this review is impacted by the recency bias of listening to an irish folk album the day before
please no
What the fuck is this bullshit. Some leprechaun religous crap. Id give it a 0 but least is 1 star
Decent album, I see where Dropkick Murphy’s got their roots from possibly
This is the reason people love the Pogues !
Good fun. Memories of my childhood.
My tolerance for Irish folk music is about half a song.
Great lyrics with great songs makes for one killer album! 5/ 5
The last incredible achievement amongst the chaos. Phillip Chervon and the others stepping up and proving their talents alongside Shane's giant. Beauty right on the brink.
Very solid 4.
Good album! 7.32 avg rating. Fairytale of NY (8.5) and South Australia (7.7) were my favorites. Nice upbeat crossover punk/folk style that I liked a lot
Again I fail to give the Pogues the time they probably deserve, a sign that I’m dommed to admire them without conviction. They bring the fire, yet I can’t help hearing the cliches that trailed. Fortunately, I have a cheat code in that I get to read comrade Simon’s review ahead of mine, telling me where to return and listen better (Shannon, especially). A placeholder 4 this time
I've known this forever, thanks to a friend's Dad who would play it in constant rotation with Van Morrison and Christy Moore. Still get a little flash of excitement when Kirsty MacColl (probably the most famous person ever to make me a cup of tea) starts "They've got cars big as bars, they've got rivers of gold.." even on the 1000th hearing. "Thousands Are Sailing" could be mawkish in other hands but rings true and serious here. "The Broad Majestic Shannon" is their finest moment, a MacGowan original (as far as I know) showcasing his talent for creating what could be a folk tune that has been passed down for centuries. Planxty all involved.
voglio bere una birra e ubriacarmi male mentre ascolto questo
4.5 stars This was a good find and a surprise. Infectiously fun, this album is full of anthems that made me want to do a drunken jig throughout. But seriously, it was enjoyable all the way through.
Not for every occassion
This was cool. Way more eclectic than I expected. Some favs were Metropolis and South Australia
Not sure how to rate this. Not something id probably listen to often but i enjoyed it and the guys voice is cool
I loved this more than I thought I would. Knew a lot more songs as well
Unintelligible lyrics and way too much fiddling and fluting
*Great sounding band but got a little similar sounding over the course of the whole album. *I didn't realize how much Dropkick Murphys borrowed from these guys a decade earlier. *Fairytale of NY continues to be such an interesting song.
Good time album If I should fall Fairytale of new york Thousands are sailing
Too diddly dee
Really Celtic folksy music
There were parts of this that didn’t click with me, but I found it pretty unique and engaging as a total package. Pretty sure my ancestors were mostly English so sorry boyos.
El mejor hasta ahora (creo que hubo dos mas ahre) Nota: 3.7
Irish music is always fantastic, and The Pogues are some of the best.
Fantastic, a bunch of different styles, all great, with some amazing bangers in the mix.
Interesting. I've never intentionally listened to Celtic folk punk before but I liked it. I feel like I had trouble understanding some the lyrics because of the music seemed louder than the vocals at some points. Love the traditional instrumentation mixed with rock. Favorites: If I Should Fall From Grace, Fiesta, Thousands Are Sailing, Metropolis, Fairytail of New York
I like the jigs, but the ballads are a little sappy. Too much of that 80s style production.
I very much enjoy the Pogues. Prefer RS&TL as less keen on the more global sound of this album - so that makes this a high 4. Favourite song "If I should fall from Grace".
If I Should Fall From Grace With God I loved Rum, Sodomy & The Lash, and really enjoyed this, carrying the same sense of ramshackle, charming and exuberant celtic-punk energy, although the playing is perhaps a bit tighter on this one. I think his vocals are slightly better on this than RS&L too, they still have the idiosyncratic and characteristic slur, but they seem fuller and brighter, with a better sense of melody Stylistically it's a bit more all over the shop, but in a nice way, even though whichever way they kick off a song, whether with middle eastern sounds on Turkish Song of the Damned or Jazz and Salsa on Fiesta it often just turns into a full-bore Irish stomp. As on RS&L they manage to pull the same trick of putting heartfelt tracks next to the ebullient jigs and reels, eg Bottle of Smoke moving into the sourly tender Fairytale of New York, or Metropolis transitioning into the empathetic and brilliant Thousands Are Sailing, or Streets of Sorrow and Lullaby of London following Fiesta and the medley of The Recruiting Sergeant, etc. I don’t think it's because of the presence of Fairytale of New York, but this feels like a wintery album, all hot, rammed, sweaty pubs and stumbling out into the cold and wet street. I gave RS&L 5, so I think it’s fair to give this a 5 too. Although I think I might just about prefer RS&L this feels like a progression, while still maintaining the charm and excitement of that one. ✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️ Playlist submission: It’s Fairytale of New York, even if it is now only really tied to Christmas.
It's the sort of album that you don't need to pay much attention to, and yet it speaks to your feet. They feel obliged to tap along with every beat. The titular track to open, banjo, fiddle, high-pace - it's a classic but irresistible formula. It doesn't exactly stick with you, but is enjoyable every time it comes round. And so it is with the fucking filth-laden 'Bottle of Smoke', and the traditional 'South Australia'. The centrepiece remains 'Fairytale of New York'. Relistening for the first time in at least 9 months, it remains one of those Christmas songs that's near impossible not to love. It has everything: an uplifting Xmas jig, profound yearning, anti-Christmas excoriating lyrics, (which is the best thing about it) it's not about Xmas at all, and one of the best lines ever (I could've been someone; well so could anyone!). I think I preferred the rougher edges of 'Rum, Sodomy and the Lash', but this remains excellent quality with two outstanding tracks in 'Fiesta' and 'Fairytale'.
Not my bag. The Pogues are probably my least favorite thing about St. Patrick’s Day. Shave off a half-star for all the terrible Irish-Punk bands that were influenced (and straight-up copied) by them.
I met a guy in a Pogues cover band. Props for being so into them! It's just not for me though.
Great album - some very familiar songs, but lots I’d not heard before, loved the folky sound
I've never expected to like a celtic rock album as much as I did. In fact, for the last week, I've been constantly wondering if I should give this 5 stars, but I ended up giving it 4, and I'll explain why in a second. First of all, I loved the energy of this album. It is super fun and charming. Almost every song feels like you are in a party (see what I did there? hehehe) in a pirate ship or in a pub. With my first listenings, I was laughing and grinning from ear to ear. But there's also tracks that are way more serious like 'Fairytale of New York' or 'Thousands Are Sailing'. Futhermore, I liked how energetic the performances are and how super exagerated the accent and the attituted of the singer are. The only reason I'm not giving a higher score is because, after so many listens, I started to feel that the last songs are a bit derivative. Still very enjoyable, but they drag the album a little bit.
Was surprised by howul much I liked this whole album. Will definitely revisit
This was a fun album, ngl. Might be my favorite celtic punk album ever
This really does have some good stuff on it, but I'm just not usually in the mood for it.
I really like it. Has great energy and somehow nostalgic
Unironically good. 3/5
I quite liked this, the Celtic style alongside punk sensibilities makes for an enjoyable record. I really liked “Streets Of Sorrow/Birmingham Six” and “Fairytale of New York”. I like Shane MacGowan’s vocals as well, they have an odd quality like he’s literally drunk while singing and it adds a good element to these songs
I can’t do a whole album of this type of music 😅
The album has upbeat music. Definitely the type you expect to hear in a pub.
No lubię taką muzykę. Wydaje mi się być szczerą, blisko korzeni, radosna. Taka ludzka. Nie jest ambitna, skomplikowana ani przeintelektualizowana. Jest ludzka. Porywa do tańca jak na wiejskiej zabawie. I ja to szanuję. 7/10
I used to enjoy listening to celtic music, but I haven't done so for a long time. I thought I might enjoy this album more. I enjoyed a few of the numbers, but others failed to move me. I don't know if that means I've lost my taste for traditional Scottish and Irish music, or if it's just the Pogues' style that misses the mark for me. I wanted to like it, but MacGowan's vocals are perhaps an acquired taste, and I haven't really acquired it. It's still a four-star album, but I wish I could have made it a five.
Celtic rock known for reinvigorating the genre
A fookin' quality album
I'd love to hear more about this history of this band! This feels like a precursor to Flogging Molly. Cool storytelling, need to listen to it again.
What a spirit. RIP Shane.
Decent album. Definitely better on the more lively songs. 3/5 Might listen again
This is a really good album and is fun to listen to. Several familiar songs. Pitchfork: n/a Rolling Stone: n/a Best Songs If I Should Fall from Grace with God Fairytale of New York Fiesta The Broad Majestic Shannon Sketches of Spain
I don’t love it, I don’t hate it, it was very long and I didn’t finish it.
I’m sure someone is really lit up by Celtic punk. I’m not that person. I just re-watched “Titanic” and appreciate the underdeck jamboree scene style they have—fiddles and stomping and drums—but the heavy Irish accent and the lyrical callback to, I suppose, traditional folk tunes and dirge detract for me. Hovering between high 2 and light 3. I’ll round up bc I enjoyed the music for the most part.
These Irish punk/folk albums are fun for a while but it overstays it's welcome quite quickly. 6/10
Post battle victory at a tavern. Would be a fun album if I knew the lyrics to all songs. Favorite song: n/a
Folk rock vibes reminded me a lot of the stuff they danced to in pride and prejudice very old timey stuff got that one bells ringing out Christmas time song that I like but yeah definitely a product of its time.
Great fun
Not my jam but I get it! Overall good composition of music and Different!
Frickin' awesome.
half completed, not my thing
Love love love this album
yes yes yes
É um bom álbum. Principalmente para ouvir tomando uma bebida barata. Celest Pandamon.
It's fucking great, although a little too long
There's no one like the Pogues and there's nothing like this punk rock Irish folk album
It was good
Not for me
They're having fun.
Álbum com uma sonoridade típico a cultura Irlandês, não acostumado
Never knew I needed Irish folk punk, but this was fun. Not something I’d listen to on daily basis, but it was a curious new experience.
The Pogues are one of those bands that I love when I hear. Just listening to this folk punk always brings a smile to my face.
feels like i should be trashed listening to this
Given how much I listened to Flogging Molly, and that they've been covered by Titus Andronicus, you'd think I'd have heard The Pogues before this. But I hadn't. I have now, and my life is better for it.
My first thought is Flogging Molly owes these guys some money. So far this album is great. I didnt think I would but the international sounds through an irish glass are quite fun. This album was fantastic! Really great!
Jaunty Irish folk and the worst Christmas song of all time
Pretty fine! One of those sorta things where I don't feel like I need an album of it but I enjoyed my time enough at least.
As a Newfie who enjoys Newfie music, the allure of Irish music is obvious. In that sense, The Pogues were already an ideal band for me. However, combining in all the different influences they do on this album - rock, punk, snippets of music from other cultures, and even the most iconic Christmas song of the last century - make for a truly spellbinding experience. This is one of music's peak forms to me.
This was a really interesting album and I had fun listening to it.
Look, there might be a context where I jam my ass off to a couple of songs on here, but I gotta rate this as an album, and this is just too much Pogues!! I tapped out around track 14/19. Mind you, they're very good at what they do, and individually these are all pretty fun! I did also enjoy the genre fusions they threw in here and there. I would not see myself revisiting it as a personal listen however. Standouts: Metropolis • Fiesta • Sketches of Spain
What an amazing surprise!! I had no idea what to expect at all but instead got this incredible album of talented musicians going hard as hell. What a pleasure to listen to. I was so impressed by how they made different genres their own while the original effort remained recognizable. Definitely going to keep this in the rotation and enjoy more of their stuff.
I like Irish music, and punk isn’t bad either. This is a great fusion of the two. Lots of fun songs with more musical depth in soul than you would originally expect.
Got a bit repetitive
Irish folk is really not for me, I listened to a couple of the songs, but had to skip through most of it.
Reductive, but hearing Dropkick Murphys through a recording played back in a dim & crowded Irish bar isn’t doing it for me.
If I Should Fall From Grace With God is a raucous, spirited blend of Celtic folk and punk energy. The album brims with character, from the rowdy title track to the bittersweet charm of “Fairytale of New York.” It’s full of grit and poetry, balancing wild energy with moments of aching beauty. While a few tracks don’t hit as hard, the record as a whole captures The Pogues at their most inventive and memorable.
I have never personally heard of The Pogues before, nor have I ever considered listening to a Celtic Rock album but I guess that is what the 1001 Albums to Hear before I die challenge wants me to hear. This unapologetically Irish album is quite a trip to my American brain as the compositions here are so weird and yet oddly fitting for the album and overall performances. The only track I seem to have had any familiarity to was Fairytale of New York, which I personally don't remember hearing at all. If you don't like Irish music or Folk Rock as a whole I would suggest avoiding this album as those are some pretty heavy elements used all throughout this album. The lyrics are simple and to the point and are sang in a way that really bounces off the instrumentation from The Pogues to make a very fun and cheerful listening experience. While I am not super huge on this album, I can appreciate the craft and effort put into making this so unique. Maybe I will return to The Pogues someday, but I think for now I have definitely had my fill of Celtic Rock for the time being.
Energetic. Rousing choruses for drinking.
Who says punk can't be jolly? The Pogues certainly know it and do it well. Their blend of Celtic folk and punk make for some great pub songs. McGowan has a unique voice carried by his growling and sloshed Irish lilt. Makes me wonder if Tim Armstrong is a fan. If you love a frenetic shanty, then this album is for you.
Actually really liked this. I can picture jamming out hard to this in an Irish bar. Also seems like it was pretty influential.
Pretty cool - different than expected
Irish punk not really my taste
Celtic rock, Baby. Loved most of it. Lyrics as commentary on life and I really felt it. Listened before? N Saved to library? Y Favorite track(s): Turkish Song of the Damned, Fiesta, Sit Down by the Fire, Streets of Sorrow, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Really liked it. Saved a lot.
Fav: Fairytale Of New York (Feat. Kirsty MacColl) Least Fav: If I Should Fall From Grace With God If you’ve never drunkenly sang Fairytale Of New York with your mates at a pub/nightclub around Christmas, you’ve not lived life to its fullest
This was kinda fun
Disappointingly traditional. One perennial Christmas banger, a decent party novelty track and the rest of the originals are propped up by MacGowan's lyrics and punky delivery. Spirited performances throughout, but the songs are just not that special.
Great mix of tunes that make you want to dance, traditional Irish folk songs to swoon to and Shane McGowan's amazing lyricism. Has both the greatest Christmas tune of all time and the greatest Irish song (on the extended version anyway). Couple of dodgy tunes 'Worms' stands out but otherwise very enjoyable. Fave Tunes: The Irish Rover & Fairytale of New York.
Some parts hit a 3 or 4 for me, but it then some songs really didn't work for me (the broad majestic Shannon for example) and so felt really inconsistent.
I would never put on Irish folk, but enjoyed a lot of this. Loads of great musicianship. I wouldn't say it felt very coherent as an album though and occasionally lulled. 3 overall
Good mix of punk and folk. Maybe loses a bit of focus. Strong 3
Lots to love here
Its refreshing to hear the worlds of punk and celtic folk collide in such a carefree way. The Pogues are political but never preachy, nostalgic but never cloying. They want to remind us that music is allowed to be fun. I wish they were a bit better known beyond their Christmas hit, because they deserve it!
My mum was in an Irish folk band throughout my childhood and this is reminding me way too much of evenings and holidays spent around strangers dancing to music I didn’t understand or like rarely with other children around to hang out with
Yeah, great tunes. Edge of a 4 star rating here for me.
Listening to Fairytale Of New York in September was a bizzare feeling for starters, and the “Celtic Punk” genre definitely isn’t for me. The Irish folk influence is prominent throughout with some punk sprinkled in to give the album energy. But despite having my favourite Christmas song on the album, it’s not doing it for me.
It was fun I've listened to the Pogues before and Irish rover was one of my favorites by them but the lead off track was great
Rating: 9/10 Diverse and catchy Celtic-punk album that is quite diverse in style. Great vocals, lyrics, and infectious instrumentation. First half is five stars easily and it drops in quality a bit after that but still great.
Fun, catchy, high energy. Some of the songs sound very similar, but they're all enjoyable.
Pogues are great but a full album is a bit of a job.
i enjoyed this a whole lot more than i expected to. i only took a downturn when the Celtic pub tunes started (and i think they're bonus track on the extended release). This would get a solid 3.5 from me
Good album full of Irish classics. Wouldn’t necessarily listen again but a fun listen.
just because you can, doesn't mean you should. jig music
Not for me
Pogues Good
Jaunty but deeply repetitive. I’ve heard magowan described as a poet but I can’t tell what he’s saying so I don’t know.
Rachel and I had a jolly ol’ time listening to this on our drive up an AWD dirt road in her tiny sedan. It was actually hilarious to have this strange Irish soundtrack on as the car bottomed out several times
My favorite Christmas album!
I listened to the expanded edition. I do love me some Celtic rock, and I like how they mixed in a little world music with it. Was slightly confused when I got to a Christmas song, but it worked. Listened before? N Saved to library? Y Favorite track(s): Turkish Song of the Damned, Fiesta, Sit Down by the Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Really liked it. Saved a bunch of tracks and even added a few to my instrumental playlist for work.
I love everything Irish.
Obviously fairy tale of new York is good but the rest of the album is all over the place.
It's fun for a song or two, but not for a whole album.
Great album, can’t believe I didn’t hear of this band until they got announced for riot fest
Fun romper. The Irish accent is great for punk. I still don’t fully understand all the love for the New York Fairytale song AS a Christmas song. As a song it’s great, but for Christmas?
I was surprised. The music and depth was very cool. Showed inspirations of other new aged music. Not my type, but a couple songs I’ll remember. 4/5
wonderfully poorly made
Listenable but long and detracted from my enjoyment.
This album transports me back to my college— a local bar had “Irish Nights” with a guy who sang folky songs like this. Honestly he probably covered a few of these songs and I had no idea. For the nostalgia factor there I did think the album was fine, but definitely a tad too long.
I don’t usually like Irish, folk, or punk music but this wasn’t bad. I think some of the songs wouldn’t sound out of place on the radio today.
Favorite Track: If I Should Fall from Grace with God
Irish vibe. A bit redundant.
Stone cold classic, not their best but sure.
Nie wierzę, że ten album nie został wykorzystany przez chińskie służby do torturowania szpiegów. Szanty mają specjalne miejsce w piekle a te wanna be szanty już chyba pod samym Lucyferem grajcują
good ol' irish songs
When I listened, I only wrote 2 words. Let me try again. While this isn't music I would choose to listen to on my own, I enjoyed the music. If I were just rating the music, it would get 4 stars. Most of the songs were fun and made me feel like I was living in another world, one where everything is much simpler than the one I live in. This album does not get 4 stars. It gets 3. The album doesn't work together very well. It is a collection of songs recorded together by the same artist, not an album.
I already had gotten Rum Sodomy & The Lash, so this was a welcome surprise. This one isn't nearly as fun as the last one. Just kind of boring at times. Still, it was solid. The title track as well as "Fiesta" were really good. Beyond that, they were fine. Not the best thing I've heard, but fine.
Lovely Irish folk music!
Respect to the Pogues for being trailblazers and mixing genres. That being said I couldn’t get into it. Reminded me of music being played to loud and too long at an Irish pub where you’re just trying to have a quiet catch up with a mate. At least it wasn’t dropkick murphys….
We going to the pubs with this one
Wow finally got a good one. So many fun upbeat songs.
52/1089 Turkish song of the damned is a banger, Fairytale of New York needs no explanation. Metropolis however is a really fun instrumental track to follow that up Thousands are Sailing is a potential favourite, the instrumental break towards the end of the song is exactly what i love to hear Fiesta sounds so familiar at times, the main trumpet-y motif at least, it’s so playful, i love the fake out near the end, mimicking the slow start 4 stars or 78/100 i really enjoyed this one, i find the style of singing etc a little tiring to listen to at times over the course of the hour long album but the instrumental tracks and joyous vibe is really infectious and breaks that up very well. I will definitely return to this one faves: Thousands are Sailing, Medley: The Recruiting Sergeant…, Turkish Song of the Damned, Fairytale of New York
I've listened to Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash straight through more times than I could count, but I think this is the first time I've done it for this one. It's great, but doesn't quite reach the level of its predecessor. (Also damn if Sentimental Johnny by Flogging Molly isn't a straight ripoff of Fiesta)
Fun one to end the weekend
A bit surprised it wasn’t the one with smoke on the water
I liked this album very, very much. I didn't know anything about this band, and it ended up making my night way happier with the punk rock and ska energy that they bring. My rate: 4.5/5 mini0n, 08/09/2025
Cool sound :)
Den sidste vi havde med dem havde en understrøm af tristhed, jeg savnede lidt på den her. Lyder stadig pissegodt. Han har en perfekt stemme til musikken
Fairytale of New York åbenlys gigantisk banger, men ellers kunne jeg bedre lide den anden vi havde med dem!
Party hard
Really good album. Really shows that punk is a mindset not a sound. I had heard a few off of this album before really good to hear them all in context with one another.
i would be okay to not listen that again.
Grab a Guinness and enjoy. Dance your joyous nihilistic dance. I can see not being in the mood for it, but you are in the mood for it, aren’t you? My best friend caught one of their drumsticks; she revisits the perfect moment whenever she can.
A bit much Irish folk for frequent listening for me, but I actually did really enjoy this one and the vast variety of different musical influences.
A 1 if it wasn't for a legit listenable Christmas song
I am a Pogues tragic
It would be preferable to be sipping on a pint of Guinness when listening to this album. Typical Pogues . Great energy. Worth a couple listens.
Stand alone the songs are strong. As an album they are much of a muchness.
Great music for the entire album
Not gonna lie, this one took me a bit, primarily because of the sonic sameness (which was not helped by the thin Eighties production). But once I made the effort to dig into what Shane MacGowan and co. are really saying here I could see the vision much better. "Gutter poet" is a cliche descriptor for MacGowan but that's because it's accurate, and his tales of being down and out in Ireland and New York are consistently affecting.
Pretty good stuff, but clearly not for everybody. I'm usually in for some good Irish (or Scottish, or any of the Brits) traditional-ish music. I love a good reel or jig, especially when reworked/updated with modern sensibilities. Have heard of the Pogues for years, but never really dove in. Happy for this reminder. I'm not a great fan of Shane's voice, sometimes its better than others, and only rarely does it reach an annoying level. (I find a large bit of "Medley" to be kind of annoying - forced) It's just not pretty and sometimes that works fine. The music is very well done! Again, I like the traditional structures, sounds, and instruments being used in a modern way. Great blending. "Metropolis" is a great instrumental. "Fiesta" reminds me of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, or is that the other way around. Seems to be from the same years. "Fairytale of New York" has some "interesting" lyrics for an Xmas song. :) I'm not sure when I'll listen to this again. It's a rare mood where I think about digging into semi-traditional Irish music) but I definitely know I will. Giving this a 4 because the music is solid and the playing is fairly exceptional. Good energy.
Got to love The Poges!
Great!
Pirate music! No from me. I recognised the Christmas song though
Holy hell, what an album! Is it perfect? No. Is it Irish? Oh yeah. Is Irish music meant to be perfect? No. Is Irish music the original punk music? I’d say so, and also that the Pogues do Irish music a punk as anyone before or since. They said ‘Fuck the British’ instead of ‘Fuck the Establishment’ or ‘Fuck Mom&Dad’ or ‘Fuck…’ whatever modern punk rails against. But, make no mistake, this is punk music. Through and through his album also surprised me when every song goes the extra mile - when most bands would finish up, these guys play around a few more bars of instrumental melody and give that little extra. I guess that epitomizes Shane MacGowan, who sounds like he always said “around once more”, whether he was singing or drinking. So, in a way, he sacrificed himself on the altar of ‘too much’ to leave a legacy of Irish punk music like no one else.
1h 3min Mittelaltermarkt. Da wünscht man sich die Pest zurück.
Interesting
Walk in heard these were playing walked out
Energetic, folksy, crass and somewhat beautiful. I've always enjoyed Irish folk, and this album does the genre a great service. Not every song is one I'd probably go back to, but most of them had my foot tapping.
10/10 love this album. The inspiration for so many Irish bands.
The Bells Were Ringing Out For Christmas Day 1001 Albums Generator 108 (09/01/2025) The Pogues are probably the most popular Celtic punk band, and If I Should Fall From Grace with God is their most popular album. While it is only debatably their most critically acclaimed (sharing the pedastal with Rum, Sodomy, & the Lash), it manages to be both a tight distillation of their sound while exploring less Irish sounds on songs like Turkish Song of the Damned and Fiesta (two of my favorites). It is also worth mentioning that some of the finest moments on this album are songs that start out slow before exploding. Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six has a very slow, pastoral first half before the band comes in with this great bit of Irish folk rock, fiddle and all. And of course, Fairytale of New York, The Pogues biggest song, follows this formula as well. What a song. Probably the only Christmas song with a slur in it, there is a reason why Fairytale is consistently the most popular Christmas song in the UK. The lyrics are a lot of fun and the sound of the song is just so whimsical. While there are some wonderful tracks here, the second half of the album is a bit weaker in general, with a few songs near the end bending together for me. If I Should Fall From Grace is a great, classic album with some weak moments. 3.5/5, rounded up to a 4. Favs: If I Should Fall From Grace with God Turkish Song of the Damned Fiesta Least Fav: Lullaby of London
1.5/5
This was hard for me to listen to. That’s the point of this list though, so I persevered. Musically of course it’s well played. Some nice ideas here and there that sadly often descend into the same snare shuffle or “jig”. MacGowan has a mean scream though, and I liked that it hinted at punk at times. Repetitive at times and far too jolly throughout. This has been the biggest ask of this challenge so far for me personally. It is what it is, but isn’t for me.
Crazy irish mood
What a better way to imagine myselft drinking in a pub, that listening to the Pogues
a bit too punk rock for my tastes, but cool to see the origin of the genre
Excellent record this - perfect blend of joyous energetic music with incredible storytelling lyrics. Im very familiar with Rum Sodomy and the Lash but this was all new to me. Turkish Song, Bottle of Smoke, Metropolis, Fiesta, all highlights, but the whole album is really. There’s just something very very very interesting about The Pogues and I cant always put my finger on it.
Hard not to enjoy the pogues but don't think I've heard an album by them and was surprised how interesting it was, I think they are just way tighter as a band than you'd expect them to be. Its Irish folk music for the most part but they keep it as varied as you could possibly expect. Turkish song of the damned in particular was unexpected. Listened to a few tracks again and its great, I'm not sure if the pogues are a 5 star band but this a 5 star album.
There's some great stuff here. Thousands Are Sailing, Fiesta, Lullaby of London are wonderful and charming - either galloping, or mega maudlin. Fairytale of New York is the standout, as was expected. I even enjoyed Worms. However, some of the tracks (Mountain Dew, looking at you) are misjudged, and it was a tad too trad for me in places. Overall, lovely album and well worth a listen, but doesn't hit the stratosphere and I feel I should be picky, given the exuberance of the group to reward this.
I've got a soft spot for the Pogues. Don't think I've listened to this album before though.... I thought this was great, so much better than I was expecting. It's got that traditional Irish folk sound, but with an extra punky edge that really elevates it. The stuff with the Dubliners is great, got some interesting other bits in there too. Metropolis and Sketches of Spain were cool. Highlights: Thousands are sailing Fiesta Irish rover Medley Streets of sorrow/Birmingham six Mountain dew If I should ever fall from grace with god My main criticism is that it felt really strange listening to fairytale of New York and it not being Christmas. Always makes me think of everyone drunkenly singing it at a pub in my hometown at Christmas... It's the best Xmas song It's a 5 (I'm ignoring "worms") and I'll be back
This was fun and I liked it more than I expected.
Really good stuff - like Great Big Sea, a huge kitchen party!
Irish punk folk
Okay, I must admit, I ended up enjoying this album more than I initially thought I would. It's pretty fun.
Funny story. I was just in an Irish rock phase and had been listening to the pogues in an assorted playlist of artists. I was excited to see them on here.
This was great. I want more of this.
Since I know that I can hear Fairytale at will one month a year for the rest of my life, this album will not be troubling me any longer.
solid album, "fairytale in new york", "fiesta" "london lullaby" and "thousands are sailing" are all great, would listen to again
Surprisingly tight instrumentation despite the singers famously loose and snotty vocals. Each Track is like a swig on a bottle of whiskey and an enthusiastic stumble down the street. One song throws in some middle Eastern influences, another sounds like a noir detective car chase through Chicago - they certainly keep things interesting. 'Fiesta' is lifted straight from a Spanish fairground jingle which you will no doubt recognise from somewhere. Although other influences are thrown in to the mix, ultimately if you don't enjoy traditional Irish music, you won't like this - which is why I tapped out halfway through. But I appreciate the variety of this album. Oh, and this is the record with 'Fairytale...' on it, so that's probably why this one is on the list.
This was right in my wheelhouse and lots of fun to listen to! I don't like the use of the f-slur in Fairytale but society generally wasn't concerned about that in 1988, I suppose, and it's only the one, so I guess I'm gonna let it slide.
Fun Irish music. Definitely picked up on some the issues the Irish went thru.
Was cool to hear, has never heard of these guys. Probably wouldn't listen to outside of st pattys day
Okay this is pretty awesome. Folk witb a punky edge. I knew I liked folk metal, but I really just like a good celtic folk song. Has Fairytale of New York too which is one of the best xmas songs. Eastern influence in Turkish Song of the Damned Metropolis is a crazy instrumental track, from celtic folk to big band/jazz? Halfway through and no bad tracks Even Mariachi in Fiesta?! The Broad Majestic Shannon is like a prototype Fairytale of New York 2nd half definitely feels 'safer', less crazy energy and fusion of genres. Musicianship and songwriting is insanely good. Best track - Metropolis, Bottle of Smoke, Turkish Song of the Damned 4 or 5 stars. First half is so good! 5!
It brings me back to high school, my friend was, and still is obsessed with The Pogues. I can only listen in small sections as it's pretty intense!
Could not make it through the 3rd song, a thick Irish accent singing a Christmas song is as goofy as it is bad. Stopped so spotify does not recommend me more like this. not good 2/5
Some good Irish jigs. Fun album but not much stood out to me. Had some slower songs to change the feel. Can’t say I’d go back to really listen to much of them but it was a good change of pace for a different genre to listen to. Overall, it’s mid and about a 2.5 star.
This is really hard because it’s probably an objectively well-made album, it’s just not my cup of Guinness.
Respect it but not my thing
Let's gloss over the very Christmassy elephant in this particular room, as a song that slightly defies rating or classification, and look at the rest of this album. And it's good! It is! It's also a lot of very similar songs with a load of fiddles and a drunk man singing over them. But there are many worse ways to pass the day.
no lo terminé, no es mi estilo de música para nada. buenas letras, igualmente
The Pogues are a new band for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this album and literally wanted to dance almost the entire time I listened to it. Celtic music in general is so beautiful to me, and this album elevates it. The instrumentation alone on the album made me feel so many things. The vocals just added to that experience. I’m looking forward to delving further into their discography.
Sounds like aggressive folk music. I looked it up and it's Irish. I was about to comment how the beginning of this album reminded me of Flogging Molly. Went from aggression to clearly a drunk singing at the karaoke bar to probably the most stereotypical Irish sounding music I have ever heard in my life. I think Fiesta is the most...out of pocket song on this album. This is not something I will go back and listen to. In fact, I'm struggling to finish the album.
Really warmed up to this
totally not irish
An undeniable classic 5*
o.o
G/zg
The Pogues have the reputation of a punk band masquerading as an Irish traditional folk band. Really, they're a trad folk revivalist band with just enough of a punk bent to break through to the mainstream in the highly-polished late 80s. Make no mistake: the subjects of their songs would be entirely at home on a Clash or Boomtown Rats album but that's always been the case with folk music: it's frequently about hard times and injustice. Anyway, it's fun and it's thoughtful and its place in the recurring popularity of traditional folk forms is important. Follow music long enough and you'll live through at least one folk revival (in my case, as of 2025, the most recent one gave us Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers, among others). The only thing more interested in staying away from corporate control than punk is trad folk. Not even my favourite folk album but one worth listening to.
Celtic punk, good irish band. I like the accent of the singer and the energy of the songs
This album was my first exposure to the Pogues. Bought it after seeing them performing “Body of an American” on Saturday Night Live. I couldn’t understand a word that was said but I loved their energy, their look,their sound, everything. Album did not disappoint and became the soundtrack of my autumn and winter that year. Cassette tape had the fun James Joyce collage cover.
Worldly Irish Folk Punk
Wow! Need to come back to this one. I don't know how I managed to avoid hearing The Pogues all these years.
Little sing songy for my preferences but it’s a passionate and spirited album.
interesting
I liked this more then I thought - but it was all the classic folk songs I liked
i'm not sure what i was expecting, but it wasn't that.
Solid album.
I love the pogues
Not a big Pogues guy but this was alright
Legal
Really dug this one
A decent upbeat bluegrass style party vibe. Enjoyed but not something I would listen to actively.
Fiesta and fairy tale of new York make it a 4 on their own. I'd give it 4.5 if I could since I feel it gets a bit samey after a bit. Still really good.
4.1
Demasiado creativo ese irish punk como para mí pero me hizo mucha gracia la mezcla de instrumentos
Building on the highs of Rum Sodomy and the Lash, The Pogues really hit their stride here with their Celtic-folk punk. A lot of fun.
More enjoyable than I thought it would be.
Not really my style, but I see the appeal
Thanks. Because of you, there is a Dropkick Murphys. I hate amber ale.
'tis crew again? Me likey the tunes on 'tis album. If only the boring tunes was killed off 'tis album. Me favorite tune: "Turkish Song Of The MacGowan Damned".
Not opposed to folk nor punk, but this really doesn't do it for me. I do like the idea behind this band though.
Good Album
I enjoy Irish folk rock, and in addition to this album, have several other albums from the Pogues. In addition, my collection includes the Chieftains, Flogging Molly and the Dropkick Murphys. This style is just fun, though there are of course those tunes with a bit of a deeper, darker message, aren't there. All in all though, good stuff!
Irish folk music is top-tier. Favourite Songs: If I Should Fall from Grace with God, Turkish Song of the Damned, Fairytale of New York, Metropolis, Streets Of Sorrow/Birmingham Six. Least Favourite Songs: NO.
I’ve only known a couple of Pogues tunes and this was cool to listen to on the ride home from a long day at work. This is what this list should be about. Good music with variety, not another Dylan album.
Celtic Rock
this is fun, tho the irish folk style isn't my favorite. 3/5
Buena mierda Irlandesa, con referencia a España en la canción "Fiesta". Qué mas se le puede pedir.
I unabashedly LOVE Irish music, obsessed
Absolutely loved this. I’ve heard their music before but it was a great experience to listen through the chaos of a whole album
Sticks pretty closely to its specific vibe sonically, but there's still enough variety there to keep you interested. Some nice storytelling in the lyrics. Deals with some interesting themes as well at many points.
Heard lots by the pogues, but cool to hear a whole album. I didn't really like the slow songs, but the others were great. This isn't something I'd pick out to listen on my own, but we listen to them in my family a lot so it feels familiar. All the instruments they use are cool, and I liked the instrumental bits. Most of the songs were new to me. Only reason I liked it was for the sound and thats it's familiar to me. 4.5/10
*1988. Celtic punk rock. *I have no idea why there are two the Pogues albums on this list. *I liked the first few songs, but then it got weird. **Best song is fairytale of New York. RATING – 6.5/10
not really my thing, well done though
A treat. I knew exactly 1 Pogues song before listening to this. I wouldn’t say there are any big surprises here, but I enjoyed hearing more of what this band was capable of. Stand out tracks (aside from Fairytale): Thousands are Sailing (gorgeous melody, ever pertinent topic), Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six and – of course – Worms!
Raucous folk punk celebrating life in the face of death. If you just listened to the music while ignoring the lyrics you might think this is a happy album, but far from it. There are lots of songs about death, dying, and uncertainty. But the joyful music adds to the lyrical nuance about celebrating one's culture and family in the face of tragedy. It starts with a bang with the terrific first two tracks, "Fairytale," and "Thousands are Sailing." After that I do think the new ideas wear a bit thin, but the upbeat folk sounds mean it's never boring.
Loved this. A lot of fun, great musicianship, something I can see myself listening to again. 5/5.
I mean. If this is what you want? Rebel songs. Gambling songs. Heartache songs. This is the highest.
This style of music is not for me, except for maybe "Fairytale of New York
with the Sinners movie just coming out, this band might get some more notice. The NY Fairytale is a favorite of christmas romcoms, but I don't think now as much about the Punk and Clash influences on this band.
Great album. Not necessarily something I will listen to regularly but I enjoyed this.
I generally get my fill of the Pogues pretty quickly, but I liked this quite a bit. "Fairytale of New York" is a classic, and there's plenty to like on this—though I probably need to be in the mood for it.
It gets some credit for being crazy with its style and genres, but this is almost mostly just not for me. And I really have a hard time picking out anything that really makes it great. It just goes on for so long. The Mountain Dew song made me chuckle a bit. The soda had to be around by now, right? Favorite Song(s): Thousands Are Sailing
An excellent album, The Pogues at the very top of their game with timeless ballads like Fairytale, Americana, Irish roots and a huge amount of historic, folky depth. Shane never sounded better!
- I recognised a lot of the songs and I could even sing along! - Fairytale of New York is a tradition in my house, it's very good on karaoke - There are so many songsssss Ah it was so good and it reminded me of parts of my childhood. I love this album and although there are a lot of songs it is still so so amazing.
As much as I like Celtic music, I’m not the biggest fan of the Pogues. This album in whole was okay but it wasn’t as impressive and sounds almost like every piece of Celtic music made. There are some highlights in this album but I don’t think it stands out as great in my opinion. Favorite Tracks: Turkish Song of the Damned, Fairytale of New York, Lullaby of London Rating: 3/5
Muy irlandés. Al final cansa pero la musica está guay, es animada.
Amazing from top to bottom. I loved every second.
Best Christmas song of all time + 18 songs that sound the exact same as each other. It’s pretty good though
i really wasn’t a big fan of Rum Sodomy and The Lash, but this was great
catchy. I liked every song
I enjoyed every minute of this
I wasn't expecting to see this on here. Great energy, plenty of great songs, runs a little long though
I heared the name Pogues, but never heared a note from this band before... Haven't heared much of Celtic Punk either, so I didn't know what to expect. And I liked it more than I would expect it. I haven't heared much punk or even rock here, though. This music is so joyful. So much rooted in folk, but still quiet modern. It has so much of NATURAL APPEAL, without even trying to get it. Like, you can put this music to people any age, any social status, etc, and I believe that these melodies and sounds will make them joyful. The arragements are great, but even more of this words are about Shane MacGowan (R.I.P.). He sounds like a rough drunkard, but with so much appeal, that I believe I finally found music that no one will be annoyed by. It just sounds so happy, without being sugary or fake in any way. I don't know how often I will go back to this record, and how much I will listen to that style of music per se, so I didn't know if I will rate it 4 or 5. But hey! What the heck. I will rate it 5, just because it's so charming and brings as much of a naked pure joy as only music can bring
Me gustó la fusión del folk irish con el punk. No muy mí estilo y se me hizo medio monótono.
No private session used for Spotify. Folk punk really isn't my thing, it sounds like Christmas. Too many songs on this album and as long as we are talking about excess, there are too many people in this band playing too many instruments at the same time.
The Pogues don't really do it for me. But this author is totally down with 'em. They're not bad. I do wonder if the author intended this list to be all 5 star albums in their opinion. For all I know, this could be the absolute undeniable best album of the Celtic Punk genre, and to be fair, it probably is. Nothing stood out to me though, actually I take that back. They said an offensive word in Fairy Tale from New York. Different times and all that, but... it certainly detracts from any 'cool punk vibes' they may have been going for.
I like how playful and energetic Celtic music is. But this is the second album from The Pogues I've listened to and it's just more of the same stuff. I think that this music is pretty good at the baseline but doesn't have a very high ceiling as there doesn't seem to be a lot of place for iteration. This album is still an enjoyable listen, but it's nothing special. 7/10
It was alright a 2.75
ba ma asteptam ca dupa primele 4 melodii sa ma plictiseasca teribil dar chiar m-a tinut entertained. solistul ar fi putea face o trupa de post punk and i really appreciate
Ugh. Not my thing at all.
My 100th album and second Pogues on this list which is one Pogues album too many. That being said, it’s not terrible it’s just the same old thing.
3 pints in and at a bar in Dublin, this might be a 5. But driving around in August, it didn't hit
7/10 Total Listens: 1 (so far) Very different feel from Buckley, of course, which is a reason why I find this website so compelling. First track was fine enough, but the 2nd song was what caught my ear and made me think I might really enjoy this. Some fun tension in the composition that appears and disappears quite quickly but makes "Turkish Song of the Damned" feel just that bit darker, although its outro is a bit dragged out. Another highlight is "Thousands Are Sailing", which has a killer cello(?) riff (for lack of a better word - or is riff the correct word even for non-guitar string instruments?). Some tracks (e.g. "Bottle of Smoke") do kind of feel like they fall a little too much into nonsense Irish babbling for me, but most of the album fortunately avoids this. I'll also say that the B side of the album does kind of blend together for me; everything is either good or okay, but nothing stands out in either direction. Of course, any discussion of this album is incomplete without mentioning "Fairytale of New York", a truly beautiful and quite sad 'Christmas' song. Sure, the setting is Christmas, but it's much more about these characters and their nuanced feelings for one another. Sure, the guy seems terrible, but something about the two of them have kept them together even though they don't seem to want to be on the surface. I'm not here for in-depth discussion, but I felt amiss not to at least give a sentence on this song's lyricism. Its instrumentation is gorgeous as well, of course, which furthers the dissonance of the song as well as making it just a really damn good song.
de ersti song chli hektisch und d singstimm gfallt mer nöd so. di arabisch aghuuchte harmonie im zweite song gfalled mir no guet. sini stimm immernonig, aber im zweite song findis recht amüsant, sone metal-stimm mit dene harmonie z ghöre und gliichzitig wird de song sochli seemännisch und am schluss wegem rhythmuswechsel plötzlich irisch. bi bottle of smoke denki eif wiiterhin hä? wtf isch das? und denn de kontrast zu fairytale of new york wo so ruhig isch. wild. aber er cha wükli nöd singe. d sängerin biz besser. aber spötistens bim nöchste song ischs mer langsam gnueg irischi hektik. wiiter hani ehrlichgseit nöd möge lose
Lovely Pogues!
So happy this came up. Love it!
I always felt they were a bit of a novelty act, but, you can't deny the musicality. High 2s.
That was okay
...then I'm going to Hell.
Finally some good fucking food. “Turkish Song Of The Damned” really set the pace for this album being intentional, colorful, energetic, and often about hardship. But “Fairytale Of New York” was really when I locked in, I’m a sucker for a sappy piano ballad. This albums take on that type of song is really cool, taking the soft piano part into a more galavanting Irish jingle. “Metropolis” has my favorite instrumental, it’s very tense and suspended right from the get go. “Fiesta” was fun because it almost veers into ska-punk territory! “Sketches Of Spain” shows the breadth of styles the band is willing to cover and infuse with their signature Irish-folk sound. This is such a cool fusion of two distinct sounds. Loved this project for how intentional it is, how much all the members sold out to deliver energetic performances across the track listing. Emphatic 4/5 from me!
I've heard of the Pogues, but probably couldn't have named one of their songs before today. Póg mo thóin, too funny. Not sure what I expected, but it wasn't what I heard. They don't sound punk in that they actually seem like pretty good musicians and MacGowan actually sings more than screams. I guess lyrics and attitude are what make this punk. I enjoyed listening to this one quite a bit. Makes me a little curious to explore their music more.