Reviews (page 8 of 13)
Aight
I always knew I had a personal limit of how many Pogues songs I can hear in a row before they all start to blend together. Now I know that limit is 7. I can listen to any 7 of these songs in any order and I'll have a good time. But I don't really want any more than that. After 10, I end up saying Enough! Other than that this is a good album for what it is, even if it's 12 songs too long. Good song for a closer too.
Very good
I got Rum Sodomy & the Lash some days ago so funny this rolled for today, and I think I liked it more maybe off the strength of being more energetic and varied compared to RSL, even still I can't seem to get used to how Celtic Rock sounds but hey I had fun
Metropolis is the best song. FUCK worms. 3.5
sweet, punk trad!
Great love the pogues
5 Stars for best Christmas song, ever
well executed but not something I would jam to on my own accord
POV: It's St. Patrick's Day 2015, you and boys are crushing Harp Lagers and pounding Jamo shots. You could play this entire album, front to back all day and not a single person in the bar would notice it's been on repeat. I enjoyed it, but at the end of the day it's an Irish folk album that plays 20 really similar songs. It's exactly what I thought it was going to be - not bad just not really innovative.
Kinda *too* folky for me? I like folk rock a lot but not really this style, and it kinda all just blends into one.
wow, like the Boston song but for an hour+, dont love it
Good stuff. 4 stars.
really fun, reminds me of gma
This album is full of chaotic charm—part punk, part traditional Irish folk, and completely unmistakable. Shane MacGowan’s slurred, ragged vocals are both a strength and a stumbling block depending on the song, but there’s no denying the band’s energy and spirit. The title track is a whirlwind, and Fairytale of New York has earned its place as a bittersweet Christmas staple. There are flashes of brilliance and storytelling throughout, but it’s a bit uneven as a full listen. When it hits, it really hits—but when it doesn’t, it can start to blur into a drunken stomp of tin whistles and accordion. There’s definitely heart here, and the band’s wild, unpolished sound is part of their appeal, but it doesn’t always translate into a consistently gripping album. Rough around the edges, with a few standouts, but more hit-and-miss than great.
Me gustó más a medida que avanzó
81/1089 - Good but samey.
Thought this would be all about Fairytale of New York (my favorite Christmas song, btw) but it's actually pretty solid. Sounds like they're having a great time.
Fun Irish
Irish rock / folk feel
Still just not something I have much interest in at all. This one is a bit less actively grating to me though for most of it at least.
Not at all what I expected. Felt like a cross between The Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. Would like to listen to more by The Pogues.
Irish band, super fun to listen to
I've had enough Irish rock for one week
I really like The Pogues, they are on my St. Paddy's day mix, but I don't think I've ever listened to a full album by them and man what an album! This got me moving faster and it just sounded good! Very fast paced Irish music!
Good
I liked the style
5 out of 5. This album is a festive good time.
Enjoyed some of this and of course one of the all time great Christmas songs is in there which gives it a boost. Equally a few numbers didn’t quite hit the mark.
Music to enjoy with several pints of Guinness in a Dublin pub! It has one of the top 3 all time Christmas songs along with a fine selection of upbeat songs that I liked.
I was rather surprised by the number of tracks on this album, and the variety of styles incorporated. Doesn’t mean I particularly like it though. Just all feels a bit cliched Irish music down the pub schtick to me. Tips into a 3 for a classic Xmas tale.
Great Irish folk music
I have heard of the Pogues and have listened to "Fairytale in New York" before listening to this album. I really enjoy the "music" but will likely never listen to this album again. It is not offensive and is well done just not what I am into.
Very upbeat Irish folksy sounding, almost wades into Shipping up to Boston territory. Decent at first, but gets old fast.
3,5/5 ⭐ é na sola da bota
I’m only aware of this style of music through Flogging Molly. Great to hear the original Celtic Punk - and it’s much better I might add. More folk influences, more thoughtful lyrics, and better musicianship. The energetic songs are fun but the ballads are what sold me.
What a fucking blast, I already new fairytale, but hearing it the larger context was fascinating.
Nostalgic sound that takes me back to driving around with my Irish grandmother. Love the mix of lyrical and instrumental tracks. Interesting lyrics and topics.
This makes me wish Ireland was a real place :'(
Gotta represent the friends of the motherland. I feel this music in my blood SCOTLANDDDDD FOREVERRRRRRR!!!!!
I had never heard the pogues before besides the one christmas song. and. this is like a 2 or 3 for how much I would normally like this music. but. the pogues are special. the idea of a bunch of Irish punks forming a celtic folk band is something you make a heartfelt christmas movie out of (or the best christmas song ever.) I think it is so wonderful that this band exists.
Awesome album, intense energy, unique sound. You can hear the bands they influenced in their music.
On The Wire, whenever McNutty is drunk-driving his car into street signs he’s usually listening to the Pogues, I think. Those four-second clips are enough Pogues for me to hear in my lifetime.
Bangers on bangers on bangers. 7/10
A third of the way in and I cannot bear to listen to more. 'Metropolis' is good though.
Very Irish and a good surprise of a record. Filled with heart and songs to get you going.
Good, but too much irish music.
tremendo meh irlandes
Early on I elected to review albums subjectively - not as an impartial critic, but as a fan - based on how much I personally liked the music. But there are exceptions. I tire of the accordian-flute-mandolin sound and the sea shanty / pub jig style. But the creative audacity, the commitment by the lot of ‘em to their sound, and the honesty of this album make it undeniably great; regardless of how often I may want to listen to it.
Punk band meets Irish traditional/ folk music with a little jazz thrown in. Great listen, made me want to get up and dance and hang out with a big group of friends. Really enjoyed
Super interesting, nice to see older Irish folk punk. I’d listen a few times, 4 stars
Just incredible!!
Nachme höch chund wider s tüüf. Mit dene Seefahrer-buebe chani absolut gar nüd ahfange. Ein chliine, gstrandete und vertröchnete Seestern für das Theater
Pfuui tüfel. Ganz grusig, hed mine ohre weh tah und null spass gmacht. If i should get eardamage from sound with the pogues by the devils. Ein tüfel ein pubkt
Music is fine, but I dont think the vocal matches the vision
I like both The Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly but I've never really listened to The Pogues and I'm learning that this is kind of where the genre started so that's a shame. There's some good stuff on here and I might listen to more The Pogues in the future for sure Standouts Turkish Song of the Damned Fairytale of New York Thousands Are Sailing The Irish Rover 4/5
Nope
Nah
RIP Shane McGowan. This is the Pogues at their best. There's not much else to say.
I'll confess that Fairytale of New York was all I had previously heard but consider this my minting as a new Pogues fan!
I'm an idiot for not listening to this sooner considering how much i like 'Rum Sodomy and the Lash' which came right before it. Songwriting is just top tier all over this. Plenty of albums on here feel like they drag on forever, this one I was shocked when it ended, felt like it only started.
Raucous, lyrically brilliant, fun and always joyous. There was just something very fun about the Pogues.
I truely believe it’s a metal masterpiece and an excellent depiction of its era. However, listening to it in 2025 I can’t help but think it’s theatre rock- it could and should be a Broadway musical. High energy and extremely animated. A good way to start the day, adds 2.5x speed to whatever you’re doing.
Do people actually listen to this shit when it's not St. Patty's day? You get a pass if you're actually Irish.
I don’t know what to do with this. I really like it, but I am not in an Irish bar! But I want to be. Because I’m not in a bar or at a folk music festival, I get Irish folk music fatigue after a good handful of songs. This record is too long for my taste.
Even if you're not familiar with the Pogues, you've heard their sound: quintessential Celtic punk/drinking songs.
Yes! Lots of fun, would be even better knocking back the beers. I can skip the Christmas one right?
Geggjuð hljómsveit og flott plata. Geggjaðir textar og mikið trallað.
Way better than I'd expected. Would listen again.
Loved this. I was a bit bored about 3/4 through. Maybe slightly long. But a collection of fantastic songs
Great album. Multiple different styles and melodies. Very catchy and heartfelt in parts. Stand out song ,- Fairytale of New York
More annoying than the first album I had listened to.
Love the Celtic jauntiness, but I wish Shane MacGowan's voice was not the one belting out the lyrics. Lyrics are well written but I've always found his voice annoying. The album may be a bit tad on the long side, as hip hop albums do this as well perhaps this added value? Everything else is great about this album. One of the few albums that hipsters and I agree on.
Pretty standard irish/Scottish punk stuff. Were they the first? A few songs felt very Dropkick Murphy's or Flogging Molly - not a bad thing for a 30+ year old album. Vocals weren't the strongest, I like that style but I'm not sure it was mixed well. Reminded me of Rancid at times. The vocals were the strongest and most clear on some of the slower stuff, but that wasnt enough to keep me completely engaged. The Instrumental and Medleys were cool and I didn't mind some of the traditional stuff.
Really good time. Throw on Irish folk music and everyone is in a good mood. I thought it was a tad long and slower to the end so I rounded down.
Yesterday was a terrible day. Too terrible for sad pogues music so I just listened to Steve Winwood all day instead. Sean said it was good so I’ll give it a 3.
Loved it. Would’ve been much better with a pint of Guinness than behind a desk reviewing insurance claims, but bills need to get paid. Nobody does folk music better than the Irish. Give it a little bit of modernizing and you can’t miss. If you’re into Flogging Molly or Drop Kick Murphys than you’re gonna like this too.
Need more Celtic Punk in my life....it's like folk meets rock meets bluegrass meets drinking. 4.5 stars.
Enjoyed this more than I expected. Curious whether it just landed in my feed because it was St. Patricks day week.
Un álbum extrañísimo, muy divertido, con mucha experimentación genial y con poco más de una hora en la que no dejé de sonreír con lo absolutamente loco que se pone todo, pero sin jamás recurrir a hacer ruidos innecesarios o meter cosas que no sirven para nada. Me la pasé muy bien.
This was interesting, for like, two songs. It was like, what the hell is folk/punk?! Punk is the antithesis of folk. Oh. OK. So, that's Irish folk/punk. Ok. I get it. And I'm done with it. I guess I needed to hear that before I died so that I knew that there was such a thing as Irish folk/punk? I guess? But, like, how is that useful knowledge? I dunno. This album leaves me with more questions than answers. Actually, no. I have no further questions. I have zero desire to hear this again. Ever.
Really enjoyed this. The guys voice works really well and overall it’s just a fun time the whole way through. 4 stars
Fine album for st Patricks day. Not as friendly as RS&L but does have their biggest hit. It's a bit odd listening to FTONY in march.
I was ready to not like this but I enjoyed it. Upbeat, fun
Enjoyable, jolly, dark at times, but always enjoyable Irish folk music. It has everything you look for when seeking out the genre.
I think I don't like folk music. Giving it a 2 because at least I liked "Metropolis" and I wasn't completely miserable the entire time.
I really like the instrumentals, but don't really care for MacGowan's voice. This was refreshingly different from some of the other albums that have come up on this list. It does run a little long though. Fairytale of New York bumps this up to a 3 for me
Rollicking and ribald and rip-roarin' generally. One doesn't have to be an expert an Irish (or Turkish [both gestured at and actually pursued] or Mexican) music to appreciate the full-on playing, which sounds awful tight most of the time. "Fairytale of New York" is the standout – "Danny Boy for hipsters, with its all-time opening line – but the title cut "Metropolis" and "Thousands are Sailing" also deliver rich pleasure or rich pathos or a well-balanced mix of both. They are either the Irish Replacements or the Replacements are the American Pogues. Either way, the playing is surprisingly tight at time ... the unit worked well enough for all the mythic drunkenness and debauchery. And has there ever been a better worse singer than Senor McGowan?
Not a fan
Some good stuff but I struggled with the sound for an entire album.
Great stuff guys.
Not really my style but i recognize the talent. Fairytale is an amazing song.
Great way to start off St. Paddy’s weekend. It was fun, lively, interesting.
Irish punk, not always the vibe but better than expected.
Very accessible despite being a sound/music genre that is new to many. Loved the production and the overall tone was explosive and felt lively. There are themes/lyrics that have not aged well. Lastly this album was a blast and i found myself reading up on the band members other albums.
Super fun. All those Irish punk bands are just covers of this
8/10
It’s the Pogues, bouncy enough to cheer you up but a poignant undercurrent to keep it real.
This was a LOT of The Pogues for me to have in one sitting. Living in the drinkingest neighborhood in a city with a rowdy St. Patricks Day parade & celebration has really ruined me for The Pogues, which is truly not fair to them. But hey, it's March 12 and this Saturday is the parade so I'm already bracing myself.
there's some heavy lifting being done by fairytale of course, but when you're in the mood for the pogues this is probably the best album
I had drinks with dinner todaym. its the Pogues!! Fairytale of anew York!!
The Pogues are always a treat. RIP Shane MacGowan.
This is fun, folk, punk, Celtic rock. It's in my blood that I have to like this, and I do! It's for yelling in a crowded pub, beers spilling everywhere, someone is probably going to get in a fight. Plus he's an excellent storyteller, every song reads like a journey over green rolling Irish hills. And as a lover of Christmas music, I can't deny what an all-time classic "Fairytale of New York" is. One of my favorites.
It certainly wasn't bad, but, unfortunately, I just know I won't be returning to this very often
Great Irish Music. Album could've been shorter in my opinion. But Topic-wise and mentality wise its great content. Enjoyed it way more than expected and it was a fun listen. Its nothing i would say has a huge replay value, but each listen will be entertaining.
Only Pogues album I'd listened to before was Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash, though I've listened to Fairytale of New York plenty before, and this one just reinforced my existing opinion: The Pogues have some really good tunes, but their albums are pretty uneven. Shane MacGowan was a very talented songwriter but every time I hear this band I'm reminded of how fucking nasty his teeth are. I really only listen to them around St. Paddy's day, so good timing for this to show up in my album generator.
Great music to work on a ship to. Something about folk punk transcends cultures and it reminds me of a lot of stuff. It rocks.
Surprised at how many of these I actually knew. I can get behind some Celtic music, but throw in some elements of The Clash? Now we’re talking a language I didn’t know I spoke. Fun album, if a bit disjointed at times (why is there a Christmas song on here). Makes me wanna grab the homies and some beers and run around in the street
The Pogues are so fucking cool. Irish traditional fixed with folk-punk is fucking glorious. This isn't even their best album but goddamn is it magnificent. Love the playing on here
I feel like I’m in a medieval fairytale.
While not their best album, if you are a fan of Celtic Punk, this album hits all the right notes. While 'Fairytale of New York' is the most standout track, there are so many great songs on this album that delivers track after track.
Pleasantly surprised by this one! The folk instrumentals were cool and there was good variety to the songs.
Very Irish. Wouldn’t add it to a playlist but sounded fun
Pleasantly surprising - I bet this is great live. A bit repetitive though and some bands just need to let someone else sing. Think what it’d be like with someone good!
One of my all time favorite albums. My only complaint is that I got it on March 4 instead of the 17th.
No need explanation.
I had a foggy notion of what the Pogues sounded like but this was better than expected. Highlight(s): Bottle of Smoke/Fairytale of New York Lowlight(s): N/A
You know, I was initially kind of shocked to see The Pogues having two albums on this list. But you know what? I'm not entirely against it. This is for one simple reason. I really liked both of the albums. I enjoyed Rum Sodomy and the Lash when I listened to it back in July 2024, and I think I actually enjoyed If I Should Fall From Grace With God even more. I think that's because this album has a stronger focus on the punk part of their folk punk label, whereas its predecessor is more of a folk album with light punk elements. This album blends the two ideas in a way that really appeals to me. Shane MacGowan's singing fits the vibe perfectly. The songwriting is pretty good too. It's kind of interesting that this album's most popular song, "Fairytale of New York" is somewhat of a Christmas song. I'm not sure I've gotten an album with a Christmas song on it before today (you know, aside from the literal Christmas album). That song's great, and so are the others. This album's just a whole lot of fun. I really like it. High 4/5.
After writing a novel yesterday about The Wall, I’m taking a bit of a break today, but make no mistake, this is a *fantastic* record. The Pogues’ blend of traditional Irish music and their wild punk spirit is perfect - no notes.
It was ok, but quite a hard listen. Maybe not ideal on a sunny morning - would be great in a pub in ireland somewhere..
The Pogues are much more than an Irish folk band and this album proves it. Yes, we still get the traditional songs, although fewer than you might think - there were three out of fifteen that I counted on the original release plus a couple more on the expanded edition including the classic Irish Rover with the Dubliners. The musical influences are broader and more diverse here - Middle Eastern sounds and wild Spanish fiestas sit comfortably alongside punk influenced folk (or maybe folk influenced punk) with a solid backing band of talented musicians. Shane MacGowan’s lyrics and vocals are as distinctive as ever from the mawkish Christmas classic Fairytale of New York (with the unmistakable Kirsty MacColl) to ballads and shanties, and powerful political songs about miscarriages of justice and the scattered Irish diaspora. A great album that has stood the test of time.
That's an absolutely great album! It's very entertaining while having also a message to convey, it's folk and it's punk and you can sing their song with a pint of ale in one hand dancing on the counter and the musician are great.
I like their version of trad folk songs and their softer songs, but was sad not to find more in an album containing my fave Christmas song of all time (albeit replacing some lyrics with "I love Diane Abbott")
Cool irish folk
Folky and alright with a good sound but a bit repetitive
To me the Pogues have always been the "Fairytale of New York" band. Their sound is the same throughout this album and I like it a lot. A very nice folk music feel.
Excellent
i deny it no longer: i am a white person who gets down with some Irish folk music. am i Irish? kinda? probably? (Northern Irish Protestants count, right?) either way, i just know that the bouzouki and the tin whistle go well together instrumentally, and that Shane MacGowan goes well with that duo as well. he's got such a way of describing a scene that it feels like you're really there, going through it next to him. special commendation obviously goes to "Fairytale of New York", of course. when i'm not either of the characters in the song, i feel like i'm watching them argue and fall apart at the seams while still loving each other as much as two shipwrecks can. i want to build my dreams around another.
nao vou ouvir isso ai nao
What a super fun band and super fun album. Hard to listen to and not want to start dancing.
This is so upbeat and different from what I usually listen to. I like it. Liked Songs Added: The Broad Majestic Shannon
Grew on me by the end, don’t like his voice much but still good to listen to
Long live Shane McGowan, and god bless Jem Finer and Spider Stacy
If I want an Irish folk-punk song, it's here or Billy Bragg. It's fun music, some more traditional than others but solid all the way through.
I was not expecting what I got, to say the very least
perfect
Just listening to this gave me a hangover.
Bra i sin genre, men det gör inget att jag sålde den förra året.
never thought i needed irsih folk punk but it is what it is 像办红白事
There are better folk punk groups out there imo, I did not like this.
It almost pulled me in, then it just kinda shoved me away again. Not for me, but I can see why someone would enjoy it.
Great fun, no-nonsense Irish punk. Love it.
Enjoyed this a lot. Very in my wheelhouse, Celtic roots
At first, I was like, “Nah, I don’t have the stamina to sit through a whole Pogues album.” But then, somehow, I did! I probably won’t do it again anytime soon, but honestly, it wasn’t bad at all. One thing I’m really allergic to is fade-out endings in songs. This album had a few, and while I get that it was a common practice in the ’80s, it still brings the rating down for me.
I 've been aware of Pogues for a long time, I even knew this album by name, but had not heard it as a whole. I'm more of an Dropkick Murphy kinda guy tho. While the musical ability and variety took me by surprise, this is almost exactly what I was expecting. I'll probably need to look into their older albums, where the punkier side was much more up front. It's sort of party music for me, which means it feel wrong to listen to it at home.
It's fine. Just not vibe I typically go for.
Bis auf 2-3 Songs unfassbar schlecht. Schlechte Aufnahmequalität, wirklich nicht gut. Ich frage mich wer so ein Album gekauft hat bzw. kauft.
🍀 sea shanty, tavern type music, pretty banging to be fair, the broad majestic Shannon was literally fairytale of new York 2
Favorite Track: Fairytale of New York
Loved this album. Good old Pogues kept me lively as day.
1. grace - 1 2. turkizh - 1.5 3. zmoke - 1.5 4. neuu york - 1.5 5. metropoliz - 1 6. zailing - 1.5 7. fiezta - 1 8. medley - 1.5 9. zorrouu - 2 10. london - 1.5 11. fire - 1.5 12. zhannon - 1 13. uuormz - 1 14. battle - 1 15. irizh - 1.5 16. mountain - 1.5 17. bradley - 1 18. zpain - 1.5 19. auztralia - 1.5
Today officially starts my last year of this project. On one hand, I can't believe I've reviewed 724 albums so far, but on the other hand, having only 365 albums left to review feels like such a small number. Anywho, on to the album on hand: I've heard of The Pogues before, but I don't think I've ever listened to any of their music. I tend to enjoy different takes on folk music, so I have a feeling that I'll enjoy this album. I don't know why I didn't think of Flogging Molly when I was reading the description for this album, but that was immediately what I thought of when this album first started up. I had a period of about a year or so after college where I was listening to Flogging Molly quite a bit, and I really loved them during that time. Even though this album reminded me of Flogging Molly, I thought the Pogues were much better. The songwriting on this album was really good, and it was a unique contrast to have such somber and serious lyrics alongside such upbeat and uptempo musical arrangements. As far as the music goes, I thought these songs were really diverse in sound, but without sacrificing the overall sound of the album. The only mark against this album is that it's not really my personal taste, but objectively, I think it's very good, and I'm curious how I'll feel about the other Pogues album that I have yet to review.
Do I like Irish music? Yes Do I like Folk music? Yes Do I like Punk music? Yes Do I like this album? No, I LOVE IT!!!
Summon Bear With Lute at Skyrim Nexus - Mods and Community It was fun ye, I'm not a drinker myself, but can imagine it being even more fun at a pub with friends. Or soon-to-be friends, that are picking up a fight with you at the moment. This is what this music is for, right?
shite
Tiene vibe de pirata, me encanta
Not really for me. I recognize them as an influence for later artists
Another Pogues album that I should have listened to before now. It's a lot more diverse than "Rum, Sodomy..", still very Irish but with other Celtic influences from Spain and the Balkans. When it's good, which is much of the time, it is excellent, at moments it is merely OK, but a very listenable OK.
I have never enjoyed listening to The Pogues before. I thought they were tuneless, drunken, sloppy musicians. I sighed when this album showed up. But it has surprised me. The musicianship is top notch. The songs are excellent and performances full of energy. I think I 'get' The Pogues now!
I'm sure if I were from the UK or going to bars in the midwest were my thing, this would be a band I'd listen to. I like the mix of modern and traditional instruments but the shanties get old after awhile.
Very very good
Interesting irish music but it kinda reminded me of a little cajun and then a few of the songs had some cool influences. I liked sketches of spain. Idk if i will go back and listen b/c the irish style all sounds the same but fun listen anyway
3/5 but 5/5 for drinking on st pattys day
I love that the Pogues exist. It's a cool album but not really something I can return to with much frequency.
It's an interesting blend of music, some folk punk sort of thing, but it's not that enjoyable to me.
Good to see where a band like The Dropkick Murphy’s had some inspiration from. Punk and The Jig just blend so well. 3.5 goin down.
Loved it
As an Irish myself, I appreciate the passion here. Loud and hyper isn’t my fav.
Awesome!
refreshingly different. liked it a lot
A fun Irish punk listen. World Jam to it with a bottle of Irish whiskey.
Nothing quite like Irish Folk-Punk. Good stuff.
If an album makes you wanna go to the nearest Irish Pub, drink a lots of Guinness dance and sing the night away with your friends…then it’s my pint of Guinness!
I am extremely unlikely to ever listen to this again, but it was fun to cosplay as an Irish folk singer for an hour
Could only find the Expanded Version of this album so I’m not sure how long the original is. But for me it definitely outstayed its welcome. Still for the first 10 songs there was variety and I kinda loved the Irish nature of the rock band. 3/5
Irish bangers. 4/5
Sounds like pirate music. Reaaally not my music. Hokey pokey type beat. I'm sure it's great for those who like it. I didn't.
Didn't like it at first but grew on me the more I listened.
canciones para oir en el pub
I raise a glass in salute of these inheritors of the Seisiún, the 2:30 am serenaders of the street, those boys the Clancy's, the Makems, the Chieftains and more. You wear centuries of grief on your sleeves and stay longer to entertain. Sláinte. 4.5/5
Soundtracket till en irländsk pub. Stundtals modigt och mångsidigt, känns som att det hämtar inspiration från flera håll och genrer. Ex. blåsinstrumenten på ”Metropolis” som svarar på frågan ”om James Bond var ett fyllo och precis som Jackie Chan i den filmen när han behöver bli packad för att kunna slåss”. Faller på att det blir för tråkigt när det kommer till de lugnare låtarna, samt att det ibland är svårt att klura ut om man lyssnar på en ny låt eller en man redan hört.
Day 32: If I Should Fall From Grace With God - The Pogues. Pogues album 1/2. The concept of The Pogues is really genius; they somehow managed to seamlessly combine punk rock with traditional Celtic folk music. It is a combination that feels like something that shouldn't work, but somehow does. The Pogues pulled it off very well. They released the angst in their spirits while simultaneously honouring their culture and heritage with the incorporation of traditional Celtic folk instruments. The lyrics to the songs on this album cover a variety of topics, and each of them are paired with lively instrumentation, and punk rage. It feels slightly confusing, but the music is very touching, and very fun to listen to. Despite how different and unique this album is, I'd find it hard to believe that there are people who dislike this album. I am extremely grateful that Robert Dimery decided to highlight them (not to mention that he did it TWICE; with this album, and with "Rum Sodomy & the Lash"). The Pogues are getting their dues paid. The music on this album is timeless, and generations of individuals deserve to hear the innovation that takes place in this album. Personal Enjoyment: 5/5. How Much It Belongs Here: 4/5.
If I could give 4.5 stars I would, I'm sorry I'm a xmas hater even if the sound is fun pensive emoji
I enjoyed this more than Rum Sodomy & The Lash. Fairytale of New York is a stone-cold classic, of course, and actually as indestructible and Shane seemed and felt in his younger years. Puts me in the mind of banter and craigh with the lads and lasses down at the pub, with pints aplenty and some singing along. This album also made me realise that Shane was a great, great storyteller - but the band were absolutely top notch as well. Having said all that... Listening to this sober on the commute to work, by song 10 I definitely started to feel hung over and regretful of having had one pint too many. The last one was probably off.
no
Ok
Great Celtic music that would be perfect for St. Paddy's day. I really enjoyed the title track, Fairytale of New York, and Metropolis. Landed at about 3.5 stars, but with my Irish heritage it would be blasphemous not to round up to a Low 4.
i didn’t know there were this many people in the pogues. very interesting. i also think so far this is made for spring and summer, apart from the lovely addition of my favourite christmas song!! it’s funny, i never thought to listen to the pogues even though i love two of their songs and hold them dear to my heart. this is a great album so far and i’m really enjoying it.
Fairy tale of New York is the only song I knew before hand. An interesting album. A few of the songs really got me going in my chair at work. I enjoyed listening but not something I would go back to again any time soon.
They do good work. It’s fun and he has the best punk voice. Probably not anything I’ll be adding to any daily playlists, but it was enjoyable.
Imagine an Irish folk band that includes every conceivable instrument and crafts the most elaborate punk songs in existence. 2.5 stars
Bottle of Smoke The Battle March Medley
its ok i guess, kind of a chore to listen to
3.5 - a fun listen but gets repetitive.
p585. 1988. 5 stars. Absolutely brilliant - possibly the greatest live band ever and one of the great songwriters on absolutely top form. And it has the best Christmas song ever on it. God bless you, Shane and Kirsty.
Great album. Fun to listen to
Great energy!
:D!
An Irish cacophony
Overall: 8/10 Quite possibly the best band I've heard fuse traditional Celtic folk music with the raw intensity of punk. I love the instrumentations so much and the slurring, drunken vocals add so much energy to an already energetic style of music. I also enjoy that they tried to include different styles of folk into this album as well, it shows that they had a love for folk in general and I really respect that. My Poppy would have loved this. (RIP) Fav Song: Metropolis Least Fav Song: Fairytale of New York
Very interesting!
Ion remember
High energy and generally good but repetitive. Makes a good soundtrack for a chase though hills and trees
What a jubilant party with celtic rock! 4/5
RIP Shane
I must confess, my initial reaction to encountering another Pogues album just two months after Rum, Sodomy & The Lash was less than enthusiastic. While their presence in the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die list is rare enough to feel serendipitous, I wasn’t exactly eager for a second round. My first outing with the band left me feeling adrift. While their rollicking, chaotic energy undoubtedly has its audience, I struggled to connect. Shane MacGowan’s vocals weren’t the issue—I find his whisky-soaked rasp endearing. But overall, the unpolished instrumentation and relentless pace just didn’t land. So, imagine my surprise when I found myself genuinely warming to If I Should Fall from Grace with God. This album feels more ambitious, as if the band decided to channel their riotous energy into something broader and more polished. While Irish folk remains the backbone of their sound, tracks like “Fiesta” add a Spanish carnival flair with its brass and percussion, while “Turkish Song of the Damned” incorporates Middle Eastern melodies for a hauntingly unique vibe. The production by Steve Lillywhite (of U2 fame) is undeniably sleeker, giving the band’s chaos a sense of cohesion without diluting their spirit. Of course, the standout is “Fairytale of New York,” the bittersweet Christmas duet with Kirsty MacColl. It’s no surprise this is their most streamed track—it’s heartfelt, poignant, and timeless, showcasing the band at their best. Beyond that, the title track is a riotous blend of driving rhythm and Irish instrumentation that feels tighter and more refined than their earlier work. That said, the listening experience feels a bit like an all-night pub session where the energy begins to drain after the 4th or 5th pint (who am I kidding, I’m a lightweight—it’s 2 for me), and events start to blur into each other. Even with improved songwriting and production, the relentless pace and reliance on similar instrumental tropes can make it hard to fully appreciate individual moments. In the end, If I Should Fall from Grace with God proved to be a pleasant surprise. It softened my scepticism, even if it didn’t convert me into a fully fledged Pogues devotee. Did/Do I own this release? No Does this release belong on the list? I'm still unconvinced, even if Fairytale of New York is as strong a song as you will find on any of these albums. Would this release make my personal list? No Will I be listening to it again? Unlikely. But I’ll gladly raise a glass to them instead.
Rough and gentle, punk and traditional, hardened and sensitive - this album is full of juxtapositions. It reminds me that there is a special place for the bad boy who cleans up for Christmas, tattered sweater, coiffed hair and all. There are some real gems in here, but specially the line “I could have been someone, but so could anyone”. The unapologetic vibe, mixed with the embrace of traditionalism is a nice blend.
I do enjoy this 😁
Good fun and good musicianship. You have to be in a real bad place not to enjoy this on a Friday afternoon.
There a lot going on
Finally, some good wholesome Irish music amongst the Brit heavy list. Though I prefer Rum, Sodom and the Lash, this was a welcome album.
Not my style, but I liked 1 song
Wow I hated that.
Over an hour of Irish drinking/fighting music is a bit too much for me. Lots of this sounded familiar but could be because it all sounds the same. Enjoyable and I was doing a stupid jig in the car which my daughter hated. 3/5
An album full of fun sounding irish bar music.
Would've been a more fitting album 3 weeks ago. I've really warmed up to Shane MacGowans drunk and mumbled singing over the time. Effortless blend of punk and folk presented here. I get a really warm and cozy feeling listening to this album, the recording quality is crisp yet quite intimate sounding. Just a jolly time all round and playing along with the Dubliners is a nice bonus in the bonus tracks.
Fun band, probably won’t listen too again
Chaotic and borderline incomprehensible at times. The only thing I could make out was that every song sounded exactly the same, with the same cadence and melody pattern, and the same lack of any appeal.
As if Fairytale of New York isn't already a great song, they had to go and make a whole album filled with tracks equally as good if not better than that one. Favorites were the title track, Metropolis, and Streets of Sorrow.
So much more than Fairytale of New York. That song is damn good too though. This album makes me want to drink a couple pints with the lads. Just pure fun. Favorite songs are the title track, Fairytale of New York, Thousands Are Sailing, and Medley.
Irish folk style, drinking beers at the pub with the lads - Upbeat and hearty, instrumentation stands out - Not too much variety and not quite my cup of tea
NOT for me.
So fun to listen to Fairytale of New York in its own context instead of overstimulated in the queue at John Lewis
Really cool album, the mixture of punk and Irish music is very visible! Cool lyrics.
I listen to this album at least a few times a year. I like many other songs from their career, but this album does have so many classics and is great all the way through and is really the pinnacle of their output, as far as I'm concerned. The albums before are still very good, but the album after lost a lot before McGowan was then out. Definitely an album that still holds up and is just as relevant as Irish culture continues to come back after centuries of oppression.
2.75
Great Irish sound with a punk attitude. A staple in all Irish bars haha
Extremely repetitive. I love this type of music a lot, but this was just too much for me. The only song I knew was Fairytale of New York but even then, I like that song better when its a bit censored (Shout out to the Longest Johns for my favorite version). I'm not a fan of the mumble singing even though that does come with the genre. overall kinda forgettable and I know spotify only has the extended version, but its way too long and only an hour and 4 minutes.
I could play this on loop all day! Rocky Road to Dublin is a classic. Number of these I knew already (On an old forgotten hard drive somewhere is even an mp3 of my own rendition of Mountain Dew from many years ago). I was kind of surprised to see the play counts on Spotify that Fairytale of New York is by far the most played from this album though!
Demasiado happy, demasiado folk
The album art is perfection. Seriously, how surley are these guys? Usually when Spotify serves up an "extended" version it is bad news, but not this time. Love the whole album top to bottom.
- You get what you expect with this album - Great Christmas track with Fairytale in New York - It seems to have been written in a bit of tumultuous time for the group, with tensions flaring between them and their previous producer, Elvis Costello, and their bassist, which explains some of the animosity littered throughout the lyrics - This is a class album with many sing-alongs
++: Thousands Are Sailing, Fiesta, Worms +: If I Should Fall from Grace to God, Bottle of Smoke, Metropolis, South Australia, Sit Down by the Fire, The Broad Majestic Shannon +-: Streets of Sorrow/Birmingham Six, Lullaby of London, The Battle March Medley -: Turkish Song of the Damned, Medley: The Recruiting Sergeant/The Rocky Road to Dublin/Galway Races --: Fairytale of New York 5,4/10
Controversial opinion: this is commonly seen as their crowning achievement, and FONY is of course the one song that everyone knows. Thousands are Sailing is perhaps their finest single moment. But over a whole album it can't keep up with Rum, Sodomy....
shit
Not as good as Rum, and mostly spoiled by the awful Fairytale track. But, if you enjoyed that song, this album may be for you
Entertaining Irish folk with decent drums, 3.6
Despite being a bit fan of Celtic music, I'd never listened to a Pogues album. Which is odd, and this certainly grabbed my attention. A couple of tracks I knew, and I deliberately chose to keep the extended mix tracks in to see what the collaborations with The Dubliners would be like – not entirely sure the other extended tracks are worthwhile and might make this all feel a little overlong if you didn't like a trad-arr tune. But I do. And I've been missing out on this and, presumably, other Pogues albums. I enjoyed this. It's really, really close to a five, and I'll give it that because of all the other missing Celtic music and shanties which deserve to be here.
you scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy faggot
I sharpened me boots an' bludgeoned me eye for these tales of nautical nonsense. The voyage to the corner of the globe was a real trip, but I wouldn't say it was worth going without one kiss of your lily white lips, or that it compares to the words of the golden eel or the tale of the whale with the polka dot tail. If this album were my captain, I'd be his Jonny on the spot but wouldn't fill up his glass to the rim - I'm sure he'd be fine accepting only fresh brine. If I found this album in the sandy ground emulating the ocean's sound, it wouldn't speaketh of the trinity, gaze at the sun with it's wandering eye or summon the queen that turns fire to steam. Yarr... This pink eye (on my leg) is making me wave my dick in the wind once again. When the mist lets the sun through, I think this album did alright by me and you. I'll try and keep that in mind when I'm dancing in the show tonight.
Enjoyed the album and found a few standout tracks. Suffers a little from one of the best tracks being everywhere for a couple of months per year, so skipped it on most listens. 3.5
Listening to If I Should Fall from Grace with God by The Pogues is like being catapulted into the most riotous Irish pub you’ve never dared enter—only this time, you’re thrilled to be there. The music grabs you by the collar, shoves a whiskey in your hand, and dares you not to spill it. Every track is a perfectly chaotic blend of drunken revelry, heartfelt poetry, and the kind of energy that makes you feel like you could take on a rugby team in a bar fight and win. By the time “Fiesta” blared, I was clanging pots and pans in my kitchen like a deranged one-woman mariachi band. And don’t even get me started on “Fairytale of New York.” It’s a holiday song, but the kind of holiday where you burn the turkey, chug mulled wine, and cry over your ex before making up and singing carols together off-key. I don’t know if Shane MacGowan wants me to feel like a poetic brawler with a heart of gold, but that’s where I am. Let’s just say this album has me ready to down a Guinness, challenge a stranger to arm wrestling, and write them a heartfelt sonnet afterward. This isn’t just an album; it’s a lifestyle. So, if you’re not ready to fist-pump, dance like a lunatic, and maybe throw a chair (with love), then you’re not ready for The Pogues. But if you are—well, sláinte, my friend. This is your new anthem.
So absolutely not mine. Carnival‘esque dance music. Would have a different appeal at a sweaty pub night.
Not good.
Veldig hyggelig fele-musikk! Har en punkete edge som hindrer det ikke å bli for relativt.
I liked this, but it doesn't really feel like the kind of thing I'd listen to at home. It probably belongs in a bar or something. Bumped up from 3 to 4 stars because it has Fairytale of New York on it, which will always be a Christmas favorite.
It was fine.
very irish
Excellent.
Pretty good album, especially right before Christmas. They are pretty talented and have great lyrics. I'm just think that I like it in much smaller doses. It's kind of tiring to listen to the whole thing.
This is like the original Gogol boedello but Irish lol - it was like fun drinking songs I liked it
Loved the album. I hate giving it a 3, but songs can get a bit repetitive (which isn’t a negative, if that makes sense). Their influence is very apparent and a band I would’ve LOVED to see live!!
I love being Irish
Heard the first 30 seconds and rolled my eyes bc this isn’t the genre for me. However the song writing was surprisingly impressive. Despite this I doubt I come back to the album
I too love being Irish
I liked this album and the songs are some that I remember hearing. See Hozier’s coincidentally playing the one song on SNL this past weekend
I feel like Steve Martin in the jerk hearing polka music for the first time when I listen to this
My horse won
The Pogues sound very Irish but also very farm-y, possibly because of the banjo, and judging from the album artwork, they have tons of members. This is what you hear when you enter a pub very late at night and everyone is shouting. When you listen to the main singer, you don't really imagine him looking like that, especially looking at the rest of the band members, but I think that he is the most popular one. I am actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this whole album, and you can also tell which song is the most popular one, as it has 400 times more plays than the rest.
Brought back memories of jigging with toilet paper around my head when they were at Reading circa 90. Can't beat Shane's voice (for some reason). It's got just the right amount of anger or joy or angst in these songs. Has also got the best Christmas song ever.
Liked this one much more than I was expecting. I thought it's surprising more exotic influences were it's strong points. Good to get a festive song in there also - there probably aren't *too* many albums in this list with Xmas songs on..
Drifted into mediocrity in places but still edges a 4 from me. Always loved a bit of the pogues, though a “best of” serves me perfectly well
Fun album. Irish Folk Rock is always a happy, jaunty mix.
Top tier folk. Fun, creative, soothing and adventurous.
Oyriș
Not a bad track on it and a rare case of an album where almost every track is danceable
This album was a JOURNEY.
I've been a fan of Flogging Molly and The Dropkick Murphys for many years, but I'd never really checked out The Pogues so I'm glad they came up here. This was some really solid Irish stuff, and I'm glad they paved the way for later bands. I also really enjoy the guy in the top left corner gently holding his...according to Wikipedia: probably a tin whistle. 4.1
An excellent record that I don't listen to very often, but it's good to keep around.
I don't know if it's me getting older, not having had a beer in a while, or if I am turning somewhat Irish, but I officially like The Pogues. Just in time for Christmas!
Oh, I could fall in love.
Legends. Elvis Costello ran off with their lady member before this I guess but Kristy Mcall does them right. Tragic life. Maybe less so for shane but yung boy's the true electric poet, good story teller. Christmas eve, babe
Not a band or sound I thought I'd see on this list. Not my sound, I just don't enjoy it so I'm at a loss to review it. This belongs in an Irish bar. I feel like the only time these songs get played is when someone throws a St. Paddy's Day party. I knew "Fairytale..." but the rest was repetitive, delivered too urgently and I struggled to get through the entire album. I love Mountain Dew, but hated the song they sang about the wonderful beverage. I never would have included this one in the T1001. Not innovative, not sure it's had an impact outside of one song being a holiday favorite and it has zero staying power/hits. 2 Stars for not being bad but just not my thing.
There's another version of me in the multiverse who's favorite album is this and he's probably doing better
Thousand are sailing is my favorite track. Lots of goodness in here.
I went into this with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. Would I listen again? Maybe not, but a decent album.
This album has a lot of the ingredients for a 5 star album for me. Edgy, raw, variety, unpredictable, and many different instruments. I had never heard it before and I really enjoyed it.
One of my all time favorite albums. This is one that's been with me since I was 15 years old, and one that I can truly say changed my life and changed the way that I listen to music. They always say that punk rock is a gateway drug, and it's true, because punk rock led me to this. It was kind of a natural progression from Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys. Bands that I love, but I needed more. This was the perfect scratch to my itch and it really bridged the gaps of punk, rock, country and folk for me. The music is so full and so lively, while Shane's lyrics are so thoughtful and haunting. This record not only led me other music (folk, bluegrass, ska, reggae, dub, rocksteady, jazz) but also helped my world view. Immigration / Emigration. Poverty, globalization. Love, sadness, heartbreak, alcoholism. I started to grasp the troubles in Northern Ireland and the duality of what it means to be an America and how we fit in the world. This album really opened my eyes to a lot of things. When I left to live in Ireland for 2 years I was so excited and a large part of that was because of this record. Musically, I love how much fun this band is having. Each song is different from the next. There's epics, ballads, marches, sing alongs, pub songs, bo diddley's. It's all over the place, and it's not just *Irish.* They into other world genres and absolutely slayed them. I also love that they brought The Dubliners in for 2 songs and went full traditional. The songwriting is impeccable. Shane McGowan was a truly one of the greatest 20th Century poets. So many songs give me chills. For such a long album, I don't even know what I would say for each song, because I seriously love each one of these songs so much. I'm just grateful I've had this in my life so long. When I first got this album, I would show my friends and they thought it was either weird or silly. But when you really listen to it and get into this record, you'll find its a masterpiece and something to be cherished.
It gets the thumbs up. With Fairytale of New York on it, it’s never gonna be anything other than a classic but loads of great tracks on there
Songs i knew: 3 Songs i liked: about half Starts strong, great vibe to it and some bangers swear I've heard that bottle of smoke somewhere before. Either way it's a great track. Starts to tail off massively towards the end, culminating in an absolute butchering of South Australia, give me the fisherman's friends version any day. Just about scrapes a low 4. Listening to this album was definitely educational. Here's my learnings:: I didn't know pogue mahone is gaelic for kiss my arse I didn't know the bassist in the band ended up getting married to costello I didn't know they were muckers with the dubliners I always thought he sang a rare old mountain tune, turns out he was singing the mountain dew
Really like this. Think I may have heard it before but because it’s quite long it blurs together a bit. the tunes and lyrics are undeniable - great fun but with something to say and high energy throughout, sounds like it was recorded live. It’s so very Oirish in a good way. Some of it’s proper silly, like Fiesta. Some of its dead touching like Fairytale of New York. That song gets massively overplayed but it still slaps. Never realised quite to what extent yer Dropkick Murphy’s, yer Flogging Molly’s were complete rip offs of these guys. But they’re complete rip offs of these guys. Overall, thought this was great. Just way too long, and it gets a little samey. The Broad Majestic Shannon is just FONY with the BPM turned up. Best track: Fiesta, FONY, Turkish Song of the Damned, If I Should fall from Grace with God.
You know exactly what you are going to get with a Pogues album and this doesn't disappoint. Although I was surprised by the Turkish Song of the Damned. Wasn't expecting the middle-eastern sound. Tin whistles for days. Sounds like it was recorded in the corner of a trad irish pub during a folk session and thats a good thing. Really fun album if not a bit long. Got to mention the elephant in the room that is Fairytale of New York. Feels obvious to say but it's quite mad how good this song is. Played to death every Christmas but hearing it within the album makes me realise just how special it is. The bum, punk, old slut on junk combo will never be topped. Highlights: If I Should Fall From Grace with God Fairytale of New York Fiesta (F-Troop play this on the boombox after a goal and everyone goes nuts so will always like this) Streets of Sorrow/Birmingham Six - Up the fucking RA Lullaby of London Lowlights: Very difficult to pick one so I won't. A lot of the upbeat jigs kind of merge into one though. Great fun and RIP Shane. Easy to mock and just see him as a drunk but his storytelling and poetry was incredible. If I was Irish I reckon these would be my favourite band.
Gotta say, Irish punk just isn't it for me. The music itself is kind of fun with the different layered instruments, but I can't help but feel dorky listening to it. And due to this, the ceiling is pretty low for my listening experience. The fact that this went on for over an hour did not help matters. Really not *bad* but not something I want to do again. For that, I'm going with a 2.
This album makes me want to drink a pint or 6. This one had plenty of energy and plenty of fun instruments. Pretty simple review, but I wasn't listening too closely. This one hits the 3.5 star mark very well for me. Giving it a bump cause of the Celtic energy.
I have definitely heard this band before the singer sounds familiar. Think they may have a song in Tony Hawk or something. This album took me a while to get hooked. I thought from the first few songs that it would be a weird cheesy album, but I was completely wrong. This album had me bumping around the whole time. Such an upbeat fun album. This Celtic Punk really makes me want St Pattys day to come. Fairytale of New York was a weirdly beautiful song with the extremely different singers. Something about the combination of them and the instrumentals was really good. Metropolis was an intense Irish instrumental which could get me hyped to drink about 100 Guinnesses Worms was a strange ending.
Definitely a different take on punk which I can appreciate. Reading about the frontman Shane MacGowan he is a crazy person. Definitely adding Fairytale of New York to my Christmas playlist with the fam. Not the biggest fan of folk or punk, but together for some reason it makes more sense. Not something I plan on coming back to but I could pound some Guinness and listen to this on St. Pats Day
One of the originators of Celtic Punk? I haven't heard of them before, but I love the genre. Grew up with Flogging Molly and the Dropkick Murphys in my musical rotation. Glad to add another band to my arsenal! Good album overall, with a lot of variety to the songs, which sometimes celtic punk can lack.
Helt vildt fedt, masser af energi, god variation. Dejligt dejligt med noget der ikke fra UK eller USA. Kan godt forstå hvorfor Vera kan lide sådan noget her. Bliver lidt enformigt til sidst, men det var også et langt album jeg hørte halvanden gang
Haven’t heard this Pogues album but own Rum Sodomy & the Lash on vinyl. Listened while running at Mission Bay and it was nice but no real standouts.
First listen. Nah nah nah nah nah NAH!
Weird listening to Fairy Tale of New York in an album context. Kind of played to death, but a good song. Like the Metropolis instrumental - pretty fun.
Oh, that's The Pogues! Shit, I had no idea. This is more fun that a Guinness or six in an Irish pub. Now I have a great complement to the Waterboys when I need a lively jig with political undertones and punk influence.
Love good Irish music, and I’ve listened to the Pogues here and there before. Not my favorite with the gravelly vocals but really enjoyed the how the influences taken from other cultures (Turkish, Spanish) meshed. Also enjoyed the collabs with the Dubliners as I’ve listened and enjoyed their music as well. ‘Fairytale of New York’ looks to be their biggest hit, also adding the traditional ‘Shanne Bradley’ to my playlist, just beautiful. 4.25/5
Not the Fiesta I was expecting. More of like a Bottle of Smoke.
Good, but not quite as good as "Rum, Sodomy & The Lash".
That hit way harder than expected
Hurjaa menoa lauleskellaan niin vinkeällä lärvillä aijaijai molemmista poskista kiinni kyllä te ootte hauskoja
So good. Of course, if you don't like the fiddle, squeezebox or tin whistle, then it won't be for you, but the combination of punk-era aggressiveness and "Irish" folk inspiration is simply magical. Yes, we all get a bit sick of "Fairytale" from time to time but bloody hell this is good stuff. Pour a big glass of whisky and jig round the house whilst roaring along to Irish Rover. Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on.
High octane Celtic punk. Top of the form. When I was younger I would dream about being in a band that could create such powerful, crowd interactive music. (I hate that Fairytale of New York has become a Christmas standard in the UK. Nothing says "Christmas Season" like domestic violence, I suppose.)
So great. Love the songs with the Dubliners. And the song Fiesta is excellent.