I bought The Pogues 3rd album, 'If I Should Fall From Grace With God', first, then went back to get 'Red Roses For Me' and 'Rum ...', their 2nd.
One of the most well known things about The Pogues, apart from Shane MacGowan's teeth, is the origin of their name. It comes from the anglicised version of the Irish Gaelic 'póg mo thóin' meaning 'kiss my arse'.
Classed as a 'Celtic punk' band they actually formed in London in 1982 and none of the founding members were Irish born. By the time they recorded 'Rum ...' Philip Chevron had joined them, a genuine Dubliner.
This album gave Shane MacGowan a platform for more of his compositions. He wrote 6 of the tracks, 3 were traditional songs, 1 original by Phil Gaston and 2 covers .. Ewan MacColl's gritty 'Dirty Old Town' and Eric Bogle's poignant 'And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda'.
The album was produced by Elvis Costello and the track 'A Man You Don't Meet Everyday' featured the band's bassist Cait O'Riordan on bass and vocals. Cait married Elvis Costello and left the band in 1986.
Shane MacGowan would go on later to write the magnificent 'Fairytale of New York' with Cait in mind, but instead, Kirsty, the daughter of the aforementioned Ewan MacColl, stepped up and gave a historic, unforgettable rendition.
The album cover features artwork by Peter Mennim, based on 'The Raft of the Medusa', a painting by Theodore Géricault, with the band members' faces replacing those of the men on the raft.
Do I have to pick a favourite? I love them all for different reasons, but for the 'real' Shane MacGowan I can't go past 'The Sick Bed of Cúchulainn'. I've added a link that gives the lyrics. Grab a beer, bang on a table, stomp your feet and sing along.
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