Running a little behind on getting stuff posted of late. Never fear here's an update. Switching gears towards some Celtic Punk Rock tonight. And chances are you may know this band in some way without knowing it. The Pogues formed in England in 82 and despite a shaky lineup over the years still play a handful of live gigs each year. The name loosely translated means 'kiss my arse'. So right off that bat this is a typical Punk act, but what makes The Pogues different is the use of traditional Irish instruments. Fronted by the ever so drunk all the time Shane MacGowan, and I mean that in the most respectful way, the band released a handful of records that did well in the UK and made a splash here stateside. The defining moment was 1988's 'If I Should Fall From Grace With God'. The band seemed to take on the addition of Spanish and Middle Eastern influences which would become more prevalent on the next record. Now you may know this band from the use of the title track in a recent Subaru care commercial here in the states. I had to double take when I saw that the first time. The other is the holiday classic 'Fairytale Of New York' which features Kristy McColl singing alongside MacGowan. Voted one of the best Xmas songs in the UK, it does get some play here as well. "If I Should Fall" is the pinnacle of The Pogues records. Great drinking music and great music if you want something a little different. Side note as well this is the deluxe version with several bonus tracks.
The Pogues have somewhat of a reputation over in Europe. Thanks to frontman Shane MacGowan who has been battling substance abuse problems for years.Stories widely vary from drunken shows to throwing up on people during gigs, to not showing up for shows. There's an interesting documentary on Netflix about him that sheds light into the troubled singers life. Yet somehow through it all he still manages to play shows. The band at one point sacked him and replaced him with Joe Strummer of The Clash, before settling on Spider Stacy for the full time vocalist. The thing with the band is they aren't widely known stateside and that's a shame. Their first three records are all great, but started to fall off with the fourth album 'Peace & Love'. Still a great band to drink to. It's something about that Irish sound. So raise a pint and enjoy.
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