In the ever-expanding field of Celtic rock, many bands have been said to "redefine the tradition" with their modern approach to the sound. Well, bugger all that when the Pogues come to call. They didn't "redefine" anything; they knee-capped the tradition while it wasn't looking, knocked it to the ground and kicked it a bit more as it lay in the mud and puddles of beer.

If they defined anything, it was how to take old songs and infuse them with rowdy piss and whiskey, and cobble it all together with aggressive arrangements, pub soul, punk attitude and a drunk lead singer who didn't give a damn if you understood a bloody word he sang.

If you didn't catch the Pogues the first time around, Rhino Records is giving 21st-century music lovers another chance to hear what they've been missing. Remastered, reissued and bursting with bonus materials, this collection of five CDs is a must-have for pretty much anyone who claims even a touch of Irish blood or spirit.

The first to cross our doorstep was Red Roses for Me, originally let loose in 1984. Their first recording, it captures the band at a time when traditional instruments still held sway despite frontman Shane MacGowan's strong punk inclinations. MacGowan was already showing his skill at crafting a loud, rockin' anthem with quick punch and staying power; "The Boys from County Hell" and "Streams of Whiskey" are probably the best examples here. But the Pogues also spiced up familiar songs, such as Brendan Behan's "The Auld Triangle" and traditional songs including "Whiskey You're the Devil," "Poor Paddy" and "Greenland Whale Fisheries."

This reissued disc has several bonus tracks well worth hearing, so be prepared to invest in a copy even if you own the original release. Bonus tracks are "The Leaving of Liverpool," "Muirshin Durkin," "Repeal of the Licensing Laws," "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda," "Whiskey You're the Devil" and "The Wild Rover."

by Tom Knapp
Rambles.NET
25 November 2006