The Pogues – Rum Sodomy & the Lash

Album Info

Artist: The Pogues

Title: Rum Sodomy & the Lash

Year: 1985

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Tracklist

  • 1. The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn (3:00)
  • 2. The Old Main Drag (3:19)
  • 3. Wild Cats of Kilkenny (2:48)
  • 4. I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day (2:55)
  • 5. A Pair of Brown Eyes (5:01)
  • 6. Sally MacLennane (2:45)
  • 7. Dirty Old Town (3:45)
  • 8. Jesse James (2:58)
  • 9. Navigator (4:12)
  • 10. Billy's Bones (2:02)
  • 11. The Gentleman Soldier (2:04)
  • 12. The Band Played Waltzing Matilda (8:10)
  • 13. A Pistol for Paddy Garcia (2:31)
  • 14. London Girl (3:05)
  • 15. A Rainy Night in Soho (4:43)
  • 16. The Body of an American (4:43)
  • 17. Planxty Noel Hill (3:12)
  • 18. The Parting Glass (2:17)

Review

The Pogues' "Rum Sodomy & The Lash," unleashed upon the world in 1985, is a vibrant splash of Irish folk punk artistry. Merging wit with rebellious grit, the band set out to define a genre with their bold, energetic approach. This striking album, masterminded by the legendary Elvis Costello, is soaked in raw creativity, reflecting The Pogues' deliberate and daring disregard for convention.

Dive into the music, and you’ll journey from the haunting elegance of "A Pair of Brown Eyes" to the boisterous triumphs of traditional and original pieces, each carrying the inimitable mark of Shane MacGowan’s songwriting genius. Bursting with energy, some tracks may evoke a spaghetti-western atmosphere, highlighting just how diverse yet cohesively chaotic the collection feels. The band's lyrical journey through melancholy, joy, bitterness, and celebration creates a vivid canvas that's as defiant as it is romantic.

What truly makes Costello’s production stand out is its commitment to authenticity; it bottles and preserves the riotous fervor of The Pogues' live energy, creating not just songs, but an experience. In its time, this approach challenged norms and added depth to the listening experience, securing its relevance in the annals of music history. "Rum Sodomy & The Lash" doesn’t just stand as a milestone in 1985; it's a treasure trove of unpredictable dramaturgy and culture-splicing genius, etching The Pogues' indelible mark upon the world. A must-listen for anyone curious about music’s wild side. - Jasper