SHANE MACGOWAN AND THE POPES

SHANE MACGOWAN AND THE POPES
THE SNAKE (1995)
320 KBPS

This album proves that the Pogues need Shane a lot more than he needs them. There are a few clunkers on The Snake, but for the most part it is a very strong showing by Shane, especially on such songs as The Snake With Eyes of Garnet, The Song With No Name, Aisling, and Haunted, as well as the covers of traditional songs (Nancy Whiskey, Roddy McCorley, Rising of the Moon). It should not be surprising that this album is not as good as the Pogues' first three studio albums (what is?), but it is miles ahead of the Pogues post-Shane releases (and even Peace & Love and Hell's Ditch, in my opinion). Why? Consistency. This album does not have the patchwork, pot-luck vibe of the Pogues' last few releases. The Pogues ditched Shane partly because of his refusal to move on from Irish-flavored songs (both lyrically and musically). Well, on this album Shane proves he can beat them at their own game, with rockers like Church of the Holy Spook and Mexican Funeral In Paris, while staying true to his roots for the rest of the album. I strongly recommend this album to any Shane/Pogues fan.

1. The Church Of The Holy Spook
2. Nancy Whiskey
3. The Song With No Name
4. Aisling
5. Roddy McCorley
6. Victoria
7. That Woman Got Me Drinking
8. You're The One
9. A Mexican Funeral In Paris
10. The Rising Of The Moon
11. The Snake With Eyes Of Garnet
12. Haunted
13. I'll Be Your Handbag
14. Her Father Didn't Like Me Anyway
15. Bring Down The Lamp
16. Donegal Express