 The Pogues - Red Roses for Me Review
by Zane Ewton
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The Pogues were an alternative to the plastic post-punk, new wave sound that took over the early 1980's. They were a traditional Irish folk band with the undying spirit of punk rock.
The band's debut album Red Roses for Me mixed traditional arrangements with the lyrical poetry of vocalist Shane MacGowan. While the band went on to greater heights and ultimately depressing depths, Red Roses for Me is an incredible, stand-out debut album.
Rowdy drinking songs and deep ballads focus on everything Irish. The album is full of booze and working class politics that translated to outlandish live shows. Those shows were more punk than quiet pub and were the driving force behind the band's image.
This remastered version has a crisp and immediate production. MacGowan's songs are immediately memorable and the band's musicianship is incredible. Six bonus tracks are added to the end of Red Roses for Me that are as good as the album cuts.
The liner notes by Gavin Martin have the same inebriated ease and excitement that fills the Pogues music.
The Pogues are so good and completely the opposite of what you hear every day. Red Roses for Me is over 20 years old but is completely fresh and timeless, just as all great music should be.
CD Info and Links
The Pogues - Red Roses for Me Label:Rhino Records (USA)
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