Feature Photo: Aaron Fulkerson from San Diego, CA, US, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Our Complete List Of Pogues Albums And Discography looks at an iconic Celtic punk band that originated in London in 1982. The band was originally formed by Shane MacGowan (vocals), Jem Finer (banjo), and Spider Stacy (tin whistle) under the name Pogue Mahone. The band’s early sets were raucous affairs, often performed in pubs, where their distinct sound quickly gained them a following.
The Pogues released their first album, “Red Roses for Me,” in 1984. Their follow-up, “Rum Sodomy & the Lash,” came in 1985 and was produced by Elvis Costello. The band’s breakthrough came with the 1987 album “If I Should Fall from Grace with God,” which featured the Christmas classic “Fairytale of New York.” Sung as a duet between MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl, the song reached number two in the UK charts and remains a perennial holiday favorite.
MacGowan left the band in 1991, and the Pogues continued on with Spider Stacy on vocals. They released two more albums in the 1990s, “Waiting for Herb” and “Pogue Mahone,” which saw the band experimenting like everyone else in the 1990s.
POGUES STUDIO ALBUMS
Red Roses for Me
Released October 1984
The Pogues‘ debut album, Red Roses for Me, presented the world with their unique blend of punk energy and the traditional Irish folk sound. The musicians on this album included Shane MacGowan on vocals, Spider Stacy on tin whistle, Jem Finer on banjo, James Fearnley on accordion, Cait O’Riordan on bass, and Andrew Ranken on drums. Stan Brennan and The Pogues themselves handled the production. It was released under the label Stiff Records. The recording took place at Elephant Studios in London in the summer of 1984.
With their second album, Rum Sodomy & the Lash, The Pogues solidified their position at the vanguard of the nascent Celtic punk genre. This album saw the band working with Elvis Costello. The band’s lineup was similar to their debut, with the addition of Phillip Chevron on the guitar. The album was recorded at Elephant Studios in London in early 1985 and released on the Stiff Records label. The album received critical acclaim and reached number 13 on the UK Albums Chart. It was a turning point for the band, featuring a more complex and polished sound than their debut.
If I Should Fall from Grace with God is an essential album by The Pogues that brought them international fame, particularly with the Christmas classic “Fairytale of New York.” Produced by Steve Lillywhite, the album featured Shane MacGowan on lead vocals, with the band consisting of Spider Stacy on tin whistle, Jem Finer on banjo, James Fearnley on accordion, Terry Woods on mandolin, Philip Chevron on guitar, Darryl Hunt on bass, and Andrew Ranken on drums.
Cait O’Riordan had left the band by this time, and Kirsty MacColl, who provided the female vocals on “Fairytale of New York,” made a significant guest appearance. Recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, Ireland, and mixed at RAK Studios in London, this album captured The Pogues at the peak of their creative powers. The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching number 3 on the UK Albums Chart.
CD Track Listings:
“If I Should Fall from Grace with God” – 2:20
“Turkish Song of the Damned” – 3:27
“Bottle of Smoke” – 2:47
“Fairytale of New York” – 4:36
“Metropolis” – 2:50
“Thousands Are Sailing” – 5:28
“Fiesta” – 4:12
“Medley: The Recruiting Sergeant/The Rocky Road to Dublin/The Galway Races” – 4:48
“Streets of Sorrow/Birmingham Six” – 4:36
“Lullaby of London” – 3:32
“The Battle March Medley” – 4:10
“Sit Down by the Fire” – 2:17
“The Broad Majestic Shannon” – 2:53
“Worms” – 1:02
Peace and Love
Released August 1, 1989
The fourth studio album by The Pogues, Peace and Love continued the band’s exploration of different musical styles, including jazz and Spanish music, while retaining their distinctive punk-infused folk sound. The band members contributing to this album were similar to the previous recording, with the addition of multi-instrumentalist Terry Woods. The album was produced by Steve Lillywhite and recorded at RAK Studios in London. It continued The Pogues‘ commercial success, reaching number 5 on the UK Albums Chart.
CD Track Listings:
“Gridlock” – 3:33
“White City” – 2:31
“Young Ned of the Hill” – 2:45
“Misty Morning, Albert Bridge” – 3:01
“Cotton Fields” – 2:51
“Blue Heaven” – 3:36
“Down All the Days” – 3:45
“USA” – 4:51
“Lorelei” – 3:33
“Gartloney Rats” – 2:32
“Boat Train” – 2:41
“Tombstone” – 2:57
“Night Train to Lorca” – 3:29
“London You’re a Lady” – 2:56
Hell’s Ditch
Released October 1990
This album saw the band collaborating with renowned musician Joe Strummer of The Clash, who produced the album. The work continued to feature global musical influences, including elements from African, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and Asian music. Recording took place at RAK Studios in London and in Spain. The album was supported by a tour, which Strummer joined after Shane MacGowan left the band.
CD Track Listings:
“The Sunnyside of the Street” – 2:44
“Sayonara” – 3:06
“The Ghost of a Smile” – 2:59
“Hell’s Ditch” – 3:03
“Lorca’s Novena” – 4:39
“Summer in Siam” – 4:07
“Rain Street” – 3:02
“Rainbow Man” – 2:47
“The Wake of the Medusa” – 3:04
“House of the Gods” – 3:45
“5 Green Queens and Jean” – 2:37
“Maidrin Rua” – 1:48
“Six to Go” – 2:58
Waiting for Herb
Released October 19, 1993
Waiting for Herb represents a period of transition for The Pogues, with this being the first album following the departure of Shane MacGowan. The band members took over vocal duties and continued to integrate different musical styles into their work. The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales and produced by Michael Brook. It featured the hit single “Tuesday Morning,” which became the band’s most successful single in North America.
CD Track Listings:
“Tuesday Morning” – 3:30
“Smell of Petroleum” – 3:13
“Haunting” – 4:04
“Once Upon a Time” – 3:55
“Sitting on Top of the World” – 3:37
“Dr. X” – 4:50
“The Song with No Name” – 4:05
“6 O’Clock” – 4:17
“My Baby’s Gone” – 2:57
“Small Hours” – 4:30
“First Day of Forever” – 3:45
“Train Kept Rolling On” – 3:16
“Paris St. Germain” – 2:50
Pogue Mahone
Released February 1996
The final studio album by The Pogues, Pogue Mahone, saw the band returning to their more traditional Irish roots. The album was produced by Steve Brown and recorded at Westland Studios and Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin. It features a stripped-down sound and a focus on traditional Irish music, representing a farewell to the fans and closing the band’s remarkable chapter in music history.
CD Track Listings:
“How Come” – 2:50
“Living in a World Without Her” – 3:20
“When the Ship Comes In” – 3:14
“Anniversary” – 4:06
“Amadie” – 1:53
“Love You ‘Till the End” – 4:32
“Bright Lights” – 2:35
“Oretown” – 3:47
“Pont Mirabeau” – 3:02
“Tosspint” – 3:31
“Four O’Clock in the Morning” – 3:11
“Where That Love’s Been Gone” – 3:15
“The Sun and the Moon” – 2:45
POGUES LIVE ALBUMS
Streams of Whiskey: Live in Leysin, Switzerland 1991
Released 2002
CD Track Listing:
1. Streams Of Whiskey
2. If I Should Fall From Grace – With God
3. Boys From The County Hell
4. Young Ned Of The Hill
5. Rain Street
6. Sayonara
7. Battle Of Brisbane
8. The Body Of An American
9. Summer In Siam
10. Thousands Are Sailing
11. Sunnyside Of The Street
12. Dirty Old Town
13. The Sickbed Of Cuchulainn
14. Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah
15. Fiesta
16. Sally MacLennane
The Ultimate Collection Including Live at the Brixton Academy 2001
Released 2005
The Pogues in Paris: 30th Anniversary Concert at the Olympia
Released 2013
BBC Sessions 1984-1986
1. Streams Of Whiskey
2. Greenland Whale Fisheries
3. Boys From The County Hell
4. The Auld Triangle
5. Dingle Regatta
6. Poor Paddy On The Railway
7. Boys From The County Hell
8. Connemara, Let’s Go
9. Whiskey You’re The Devil
10. Navigator
11. Sally MacLennane
12. Danny Boy
13. A Pair Of Brown Eyes
14. Muirshin Durkin
15. Sally Maclennane
16. Wild Cats Of Kilkenny
17. Billy’s Bones
18. The Old Main Drag
19. Dirty Old Town
20. If I Should Fall From Grace With God
21. Lullaby Of London
22. The Rake At The Gates Of Hell
23. Turkish Song Of The Damned
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Janey Roberts lives in Chelsea, London. She has worked for various British musical publications writing album and concert reviews. Originally from Balboa Park, San Diego, Janey brings an international cross cultural perspective to rock journalism.