The Vinyl Brew: The Pogues - Rum, Sodomy & the Lash

Shiny Day Brewers,

This week as we drift into October and the colder weather is setting in, I find myself enjoying my hot beverage and comfy chair beside my player more and more. Today we are going to chat about an iconic group who have seen many ups and downs in their illustrious career. Our vinyl choice this week is Celtic punk legends, The Pogues and their album, Rum, Sodomy & the Lash.

Forming in London in 1982 as the Pogue Mahones, which was a play on the Irish phrase “Póg mo thóin” meaning kiss my arse, were the original members MacGowan (Vocals), Stacy (Tin Whistle), Finer (Banjo) and Fearnley (Accordion). With a rotation of members over the years, it would be these core members that set the foundation for the group. They self-released the single “Dark Streets of London” and after several complaints to the BBC from Gaelic speakers in Scotland and following several appearances on British TV, they changed their name to The Pogues and were thrust into the limelight. With all this and opening for The Clash on tour, they garnered the attention of Stiff Record who they would sign with and start to release their music through.

Rum, Sodomy & the Lash is the second album by the band and was released on the 5th August 1985. It is a mixture of traditional tracks and songs that highlight the writing skills of MacGowan. For this album the group were initially approached by Jake Riviera who represented Elvis Costello with the idea of Costello producing two tracks on the album. After the recording was extended, Elvis would come on to produce the entire album. Costello has said “My job was to get them on tape without messing it up”. Famous for their live performances it was that raw energy and showmanship that he wanted to capture for the album, and it is very obvious on every track. He claims it is “still my favourite record of theirs”.

Most reviews of Rum, Sodomy & the Lash will mention how the band write music with real intensity that lean heavily into the punk sound with the down-home feel of folk. What The Pogues do so well is make you feel, whether it’s pure joy or pure heart break. They will have you singing along as though you are a member of the band or that you’ve been watching them in your local for as long as you can remember.

So, who should be listening to this album? Everyone, and I mean everyone! Whatever genre of music rocks your boat The Pogues should be in every music lover’s collection. ‘Rum, Sodomy & the Lash’ has something for everyone and if you’ve never heard this album, please grab a copy now. There is a very obvious track on this album to play us out but I’m going to choose “Sally MacLennane”. As always head over to our Twitter @vinyl8records and let us know your favourite Pogue’s track.

"Sad to say I must be on my way

So buy me beer and whiskey 'cause I'm going far away (far away)
I'd like to think of me returning when I can
To the greatest little boozer and to Sally MacLennane”

Till next week Brewers,
T

Next Sunday's brew is Crosby Stills & Nash's self-titled album. Why not add this gem to your collection so we can listen together next week!