Peace & Love [Expanded]

Definitely not as as good as "If I Should Fall From Grace...", but still a strong album. I really don't hear the difference in Shane's delivery here. Most of the recorded Pogues songs somewhat "mushmouthed". I do agree it's a shame that Shane is in such shambles, however I think it adds a bittersweet sadness to their songs. "Young Ned", "Night Train", and "London You're a Lady" are all great. However, for me, the truly classic song on this album, and the one that sums up Shane's problems, is "Misty Morning, Albert Bridge": "I awoke so cold and lonely/In a far away place/The sun felt cold, upon my face/Cracks in the ceiling spelled "HELL". The one risk you take as a Pogues fan, and I have been burnt twice already, is the propensity for Shane to "not be up to" doing shows (we all know why). Still when they are on there are few bands that can touch them live. I am going to Roseland 3/13.

This album freakin' rocks

It's funny to see lackluster reviews of this record. It's one of my favorite records. Along with If I Should Fall... and Rum, S***my and the Lash, they are three unbelievable albums. I love the songs written by the other guys in the goup as well. "Down All the Days" is amazing to me. The musical landscapes they create are unbelievable. Yes, Shane drinks. Yes, he has no teeth. YES, he is an absolutely amazing songwriter with a gift for believability that only a scant few singers ever achieve. Johnny Cash, Kurt Cobain, etc. These guys live it and we believe it. The only shame with him is his seeming inability to get his act together. It truly is a shame. I guess I'll just have to live with my three favorite records by them for a little longer. Jeremy Keyboards for Nine Days

Like their last, Hell's Ditch, this is a mixed bag. Without a doubt their worst & least cohesive release. The band seems to want to "experiment", while MacGowan stubbornly sticks to his traditional roots. Not surprisingly, the MacGowan penned tracks standout. But Jem Finer's Misty Morning & Phil Chevron's Lorelei go to prove the Pogues were more than just a backing band. That said, the other essential tracks? White City, Cotton Fields, Down All The Days,USA, Boat Train & London, You're A Lady. As for the bonus material? Yeah, Yeah, Yeah & Limerick Rake are just as essential.

While this is a good album, it isn't The Pogues' best either. There are some standout tracks like Young Ned of the Hill, Misty Morning Albert Bridge, Gartloney Rats, Night Train to Lorca, Star of the County Down, and The Limerick Rake, but much of the album feels to me like filler. All the same, if you already have IISFFGWG, Red Roses for Me, and Rum, Sod*my, and the Lash, and you still haven't gotten your fix of The Pogues, then this record is certainly a fine choice.