Reuters review

[Zuzana]

The Pogues end lengthy hiatus with oldies set

Sun Mar 19, 2006 4:54 PM ET
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

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NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - To get the most pressing matter out of the way first: Yes, Shane McGowan showed up, and yes, he made it through the entire show.

Normally, a concert review wouldn't require such an urgent bulletin, but the lead singer of the celebrated Irish folk-punk combo has not been the most reliable performer in the past. Reuniting for their first U.S. dates in over 15 years, the Pogues delivered the goods before a delirious sold-out crowd at the 2,100-capacity Nokia Theater in Manhattan, the final stop on a brief four-city tour.

Featuring the eight-member lineup that created such classic albums as "Rum, Sodomy & the Lash" and "If I Should Fall From Grace With God," the band demonstrated that the long layoff has done little to dim its energy. If the playing at times lacked a certain precision, well, it aptly suited the raucous music.

McGowan provided his memorable slurry growl to such classic numbers as "Turkish Song of the Damned," "White City," "Thousands Are Sailing," "Sally MacLennane," "Fiesta," "The Old Main Drag," "Rainy Night in Soho" and "The Irish Rover." While his stage patter was as unintelligible as ever -- after every comment, hundreds in the audience could be seen in collective shrugs -- he did provide reasonably clear diction on the lyrics.

Not that it mattered because the rabid fans sang along to every number, clearly relishing a set list that provided a healthy dose of the favorites they came to hear.

McGowan, who seemed in good spirits (for him), left the stage periodically, allowing other band members, like guitarist Philip Chevron, to handle the vocals on several numbers. The music itself had a furious urgency, beautifully seasoned with the gentle Irish flavor provided by such instruments as accordion, banjo and tin whistle.


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© Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved.

[CraigBatty]

Thanks AGAIN, ma'am. Wow, how do you do it, how DO you do it?

[Zuzana]

Wow, how do you do it, how DO you do it?

Actually, I make all the reviews up, but husshhh...

[CraigBatty]

I KNEW it!....*mutter,mutter,mutter*

[Irish Rover]

Wow, how do you do it, how DO you do it?

Actually, I make all the reviews up, but husshhh...

I knew there was something odd going on

Cheers again Zuzana

[Heather]

Wow, how do you do it, how DO you do it?

Actually, I make all the reviews up, but husshhh...

I knew there was something odd going on

Cheers again Zuzana

Thought as much myself