-Patriot Ledger: Pogues’ music soars, but words lost

[Zuzana]

Sober reality: Pogues’ music soars, but words lost

By Jay N. Miller
Mar 23, 2009
The Patriot Ledger

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QUINCY — There was a moment, as Shane MacGowan’s cracked voice sang the heartbreakingly poignant “Rainy Night in Soho,” over Jem Finer’s delicate banjo accents, and James Kearnley’s accordion, when it was all so transforming you could forgive the Pogues frontman for all of his past indiscretions.

But those moments were rather few Saturday night, as the Pogues wrapped up their North American tour at the House of Blues before a sold-out crowd of about 2,500 enthusiastic fans. The band itself sounded superb, aided by the new venue’s flawless sound system, with as clear and consistent a 90-minute show as we’ve ever heard. The seven Pogues musicians are among the finest Celtic-rock players anywhere, and they delivered in full.

But your man Shane, tipsy as usual, was deep into the gravelly end of his range, rendering most of the lyrics indecipherable. His song intros were semi-comprehensible, although he seemed to be gargling much of the time. When we heard the band a year or so back at the Orpheum, it seemed like tin whistle player Spider Stacy and guitarist Phil Chevron each sang two or three songs, but this time it seemed like each man did one song apiece – meaning more MacGowan, on a night when he sounded like he needed a break.

The jaunty tin-whistle-driven “Streams of Whiskey” was an early treat, prompting much of the crowd on the balcony – where there was room to move – to erupt in impromptu jigs with total strangers. Down on the floor, close to the stage, it looked like a mosh pit was trying to form. Kearnley’s accordion was a highlight, his sweet melodies wafting over all the punky rhythms, and forming the basis for some of the lilting ballads.

There’s nothing like Celtic music for expressing wistful memories, or bittersweet regret, and of course MacGowan, 51, is like a poster boy for wrong turns taken. Even when you can’t catch all the words, his tortured baritone conveys reams of feeling, and Saturday’s 21-song set had some affecting segments. MacGowan shone – understandable or not – on the banjo-fired romp “The Boys from County Hell.” He gave the slower “Body of an American” a kind of tragic grace. And who has ever been able to give “Dirty Old Town” the kind of visceral kick MacGowan does?

But Stacy’s lead vocal on “Tuesday Morning” was terrifically moving, as Kearnley’s accordion and Terry Woods’ mandolin crafted a marvelous traditional backdrop. Whether because it was the tour’s finale, or because MacGowan had been mixing his own cocktails with a bottle of whiskey onstage, the regular set ended after 75 minutes, which seemed a bit short.

Yet that three-song encore segment with “Rainy Night in Soho” was worth waiting for, as the transcendent ballad was followed by a celebratory “Wild Rover” that had fans hopping around, sort of like step dancers.

In short, a night with the Pogues and their ever-unpredictable singer had moments of sheer musical bliss, and moments of consternation.

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Copyright © 2009 GateHouse Media, Inc. Some Rights Reserved.

[Mike from Boston]

I hope Jay Miller, the former Bruin, wrote this review. At least, he would have the excuse of receiving multiple blows to the head as a NHL fighter.
Otherwise, this article is embarassing in its sloppiness.

I already posted a comment on their website about some of the factual errors that are contained in the story-Kearnley, Wild Rover and them having Phil and Spider singing two or three songs each a couple of years ago (unless of course I was in the bathroom
for Lorelei and Blue Heaven!!)

It is also so funny that they know what Shane is drinking, it certainly didn't look like a whiskey bottle to me (and another report says it was a wine bottle
that never emptied.)

[DzM]

I already posted a comment on their website about some of the factual errors that are contained in the story-Kearnley, Wild Rover and them having Phil and Spider singing two or three songs each a couple of years ago (unless of course I was in the bathroom
for Lorelei and Blue Heaven!!)

I do believe that last year "Love You 'Til The End" was part of the set, so that would be two songs for Spider to sing. Mr. Reporter Guy wasn't 100% off, right?

[Mike from Boston]

I already posted a comment on their website about some of the factual errors that are contained in the story-Kearnley, Wild Rover and them having Phil and Spider singing two or three songs each a couple of years ago (unless of course I was in the bathroom
for Lorelei and Blue Heaven!!)

I do believe that last year "Love You 'Til The End" was part of the set, so that would be two songs for Spider to sing. Mr. Reporter Guy wasn't 100% off, right?

Honestly? No offense to Daryl or Spider, that was my bathroom/beerstand break song last year. I thought Daryl may have sung it or Hillary Swank.

[philipchevron]

I hope Jay Miller, the former Bruin, wrote this review. At least, he would have the excuse of receiving multiple blows to the head as a NHL fighter.
Otherwise, this article is embarassing in its sloppiness.

I already posted a comment on their website about some of the factual errors that are contained in the story-Kearnley, Wild Rover and them having Phil and Spider singing two or three songs each a couple of years ago (unless of course I was in the bathroom
for Lorelei and Blue Heaven!!)

It is also so funny that they know what Shane is drinking, it certainly didn't look like a whiskey bottle to me (and another report says it was a wine bottle
that never emptied.)

Quite honestly, I'm astonished that by now, people have not clocked that the wine bottle, though real enough, is a prop. It does actually empty at one point - as often onto the stage floor as into the MacGowan gob, though it is never more than one quarter full. Shane has not had whiskey on stage in over 20 years. Just how do these idiots figure it would be possible to sing 20 to 23 Pogues songs in quick succession over a period of 100 minutes or so (not 75 or 90) while seven sheets to the wind?? That's not to say the attempt has not been made now and then, but usually, these days, you hear about it right away on Medusa and, even if Shane is not a reader, he does , these days, know what people say about him.

[Eric V]

and, even if Shane is not a reader, he does , these days, know what people say about him.

Oh crap!!!

I so regret saying he was "shaky" on teh 17th. Please -- tell him it was the Jamesons talking. DzM -- make it go away. Philip -- Let him know I thought he was great, albeit just a little shaky. Walshy -- drop some quality chocolates in your pocket (not Cadbury, it is awful, the English know nothing about chocolate).

[Mike from Boston]

"Shane has not had whiskey on stage in over 20 years."

It is funny, I do remember my first Pogues show at the old Metro in Boston December 1987 (Strummer subbing for Mr. Chevron) and I definitely remember
Shane having some whiskey on stage.

[philipchevron]

"Shane has not had whiskey on stage in over 20 years."

It is funny, I do remember my first Pogues show at the old Metro in Boston December 1987 (Strummer subbing for Mr. Chevron) and I definitely remember
Shane having some whiskey on stage.

..........which would be 22 years ago, QED.

[Mike from Boston]

"Shane has not had whiskey on stage in over 20 years."

It is funny, I do remember my first Pogues show at the old Metro in Boston December 1987 (Strummer subbing for Mr. Chevron) and I definitely remember
Shane having some whiskey on stage.

..........which would be 22 years ago, QED.

Sorry, I meant to say that. I think you have recovered more quickly from the show than I have. I owe you a Milky Bar next year.

[Zuzana]

More about Milky Bars and Magic fruit has been shuffled to the pantry here:
viewtopic.php?f=44&t=9765

[christine antonia]

i thought he sang great, i understood everything except somethings between the songs, but oh well.
i dont thing all of you all including shane couldnt have put on a better show...
you should have had one of your gals in the balcony videoing it all.
ive got quite the video collection;))yaey