The Body Of An American

[Aslak]

In my opinion the absolute greatest Pogues tune, and a masterpiece of music in general.

Anyways, what i was wondering, did this first show up on the Best-Of in 1990?

[AllBusiness37]

<i>Poguetry in Motion</i> EP, 1986

[usualdog]

In my opinion the band peaked with that ep. At that time, listening to the ep and Rum Sodomy and the Lash, they transcended music and became something else a force that you could touch. Some brilliant stuff followed but nothing (to date!) seemed as magical to me as the first two albums and that ep. Or maybe I just took too much speed at college.

[pogues24]

Agreed, however, If I Should Fall From Grace With God, was in my opinion The Pogues at their creative peak, also there were quite a few pearls in Peace and Love and Hell's Ditch.

Iain

[Benno]

In my opinion the band peaked with that ep. At that time, listening to the ep and Rum Sodomy and the Lash, they transcended music and became something else a force that you could touch. Some brilliant stuff followed but nothing (to date!) seemed as magical to me as the first two albums and that ep. Or maybe I just took too much speed at college.

you've fucking nailed it there

it was the time and place...
once there was hype, and a precedent had been set
they were fucked
shane couldnt handle that shit, neither could anyone else

the fans were still there for "if i should fall.."
but everyone knew it was on the way down

im not saying the music became shit,
im saying the atmosphere surrounding it did

[Michaelo]

In my opinion the band peaked with that ep. At that time, listening to the ep and Rum Sodomy and the Lash, they transcended music and became something else a force that you could touch. Some brilliant stuff followed but nothing (to date!) seemed as magical to me as the first two albums and that ep. Or maybe I just took too much speed at college.

you've fucking nailed it there

it was the time and place...
once there was hype, and a precedent had been set
they were fucked
shane couldnt handle that shit, neither could anyone else

the fans were still there for "if i should fall.."
but everyone knew it was on the way down

im not saying the music became shit,
im saying the atmosphere surrounding it did

I don't agree. I think If I Should Fall was a different sound to Rum, Sodomy, but just as good. I don't think anything was "on the way down" until Peace and Love came out.

[usualdog]

I've always seen IISFFGWG as "Not the beginning of the end but perhaps the end of the beginning"

[Mark_Wafc]

I've always seen IISFFGWG as "Not the beginning of the end but perhaps the end of the beginning"

Couldn’t agree more, you can sense a change is in the air..

Its still a great album mind.

[pogues24]

A change was in the air, maybe, but The Pogues starting exploring other sounds on Poguetry In Motion, cajun rockibilly of London Girl, to the string arrangement on A Rainy Night In Soho. In my opinion the Pogues original sound was till evident of If I Should Fall... It seems like some people see the beginning of the end starting with the release of Peace and Love, however, I found this album to a rather worthy follow up to I Should Fall..., while Hell's Ditch was seen as a vibrant return to form to most people.

Iain

[Bobble]

I only heard this song today, it was recomended to me, normally I just passed it on when playing down the list of songs, and I was amazed. Brilliant lyrics, great tune.

[Eric V]

Brilliant lyrics, great tune.

....and great imagery. For some reason, every time I hear it a little movie plays in my head. Especially the beginning.

[Plastic Paddy]

I never really got this song until I heard it live. Since then it has become a fav though. If it was a meal, it would be steak and kidney pud with chips and gravy.

[Hooperman]

Brilliant lyrics, great tune.

....and great imagery. For some reason, every time I hear it a little movie plays in my head. Especially the beginning.

I know what you mean, i had the full music video directed! I think this is the song that finally snapped it for me and made me start learning accordion. I think it follows a sort of pattern which is just so addictive, like Sick Bed of Cuchulainn, slow bit, fast bit, amazing solo, and so on.

As for the albums, if we go by individual songs theyre all great because they all have great songs on them, but as an album i think its If I SAhould Fall From Grace With God. Not got anything after Hells Ditch except best ofs though so i cant really speak for all albums.

[Paddy McPint]

The beginning of the verse is the same melody as Sally McLennane. Great song(s) though.

[Billie]

The beginning of the verse is the same melody as Sally McLennane. Great song(s) though.

and it sort of recalls Sick Bed of Cuchulainn in the melody.