The Pogues: Incredible Musicians

[Andy P. Davies]

I used to have piano lessons as a kid which is how I learned the rudiments of music. I have forgotten most of the piano pieces I once knew and now play a fairly basic form of rhythm guitar which aids my own songwriting and singing hobby.
The Pogues, on the other hand, housed an incredible musical force of talent which would seem to have centred around Chevron, Finer and most pertinently, Fearnley and latterly Woods (but he was brought in by Murray as an official Virtuoso - so that doesn't count!). You had the ideas people - Shane and Jem, mainly. Then an amazing body of musicians to bring things to fruition. I'm not sure what the point of this post is other than to highlight the innate musical finesse and skill of several band members which may have been overlooked at times - from day 1!

[Hooperman]

Ill drink to that! A volcano of musical talent regularly erupting!

[dsweeney]

The most under-rated Pogue for me is without doubt Mr.Andrew Ranken. Quite simply a superb drummer and far from " The clobberer" of his early incarnation. I'm not just thinking of his time-keeping at near supersonic velocities either. Most drummers can play fast. But his command of the sometimes very difficult time-signatures of Irish trad, waltzes and triple-time etc. I love his rimshots on the faster numbers. " Rum..." is probably his highlight, great touch and feel, great naval and military sounding drum rolls etc. Not to mention his Jazz on things like " Gridlock " and the intro to " Sketches of Spain ". Phenominal and hugely under-rated musician. I love his harmonica on DOT as well.