The Snake [Import]

Shane MacGowan | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 9, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Import [Generic]
• ASIN: B00000I5MG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,131 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #61 in Music > Imports > Alternative Rock
  • #90 in Music > World Music > Europe > British Isles > Ireland

Editorial Reviews

UK reissue of the former Pogues vocalist/ leader's 1995 solo debut, deleted in the U.S. 16 tracks, including the singles 'You're The One' & 'Haunted' (a duet with Sinead O'Connor), plus a duet with Maire Brennan of Clannad that was featured in the 1995 romantic comedy 'Circle Of Friends', which co-starred Minnie Driver & Chris O'Donnell. Standard jewelcase.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A LOST CLASSIC, November 26, 2002

By 

adam david (new york) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Snake (Audio CD)

This may be the last great rock album the world ever sees.

Now, I'm perfectly aware of the hyperbole in a statement like that. But this album comes at a point in Macgowan's career where he's got a tremendous amount of experience behind him, but he's also aware of himself - and the plight of the aging rock artist - to wonder where he's going. Someone once eulogized Kurt Cobain with a statement along the lines of, "He had the desperation, not the courage, to be himself and speak his mind." A quote that also fits Macgowan.

The album combines Shane's love and vast knowledge of Irish songforms and melody with a big rock sound. The Popes realize Macgowan's compositions with such zeal, enthusiasm and intensity, even the most ardent Pogues fan will quickly accede that these are songs that Shane would have to perform outside the band.

Highlights include the opening stomper "Church of the Holy Ghost", the beleagured druggy, drunken imagery of "I'll Be Your Handbag", the puzzling and heartbreaking "the Song With No Name" and the gorgeous duet with Sinead O'Connor "Haunted". (Try to find the version of this album that also includes the duet with Marie Brennan "You're The One".)

Yes, there are some songs that meander and seem aimless and/or miss the mark. That's always going to be the case with anything macgowan is part of. it's also a great deal of his appeal.

Why this is not available as a US release just proves the sorry state of the record industry. No, this will never be a quadruple platinum effort that gets played to death of FM radio - but considering what passes as rock music these days, that's a high recommendation.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Patchy, but with good stuff, March 21, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Snake (Audio CD)

I am a long time Pogues fan and very wary of getting any "solo" Pogues or Shane effort. But I found an old copy of "The Snake," the 1994 release in a used bin and based on the reviews here, decided to take a chance. I come away with mixed feelings about it. I expected to hear more Irish tinged rock, which there is on this album, but the first tune was a basic straight ahead hard rocking tune. I immediately thought I made a big mistake. But on relistens, the regular rock songs have some redeeming value and the Irish songs are very good, what I expected. I programmed out some songs on my CD player, and turned it into a solid CD. But straight through, there are definitely some songs I could do without.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars cheers to Shane, October 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Snake (Audio CD)

This album proves that the Pogues need Shane a lot more than he needs them. There are a few clunkers on The Snake, but for the most part it is a very strong showing by Shane, especially on such songs as The Snake With Eyes of Garnet, The Song With No Name, Aisling, and Haunted, as well as the covers of traditional songs (Nancy Whiskey, Roddy McCorley, Rising of the Moon). It should not be surprising that this album is not as good as the Pogues' first three studio albums (what is?), but it is miles ahead of the Pogues post-Shane releases (and even Peace & Love and Hell's Ditch, in my opinion). Why? Consistency. This album does not have the patchwork, pot-luck vibe of the Pogues' last few releases. The Pogues ditched Shane partly because of his refusal to move on from Irish-flavored songs (both lyrically and musically). Well, on this album Shane proves he can beat them at their own game, with rockers like Church of the Holy Spook and Mexican Funeral In Paris, while staying true to his roots for the rest of the album. I strongly recommend this album to any Shane/Pogues fan.