Customer Reviews

The Snake

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This is my first Shane McGowan album. It ROCKS! I love it! My brother thinks he sounds like Bob Dylan on a good day--but I think his voice is so unusual and haunting....Love the ballads, the traditional Irish music-type songs and the hell-bent "been drinking" songs, too! A lot of variety! Will definitely be checking out more albums by Shane McGowan.

Okay, Shane MacGowan has REALLY bad dental hygeine, and his voice is getting more and more wretched as time drags on. But on this album he pulls through with the rockin "That Woman's Got Me Drinkin'", the love ballads too for the gals, songs about booze, songs about love and hate. Much better than the other Popes album "Crock of Gold." If you buy this, and a bottle of whiskey to go with it, you will not be sorry.

This was such a rewarding album. The music world got terribly boring after Shane left the Pogues. There was nothing out there to fill that gap. Certainly the two post-Shane Pogues' albums left a lot to be desired, a whole lot! Then, out of the blue, here comes that Shane album that had been rumored forever. The album he was going to make if he did not die first. Silly humans, Shane will never die, the alcohol only makes him stronger. This album has several great tracks (they all are). However, "The Snake (with eyes of Garnet)" and "Donnegal Express" are two of the greatest songs ever penned. This is a truly great album that I feel is superior to not only the last two non-Shane Pogue albums, but the also the last two Shane-Pogue albums.

Shane picks up where the "good Pogues" left off and dosn't miss a beat this CD is a MUST OWN for anyone who is a Pogues/Shane McGowen fan.

I love the Pogues so I was wary of this CD. However, I am inexplicably drawn to all things Shane McGowan so I took a chance. I'm glad I did. I often laugh (and feel sad) as I listen to some of the songs that are overpowered by what I call the "drunken stylings of Shane McGowan." On one song, "A Mexican funeral in Paris", he is so obviously dead drunk, I don't know how he made it through. But...BUT..songs like "That woman's got me drinking" and "Her father didn't like me" the types of "sing loud as you drive" songs that touch a realistic nerve. Others, like "You're the one" and "Haunted" are so beautifully arranged with words so soulful, it's worth all else. Also, it is rarely mentioned that the Popes are a skillful, talented band. It is a delight to listen to their creative, hard driving instrumentation.

This is an interesting CD because I agree with others who say that there are some songs I can strictly do without but the good ones completely eclipse those. And...drunk or not, Shane McGowan is an artist of distinction. That also makes the difference.

Go to your favorite Irish watering hole, give the bartender this album, tell him to keep the Guinness flowing, and enjoy! It's a great listening experience.

Shane MacGowan rocks on this album. Both the lyrics and the music are full of great hooks. An album that gets better everytime you listen to it.