Shane MacGowan was a troubled genius.
He struggled with drugs and alcohol, as well as numerous health problems, and fans spent decades worrying about his seemingly self-destructive behavior. Yet, he was also a Celtic punk poet of the highest order, who, at his best, would lift his main band — the legendary Pogues — to such incredible heights.
I feel so blessed to have had the chance to see him perform in concert, both with the Pogues and as the leader of Shane MacGowan and the Popes. In all cases, he was off kilter, not always easy to understand and, more than anything else, completely thrilling.
On Thursday, Nov. 30, the great songwriter died at the age of 65 after a long battle viral encephalitis.
As a tribute to this mighty talent, and with the hope of introducing his music to some of the uninitiated, I have rounded up 5 songs that illustrate his lasting genius.
“Fairytale of New York” (1987)
In recognition of its overwhelming popularity as well as the season we are in, I certainly must include this wonderfully original holiday classic, which kicks off with MacGowan proclaiming that “It was Christmas Eve, babe, in the drunk tank.” The bittersweet Irish-style folk ballad is played as a duet between MacGowan and terrific vocalist Kirsty MacColl, who trade barbs while mixing heartbreak and humor in equal amounts. Quite amazingly, “Fairytale of New York” is reportedly the most-played Christmas song of the 21st century in the U.K. Don’t you just love the Brits?
“If I Should Fall from Grace with God” (1988)
If I could only listen to one Pogues song — which, thankfully, is not the case — I would make it this title track from the band’s 1988 album. It just seems to distill so much of what is great about both MacGowan and the group, coming across like a rowdiest of pub parties as it mixes great lyrics, yearning vocal work and a full-throttle blend of rock and traditional Irish music.
“Streams of Whiskey” (1984)
Everything that one needed to know about the Pogues was made clear on its very first record — 1984’s “Red Roses for Me” — which set the rowdy, brawling, unapologetic course for the rest of the band’s career. Yet, there’s a sense of joy and adventure found in this early material — especially on a song like “Streams of Whiskey” — which is never fully duplicated on later efforts.
“Sally MacLennane” (1985)
MacGowan is in legendary form on this top-tier pub rocker, which is reportedly based on a bar his uncle owned in East London. On first listen, it may seem that MacGowan is longing to be reunited with some far-away love named Sally MacLennane. And the song certainly works on that level. Yet, Sally MacLennane is actually a brand of stout.
“Nancy Whiskey” (1995)
Although his work with the Pogues will always dominate any discussion about MacGowan’s legacy, I wanted to make sure to include at least one song from his fine first solo album — “The Snake” — which featured his backing band, the Popes. “Nancy Whiskey” (actually included on the expanded version of the album) is terrific example of the great work that MacGowan did with traditional songs.
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