556. Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash

Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash
The Pogues
1985

Tracks
1. Sick Bed of Cuchulainn
2. Old Main Drag
3. Wild Cats of Kilkenny
4. I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day
5. Pair of Brown Eyes
6. Sally Maclennane
7. Pistol for Paddy Garcia
8. Dirty Old Town
9. Jesse James
10. Navigator
11. Billy's Bones
12. Gentleman Soldier
13. Band Played Waltzing Matilda

Apparently, the name of the album is a paraphrased quote of Winston Churchill, when he said something along the lines of: "don't talk to me about naval tradition. Nothing but rum, sodomies, prayers, and the lash." If only that man were alive during the Twitter age, we would have privy to some sick burns. 

Anyway, if you haven't heard this album, imagine what it would sound like if Long John Silver, Black Dog, and Jack Sparrow formed a band. I saw on Wikipedia that this was considered a folk punk album, which seems strange to me. I can't envision this album in a context other than a tavern named The Jolly Rogers or The Flying Dutchman.

It might sound like I am hating on the album, but I am not. I did actually enjoy it quite a bit as a novelty. It's amazing that the punk attitude can be applied to any genre. Maybe if they added punk elements to bongo rock they could really get that genre off the ground (#foreverhauntedbythebongos).

RATING: 3/5

555. Suzanne Vega

Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
1985

Tracks
1. Cracking
2. Freeze Tag
3. Marlene On The Wall
4. Small Blue Thing
5. Straight Lines
6. Undertow
7. Some Journey
8. The Queen & The Soldier
9. Knight Moves
10. Neighborhood Girls

I was already gleeful at the idea of a female solo artist, which is a true rarity in these parts. But this turned out to be one of the best albums I have ever heard, and no, I am not just saying that because of the genitals we share.

The standout track is undeniably "The Queen and The Soldier" which is powerful and tells a damn good story. And what more could you ask of a folk album? My other favorite was "Marlene On The Wall," a profound introspection that I have pretty much had on repeat since listening to this album. Compared to some of the more vapid albums I have been subjected to lately on this List, this was a welcome change. After this, we are back to sodomy (and Rum and the Lash).

Simply beautiful.

RATING: 5/5