Search - Shane Macgowan & The Popes :: The Snake

A LOST CLASSIC

adam david | new york | 11/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Patchy, but with good stuff

adam david | 03/22/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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."

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

Chloe Valentine | Central Pennsylvania | 02/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."