Grace Of God - Pope

Advantages: great punk folk, plus "fairytale" and "fiesta"
Disadvantages: none

...After creating the album Rum, Sodomy and the Lash, which put them on the map, people were expecting big things of The Pogues next release. Not a band known for their consistency or convention the follow up to such a worthy album could have been gone either way. However 1988s, If I Should Fall From Grace WIth God continued in the same vein as the preceding album and cemented their position as folk anarchists in the eyes of the drinking public. One of the great bonuses of the Pogues work is that on top of that great punk-folk music are some of the best lyrics you will lay eyes on. Folk music is not normally reknowned for being the realm of literary achievement but Shane MacGowan again manages to deliver meaningful cultural messages and glorious in jokes with almost every line that he writes. Where as the previous album was very much... Read review

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Advantages: See text.
Disadvantages: None.

.../ flute. Background vocals: Michelle John-Douglas/ Phil Knox/ Paul Lee/ Davd Lyle-Morris/ Paula Thomas/ Icthus Choir. Plus extra special guest vocals: Matt Redman and Martin Smith (of Delirious). The track list is as follows: 1. To you o Lord (featuring Matt Redman). A paraphrase of Psalm 25. 2. Rock of ages, the old hymn with an adaptation added to it by Graham. 3. I kneel down, talking about when we go to Jesus for forgiveness. 4. What grace, a song that talks about the fact that God is with us no matter what. 5. To the King eternal, talking about the greatness of God. 6. Lord you've been good to me (featuring Martin Smith), talking about our individual expression pf God's love. 7. The lord is present here, aiding us to approach God in our every day worship. 8. Blessed are the humble (The Beatitudes), a famous... Read review

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Advantages: Complete, varied with fantastic songs.
Disadvantages: None whatsoever.

...Released in 1988, 'If I Should Fall From Grace With God' is the Pogues third album, and rightly perceived to be their best. Macgowan begins the album on marvellous form, slurring his way through the chaotic title track and exercising every fibre of his throaty, growling voicebox, backed by the archetypal Pogues melody - fast, catchy, and despite being very musically accomplished, in perfect harmony with Shane's snarl. Following the first song, we are given an insight into Macgowan's growing affection for eastern European influences in 'Turkish Song of the Damned' - another fantastic composition that is melodic yet frantic at the same time. 'Bottle of Smoke' epitomizes the Pogues that most are familiar with - it's music to drink to, to dance to, to slur along to. What is most striking about 'If I Should Fall...' is the Pogues... Read review

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