I took Eileen by the hand, walk with me was her command

Declan's right at home today as we've made it to Essential Pogues on his album list. I think this is a CD I got from my friend Steve who has a pretty extensive collection of The Pogues. Aside from a few tracks from Waiting For Herb, this is the only Pogues on my iPod.

When I think of the Pogues these days, two things spring to mind. The first is how amazingly ugly Shane McGowan has gotten. He really is the modern day caricature of the Irish drunk incarnate. As I listen to his music, a picture of his face seeps into my mind and it scares me. See for yourself:Now you, too, can share my pain.

The second thing that I remember is that Elvis Costello used to be married to their bass player. A biography I read said the band used to call him "Uncle Brian" because his creepy 35-year-old man lust for 19-year-old Cait O'Riordan reminded them of an inappropriate relative. I laugh every time I think about that.

So how's the album? It starts out great, turns into a travelogue and kind of just peters out at the end with an unnecessary cover of "Honky Tonk Woman." "The Sunny Side Of The Street" and "Fairytale of New York" are songs everyone should own so I could consider this album to be truly essential. It's a handy introduction to a legendary band with a freaky, freaky lead singer. Uncle Brian would approve.