Pogue Mahone is the seventh and final studio album by the Pogues, released in February 1996. The title is a variant of the Irish phrase póg mo thóin, meaning "kiss my arse", from which the band's name is derived. It was the band's second studio album recorded after the departure of Shane MacGowan, and features Spider Stacy in the role of lead singer.

Overview

The album was not a critical or commercial success. After its release founding member Jem Finer left the band, and the remaining members decided to end their run together as well. The album yielded one single, "How Come". "Love You Till the End" was to be the second single, but this was never released. The song appears in the 1999 movie Mystery, Alaska and on the soundtrack to the movie P.S. I Love You.

Critical reception

Trouser Press wrote that a "shortage of songs that are more than workably agreeable and a complete lack of edge in their performances leaves the harmless album sounding like the work of a skilled and spirited but bog-ordinary Irish pub band." The Los Angeles Times wrote that "some numbers sound almost new age, thanks to an airy whistle, while others sound like dull FM-rock with a dash of Irish flavor."

Track listing

Standard edition

Bonus tracks (2004 reissue)

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the album liner notes, except where noted.