Physical editions are due this fall via Rhino
Prepare to raise a glass and stomp your feet as The Pogues’ seminal album, Rum Sodomy & The Lash, celebrates its 40th anniversary. Originally released on August 5, 1985, the album captured the raw energy and poetic lyricism that defined The Pogues, solidifying their place as one of the most influential bands of their generation. Today marks the 40th anniversary of that original release date.
This 40th anniversary reissue will come in a collectible 2 LP red marble vinyl edition and a deluxe 2 CD set, both offering the original album plus a bonus disc that brings together the legendary Poguetry In Motion EP, with tracks from the July 1985 BBC Janice Long session, plus original single B-sides. The bonus disc is completed by rare live versions of “A Pair Of Brown Eyes” and “Sally MacLennane” recorded at Glasgow Barrowland in December 1987, and a rough mix of Poguetry In Motion outtake, the band’s version of The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Do You Believe In Magic,” all currently unavailable.
Produced by Elvis Costello, Rum Sodomy & the Lash was the second studio album by the London-based Irish folk punk band. Costello, who was originally brought in to work on the singles, extended his stay to work on the entire album. At the time, he said, “I saw my task was to capture them in their dilapidated glory before some more professional producer fucked them up.”
The album reached No. 13 on the UK charts. It features the singles “A Pair Of Brown Eyes,” “Sally MacLennane,” and “Dirty Old Town.”
The Pogues will be touring the U.S. And Canada for the first time in 13 years with special guest vocalists and musicians for a headlining tour in September 2025. Nine dates are set in major cities with two nights at New York City’s Terminal 5.
CD 1: Rum Sodomy & The Lash
1. The Sick Bed Of Cúchulainn
2. The Old Main Drag
3. Wild Cats Of Kilkenny
4. I’m A Man You Don’t Meet Every Day
5. A Pair Of Brown Eyes
6. Sally MacLennane
7. Dirty Old Town
8. Jesse James
9. Navigator
10. Billy’s Bones
11. The Gentleman Soldier
12. And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
CD 2: Bonus Tracks
1. The Parting Glass [B-Side]
2. A Pistol For Paddy Garcia [B-Side]
3. London Girl [Poguetry In Motion EP]
4. A Rainy Night In Soho [Poguetry In Motion EP]
5. The Body Of An American[Poguetry In Motion EP]
6. Planxty Noel Hill [Poguetry In Motion EP]
7. Wild Cats Of Kilkenny [BBC Radio 1 – The Janice Long Show – July 11, 1985]
8. Billy’s Bones [BBC Radio 1 – The Janice Long Show – July 11, 1985]
9. The Old Main Drag [BBC Radio 1 – The Janice Long Show – July 11, 1985]
10. Dirty Old Town [BBC Radio 1 – The Janice Long Show – July 11, 1985]
11. A Pair Of Brown Eyes (Live at Glasgow Barrowland) [Bonus Track]
12. Sally MacLennane (Live at Glasgow Barrowland) [Bonus Track]
13. Do You Believe in Magic? (Rough Mix) [Bonus Track]
