REWIND: The Pogues - 'A Pair Of Brown Eyes'

Just when you thought it was no longer possible for them to release any more, there is ANOTHER Pogues 'Best Of' compilation out, this one celebrating the band's 30th anniversary. And despite the newly released '30:30' being labelled 'The Essential Collection', this one doesn't even feature the incredible 'And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda', which was a 'Song For Today' on this site back in 2011 (HERE). It does however feature this absolute gem. How could it not? Simply one of the most poignant songs about war you'll ever hear, and a brilliantly characteristic vocal from Shane too. Magical.

There is supposed to be a full box set coming out this month, but there doesn't yet seem to be any sign of it. Apparently 'Pogues 30' contains all the studio albums in facsimile editions, plus a previously unreleased live album of the Pogues featuring Joe Strummer at the London Forum in December 1991. For those on a budget, get hold of 'The Original Album Series' instead, a CD set containing the five classic albums they issued between 1984 and 1989.

From December 15th, the band play shows in Manchester, Glasgow and two dates at London's O2 Academy Brixton where they'll be performing the classic second album 'Rum, Sodomy And the Lash' in its entirety plus other favourite tracks...