The Pogues’ album Rum Sodomy and the Lash perfectly embodies music’s ability to bring us into a different world. Although conceived within London’s booming punk movement, in no way do The Pogues fit into the simplistic energy that defined early U.K. punk rock. One listen to any track on Rum and you will quickly heed what separates this band from all of their contemporaries: Ireland. Hearing the atypical beauty of frontman Shane MacGowan’s growl in “A Pair of Brown Eyes” brings you to the mystic past of the tiny island of his ancestors. Even on an initial listen, Rum’s romantic depiction of Ireland makes this Irish life immediately enviable. Hearing the poetic narratives of drunken pub life and the Irish revolution totally erases any abhorrent aspects of both scenarios. Instead you are left feeling that the one thing truly wanting in your life is to become an Irish rover.

The Pogues’ ability to paint such passionate romanticism is largely enabled by the paradox that the band wears on its sleeve. MacGowan’s music dramatically fuses the romantic world of W.B. Yeats with the completely disparate drunken sputtering of genius playwright Brendan Behan. MacGowan is a punk with an Irish banjo. He is a poet that has been told that poetry is unsightly so he cloaks his beauty behind his sputtering accent. MacGowan thus fits both polls of our social spectrum. He is simultaneously the confrontational drunk and the garage poet. His stories of history tear apart your own and his songs will change who you want to be…at least they did for me.

Paradox is thrust down your throat on The Pogues’ 1985, Elvis Costello produced, wreck of a second album. Within Rum Sodomy and the Lash‘s brief 45 minutes, it is hard not to dance, laugh and become nostalgic for the Irish dwelling that you never had. It is a work of truly novel genius.

Listen if you like: The Clash, The Decemberists, and/or Flogging Molly.

Tune into Radio K’s Last Year’s Model on Monday November 3 and 10 at 8 p.m. to hear the consistent babble of hosts Phil and Jordan and listen to all the wonders of Rum Sodomy and the Lash.