I'm sure most people know all about this classic single, but if you don't then your in for a real treat. Around the time that "The Pogues" blended Irish Folk Music with Punk there was another band "The Men They Couldn't Hang" (TMTCH) who were doing the rounds. in my opinion they deserved the fame and recognition that the Pogues achieved, but as often is, it didn't quite happen. For me some of their songs surpassed anything the Pogues did (even though I loved the Pogues, and still do), and "Ironmasters" is one of those songs.
"Ironmasters" starts of like a gentle folk song and then builds up, getting louder and faster, until it fully bursts into life. Listen to it and see what you think, for me this is one of my all time favourite singles. On the b-side you get two great covers "Donald Where's Your Troosers" and the brilliant "Rawhide" which lots of bands seemed to cover in the mid eighties.
TMTCH were outstanding live, although I'm sure for some of you who saw them can remember how rough some of their gigs were, it was unusual if there wasn't at least one fight, which I think was mainly down to the speed and energy of many of their songs. They were regulars at the Mean Fiddler and the Sir George Robey and did have a fair size following, but clearly not big enough to break into the big time.
I was playing their excellent debut album "Night Of A Thousand Candles" (link to buy below) and whilst listening to one of their fastest stage favourites "Walkin Talkin" and for the first time noticed its similarity (although its about 10 times faster) to Johnny Cash's "The Wreck Of Old 97", anyone agree? leave a comment.
Band: The Men They Couldn't Hang
Label: Imp Records:
Year: 1985
Tracks:
1. Ironmasters
2. Donald Where's Your Troosers
3. Rawhide
Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl
If you like this then your in luck, there are two albums worth getting, the first is their best and debut album: (if you want these tracks plus their other single "Greenback Dollar) you will have to buy this on iTunes)
Night of a Thousand Candles by Men They Couldn't Hang
Their second album "How Green Is The Valley" is worth buying just for their single "Shirt Of Blue" although this is a collectors version in CD or vinyl, so it cheaper to buy this on iTunes.
How Green Is The Valley by The Men They Couldn't Hang
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