The Popes - Outlaw Heaven

Delighted to see that The Popes have been picking up rave reviews for their latest release, 'Outlaw Heaven.' The album was written by frontman Paul (Maddog) McGuinness whilst he was a guest of Her Majesties Pleasure in pentonville. I think the writing reflects a certain sense of introspection and unleashed creative energy/rage one doesn't usually encounter in today's overly saturated market of ........low barrier to entry/ record in a box/computer makes the decisions really/limitless amount of tracks/decisions.....do we have to make decisions (ouch) in recording/producing/writing....... albums. Outlaw Heaven is an album of real songs with real lyrics......I love it.

I played fiddle and did string arrangements on the album. Well done lads.

"They are best known as Shane MacGowan's other band (now fronted by the equally gravel-voiced Paul "Mad Dog" McGuinness), and this strings-led cut from The Popes' excellent Outlaw Heaven album is what The Waterboys would have sounded like had Mike Scott sipped from the streams of whiskey. A true rough diamond."  Dave Simpson - The Guardian

"You’d imagine that surely Shane MacGowan’s brains have melted by now - but no! Stick the mad bastard in The Popes and watch the fireworks start flying again. McGowan is ready to meet his maker on ‘Outlaw Heaven’, a lusty barnstormer that toasts the great dead rebel-poets. Elsewhere, he lustily advises us “Don’t let the bastards grind you down!” on ‘Bastards’. When Shane’s not about, the LP is guided by the cozy and wise burr of Paul McGuinness. This isn’t just an Irish party album with fire in its belly, it’s also the most warm, celebratory and downright mortal LP you’re likely to hear in 2009. 8/10".... Rick Rawlins - Clash Magazine.