Scott and Shane: An Insufficient Tribute

A too-brief eulogy and a few favorite tracks

Scott Kempner and Shane MacGowan died this week. We don’t have the time or space right now to write the full tribute that each deserves - although maybe we will at some point, and we’ll certainly link to the ones that are sure to emerge - but I wanted to celebrate each even briefly. They were very different in important ways, of course, but they shared some important things too. Both made some of the great rock records of their era. Both blended a rooted commitment to musical tradition with the defiant joy of the post-punk 1980s, in a way that avoided retro traps but remained in loving conversation with that which (and those who) had come before them. Both sang and wrote with conscience and commitment as they faced down the twinned terrors of Reagan and Thatcher. Both made music of the true believer, with a generosity of spirit and a fierce sincerity that never collapsed into over-earnestness or ponderousness. Both were part of great bands. And both will be missed.

Here are just a few favorites from their respective catalogs. We know we’re missing a lot, so put your favorites in the comments. And turn it up. - CH

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