Agony cover

Agony

The Tossers · 2007

48 min · 17 tracks · punk rock

A raucous blend of traditional Irish melodies and punk energy, embodying the spirit of rebellion and celebration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pub and Culture — This track captures the essence of communal revelry while critiquing cultural norms, showcasing The Tossers' signature blend of humor and social commentary.
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    Did It All for You — A heartfelt ballad that contrasts with the album's more raucous tracks, it highlights emotional depth within The Tossers' typically upbeat sound.
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    Political Scum — This song delivers sharp political commentary wrapped in catchy melodies, illustrating the band's engagement with social issues through their music.
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    Where Ya Been Johnny? — With its infectious rhythm and narrative style, this track stands out as an anthem of camaraderie and nostalgia among friends.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The Tossers blend punk energy with Irish melodies, creating a distinctive sound that resonates within their genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
  • Traditional Irish instruments like the fiddle and tin whistle are prominently featured alongside electric guitars, creating a distinct sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel typical of punk and folk music.
  • The lyrics often reflect themes of rebellion and nostalgia, with storytelling elements that connect to Irish culture.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short bursts of rebellious energy
  • sing-along camaraderie at pubs
  • celebratory anthems for gatherings
  • varied tempos keeping engagement high

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, reflective music
  • want polished studio production

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2007, 'Agony' is The Tossers' fourth studio album, following their well-received album 'Purgatory' from 2005. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the Celtic punk scene, building a reputation for energetic live performances and authentic Irish storytelling through music.
Stylistic neighbors
Flogging Molly· Dropkick Murphys· The Pogues

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Never Enough 3:07
  • 2 Pub and Culture 2:58
  • 3 Shade 1:54
  • 4 Did It All for You 1:50
  • 5 The Sheep in the Boots 3:26
  • 6 Not Forgotten 3:31
  • 7 Siobhan 2:08
  • 8 Traps and Ultimatums 2:35
  • 9 Leopardstown Races 5:43
  • 10 Claddagh 1:55
  • 11 Where Ya Been Johnny? 2:30
  • 12 Not Alone 3:44
  • 13 Political Scum 2:55
  • 14 Romany 1:44
  • 15 Movin' On 3:41
  • 16 The Nut House 2:29
  • 17 Be 2:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata