"Hell's Ditch" is the fifth studio album by the Celtic punk band, The Pogues. Released in 1990, the album was the last to feature frontman Shane MacGowan as a member of the band, with him eventually leaving the group in 1991 for various reasons, one being his issues with alcohol.
Unlike previous albums, "Hell's Ditch" saw a departure from the band's traditional sound, featuring more exotic influences as a result of their tour experiences in other parts of the world. Nonetheless, the album still showcases the band's penchant for story-telling, largely inspired by historical and political events. Some of the album's defining tracks include "Summer in Siam," "Rain Street," and "The Ghost of a Smile."
Despite receiving mixed reviews initially, "Hell's Ditch" has over time come to be seen as one of The Pogues' standout offerings. It achieved considerable commercial success, peaking at number 11 on the UK album charts. The album was produced by The Clash's guitarist, Joe Strummer, marking a long-term friendship and musical relationship between Strummer and The Pogues.
