I looked for an earlier thread and couldn't find one. Ajolopies if there is one.

Just got a copy of Rogues Gallery - Pirate Ballads, Sea songs and Chanteys. Inspired by a meeting between Johnny Depp and director Gore Verbinski when making 'Pirate of the Carribean'. Produced by Hal Wilner and including artists ranging as wide as Richard Thompson and Jarvis Cocker with Eliza Carthy (and her Dad!), Bono, Baby Gramps, Mr Depp himself as 'Jack Shit' and all sorts in between! Look it up to see the full list and save my poor little fingers:-)

It's a decidedly mixed album with lots going for it but, as anyone seeing the reviews will realise, it is not to all tastes to say the least. The 'purists' seem to hate it because it is not 'real' sea songs (whatever they are). It's full of, shall we say, colourful language (anyone aware of the words of the good ship Venus will get the idea:-) )and the more prudish see to jump up and down at that.

Anyway,I am quite enjoying it myself. As long as you accept that it is not a portrayal of sea songs as they 'should be'. Neither is it main stream artists portraying these songs in their style. There is not a bit of Roxy Music in 'Lowlands Low'nor does Andrea Corr bring any CeltPop into her portrayal of Caroline and her young sailor bold.

I would class it in the 'well worth a listen' bracket. If enough people do so we may even get some interesting innovations into folk clubs and shanty festivals the world over:-) It will certainly get lots of play in Polshaw Towers. Mind you, there are no kids wandering round there...

Cheers

Dave