I bought this on a whim (and I'm trying to learn some shanteys) and because I'd heard them on the BBC4 programme with Gareth Wossisface, Shanties and Sea Songs.

If you're a non-folkie who has never been on the Woolwich Ferry, let alone the open sea, then you'll probably like it - the national airplay they've been getting from a particular BBC radio station has shown that it's popular - it's jolly, it's spirited and it's wonderfully produced. The songs are a grand mix of new and old, work and shore songs - even a Victorian revivalist hymn, that are bound to reach a wide and varied audience and hopefully introduce them to more of this genre. The sleeve notes are informative whilst being entertaining and I suspect they reflect the banter and rapport that the chaps have on stage. Their harmonies certainly indicate a group that has gelled and perform well together.

However - if you're a hardened sea-salt or dyed in the wool trad folkie, or have ever seen the Fisherman's Friends live, then this album is a bit of a disappointment. It is a lively and interesting mix, tunefully rendered with some gorgeous harmonies and the chaps obviously understand the uses of the songs - sleeve notes are well researched, funny and interesting. They enjoy singing them as was obvious on the BBC programme, but the album has been so dreadfully over-produced as to rip any soul or feeling out of them. Much as they praise the introduction of instruments and effective though they are, they have a subtle but astounding effect on the work songs, to turn them into something else... I can't quite put my finger on it, but it just feels 'wrong'.... (and before you accuse me of being a hardened sea salt or dyed in the wool traddie - I've sung all manner of songs and shanties in all manner of arrangements including church organ, and they've not sounded so prim and proper as these do).

I'd love to hear this group record a live concert album - I'm pretty sure they're a lot more exciting than this one would indicate. Listen to it by all means, use it as a resource, as entertainment, as a lure to your non-folkie friends, but if you like your shanties with a tang of the ocean and a bit of spirit, stick with Stan Hugill.

LTS