I own the Valparaiso Men's Chorus' first album, "Guano and Nitrates" and am overjoyed to hear that there will be a second one! There are times when it's exactly what I'm in the mood for.

While I don't love every track on "Guano and Nitrates," I believe that the version of "New York Girls" is wonderful in ways that will possibly never be equaled. (And that's probably a good thing.) "All for Me Grog," with it's surprising sousaphone solo, "Drunken Sailor" and "Blow the Man Down" also have a particular charm. It's so hard to pick favorites! There are some tracks that I don't care for at all and almost never listen to, but the good ones make the whole thing worthwhile.

For those who haven't heard the album, it's basically sea chanteys sung in a relaxed style, laced with casual profanity, and accompanied by jug band instruments and a chorus of rowdy men. You can listen here: http://www.myspace.com/thevalparaisomenschorus

I think I remember reading once a while back that Alex McMurray formed the Valparaiso Men's Chorus after a lengthy stint singing sea chanties at the Tokyo Disneyland. If that's true, it explains a lot.

Where can I get the new album? I ordered the one I have from Alex McMurray's website a number of years ago (www.alexmcmurray.com), are you guys taking pre-orders?