Dave-

Not all sea music groups are alike and generalizations run the risk of tripping off a minefield, especially here. Some sea music groups are hard-core living history groups, some are Celtic rock and roll, some are eclectic, and some defy categorization. Some members even know how to sail in tall-ships, and use sea shanties to help with the work. Others are classic armchair sailors but demonstrate an ability to sing. Some are incapable of either and should be given the "deep six."

The above anthology, Rogues Gallery, includes little that I would consider traditional style. What it does include is poorly rendered in whatever style it's presented in. It's a pity that the producers of this CD appeared to have been more savy in their marketing, in rounding up well-known names from the Pop Charts, than in selecting performers who were well known for their singing of such music. Such singers do exist and, in my opinion, should be encouraged.

If you find the "traditonal style" of singing sea music unappealing, you really shouldn't be reviewing it. If you are able to differentiate between what is really well-done and what is God-awful then you would be doing a service as a reviewer.

Much of what is included in the Rogues Gallery anthology is, in my opinion, God-awful.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble