I remember reading the earlier thread about this CD. I haven't bothered to listen to the whole album, and certainly haven't purchased it, but I recall listening to one cut, perhaps on the radio or maybe on the internet. I found that single selection amusing and mildly entertianing, but I know others who found it mortally offensive.

Here's my take on the controversy, speaking as a shanty-singing dilletante:

Anyone expecting "real" authentic traditional-style shanty singing would be disapppointed.

Anyone hoping that Hollywood would actually be taking the opportunity to promote consciously-traditional hard-core shanty singing is bound to be doubly disappointed.

Anyone expecting a reverent, or even a respectful, attitude towards the time-honored traditions of maritime music is asking for serious disappointment.

This album is obviously intended to appeal to the masses who have no clue about shanty history, or even about today's serious shanty-singing subculture. It's a pop album with a much-less-than-serious nautical theme, exactly what should be expected from a project associated with the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie(s).

Some of us might be able to enjoy it for what it is, but only if we abandon any notion that it should be more than that, or better than that. I think that Liz the Squeak's appraisal, above, is pretty much on the mark.