Help: 'Up The Foc'sle' Recording

Subject: 'Up The Foc'sle' Recording
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 04:02 PM

Well, I've been enjoying an old 1966 recording with this title performed by some British group calling themselves "The Lower Mess-Deck Choral Ensemble" with no other personal info, recorded by Summit – Combined Record Sales LTD, © Commercial Recording Ltd. (ATL 4219). It's described as "a selection of naval shanties (sic) and recitations" and included are nautical versions of: She'll be Coming Round the Mountain, The Old Red Flannel Drawers that Maggie Wore, Poor Blind Nell, John Brown's Body, Poor Little Angeline, The Sailor Coming Home on Leave, The Sailor's Prayer, Harry My Boy (recitation), Jenny Wren Bride, Roll Your Leg Over, The Good Ship Venus and Eskimo Nell (recitation). It was obviously recorded live at some club, and some choice bits are bleeped out. There is a great graphic on the cover signed by "Maddocks."

Oh, yes, the question! Well, I'm curious if anyone has any more background on this unpolished jewel of a recording, who the performers were who were too shy to mention their names. Maybe Cyril knows.;-)

Subject: RE: Help: 'Up The Foc'sle' Recording
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Aug 01 - 12:23 PM

Well, I can hear people shouting for George and Ron to sing something vile if that helps.

Subject: RE: Help: 'Up The Foc'sle' Recording
From: Lighter
Date: 06 Mar 04 - 08:53 AM

About a year earlier Summit records issued "The First XV Sing Rugby Songs" (ATL 4178) in a similar format.

The songs are King Cole, The Sphinx, Oh Father Dear Father, Lord Fortesque of Forley, Aroving,Four and Twenty Virgins, Caviare, I Don't Want to Join the Army, The Wild West Show, Our Little Nell, How the Money Rolls In, and Cosher Bailey.

Subject: RE: Help: 'Up The Foc'sle' Recording
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Mar 04 - 10:35 AM

Lighter-

I think you're on to something. And, yes, I'll be happy to exchange cassettes with you; might take me a week or two to get around to it though. Let's confirm details by PM.

I did email Cyril Tawney and asked if he knew anything about this recording and he responed that it was one of several similar recordings that was produced at that time.

I find "Jenny Wren Bride" the most interesting song, describing the wedding plans of a dockyard couple. It's a great look at another maritime related subculture.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Help: 'Up The Foc'sle' Recording
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 06 Mar 04 - 02:40 PM

Sran Hugill noted that "John Brown's Body" was adapted for use as a capstan chantey.

Subject: RE: Help: 'Up The Foc'sle' Recording
From: Cattail
Date: 06 Mar 04 - 07:19 PM

There was also an army related album released around the same time.
I used to have all three (and I think I may still have them),
but at the moment they are lost in the depths of my collection which is in turmoil at the moment. If I come across them I will post the
tracklist for the third one here.

Cheers for now

Cattail !