Search - Various Artists :: Sea Shanties 2

This set of shanties is too polished.

08/12/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I have been looking for a good CD of traditional sea shanties. This is not it. The songs are too polished for my taste. Although the songs are cleanly performed, they lack any true feeling of authenticity. All songs are accompanied by instruments, none a cappella. Too bad."

A Different but Merry Take

Allen Ruch | Brooklyn, NY USA | 01/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone looking for a collection of authentic shanties sung in the traditional salty manner may be disappointed by this collection -- but I still recommend it, because it has a charm all its own. Imagine a crew of familiar sailors in port, drinking at their favorite watering hole, raising their voices in song with a rather saucy barmaid. That's pretty much the atmosphere conveyed by this CD, which has a "live" feel, and includes the talents of a lassie named Heather Mitchell. While it might be jarring to hear a woman's voice mixed in with a chorus cursing the bosun, she positively lights up classics like "Maggie May" and "New York Girls." And Stuart Bougen's no slouch, either, investing the songs with a cheerfully wry spirit. Again, not the most "authentic" recording, but certainly quite festive, and I recommend it if you enjoy traditional folk sessions at your local pub."