Customer Reviews

Sea Songs & Shanties

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Amazing collection of sea shanties taken on open-reel tape in the early '50s for a BBC program. Most vocalists are old men who were on the ships, a couple are younger (& better) singers who heard it first hand from the old-timers. Recording quality varies greatly. You want this CD, not because it's slick & polished, but because it's a cast in amber of the rhythm, style, and grace of these old songs that just can't be carried forward on paper. These performances will definitely influence my own interpretations.

A fine set of raspy-sounding, uber-authentic British sea shanties plucked from the archives of the Folktracks label. These songs, recorded between 1950-60, feature several old-fashioned singers who may be familiar to fans of the Topic label, particularly Harry Cox and the Copper Family, who appear on here as well as Sarah Makem, the Fisherman's Group, and Bob Roberts, who was billed as "the last of the singing barge skippers." Fans of the style, with all its craggy eccentricities, will love this album.

I love the genuine fishermen's voices, singing as they actually did at work - my kids love the rhythm and sing along in the car (very politically incorrect)

As a producer of traditional music, I found this CD a joy to listen to. I could almost smell the sea and feel salt spray.
My childhood was spent in New England and these songs were songs I heard in my youth.

An excellent collection of true sea songs, as they would have been sung. A must have for anyone with a bit of pirate in their heart!

The cd Sea Songs & Shanties contains great songs that are ruined by an extremely poor recording. Thomas Edison was able to make finer recordings in the 1800's than these fellows could in the 1950's-60's.

Have you ever been to sea, watching the sailors bring in the hauls of fish and oysters? If you've ever been on one of these Atlantic fishing boats, you are sure to hear the old-time sailors sing some of their classic sea shanties in their bold robust voices. This collection of various artists gives a great example of what life on the Maritimes is like. Enjoy dancing to the reels and jigs that sailors of generations have enjoyed. If you are considering the purchase of this album, go ahead! Treat yourself to songs of the sea!

First time I've ever bought a totally unacceptable product on Amazon. This is terrible. It is a recording of abysmal quality, which only serves to mask over some very poor singing. Save your money and don't buy this. It's junk.