Come'n Be a Pirate
So, I was listening to the Crimson Pirates new CD today. It's called, "Come'n Be a Pirate" and I purchased it at the NY Ren Faire this past weekend.
First of all, anyone who has listened to the other 4 CP albums has come to expect a few things from a Crimson Pirate CD. They expect beautiful sea-salt encrusted harmonies, they expect to hear Dan O'Driscoll tapping his sticks together (they are called Claves, or something), and they expect the occasional humorous in-song interjections (which can not be avoided when your musicians are all equally talented comedians).
The new CD doesn't disappoint in the expected areas, and adds a few surprises as well. One that springs to mind is the beautiful tin whistle and drum instrumentals in the song "Distant Drums". When I listen to Crimson Pirates music, I expect lots of singing, but the whistle and drums were a welcome distraction.
Karen O'Hara is a powerhouse vocalist, and though she spends most of the album singing back-up, her presence is felt in every song. With out her high pitched harmonies, it just wouldn't sound like the Crimson Pirates. She gets one song to lead here. In "Rowdy Soul" she gets to show us what a tough gal she can be.
Anne Alford sounds so much like Julie Andrews at times, that I kept glancing over at the hills to see if they were alive. She also adds more cowbell where needed, and it says in the insert, "100% More Cowbell".
One of the things I always liked about the Crimson Pirates was the comedy. They've had some pretty funny songs. Well, my new favorite song has to be "Big Strong Man". Lionel Ruland leads this lively and catchy ditty, with assists from everybody. I giggled whenever I heard Robin O'Driscoll shout, "Big Chest!" and Jared Hoffert was particularly funny with his line, "Plenty of room for you and me!" Each time he said it, he sounded more and more like Popeye's old nemesis, Bluto. Or Brutus, whichever you prefer. I'm a Bluto kind of guy. ANYWAY, it's a very strong number, in which most everybody gets a chance to shine, and Lionel just chews it up.
When the Pirates are at their best, the sea shanties they sing are nearly as compelling as the roar of the ocean. If you happen to be a land locked lubber who has never seen the ocean and doesn't understand the call of the sea, this is the next best thing. Sure, I don't know a thing about masts and riggings, I have to think before I can figure out port from starboard (port is left, cus port has 4 letters in it, and so does left), but if it is as fun as these songs, then hell yes! I'll come'n be a pirate!
Peter
One last thing, Track 3, "I'll Tell My Ma", starts off slow, but picks up rather suddenly, so don't skip it.
First of all, anyone who has listened to the other 4 CP albums has come to expect a few things from a Crimson Pirate CD. They expect beautiful sea-salt encrusted harmonies, they expect to hear Dan O'Driscoll tapping his sticks together (they are called Claves, or something), and they expect the occasional humorous in-song interjections (which can not be avoided when your musicians are all equally talented comedians).
The new CD doesn't disappoint in the expected areas, and adds a few surprises as well. One that springs to mind is the beautiful tin whistle and drum instrumentals in the song "Distant Drums". When I listen to Crimson Pirates music, I expect lots of singing, but the whistle and drums were a welcome distraction.
Karen O'Hara is a powerhouse vocalist, and though she spends most of the album singing back-up, her presence is felt in every song. With out her high pitched harmonies, it just wouldn't sound like the Crimson Pirates. She gets one song to lead here. In "Rowdy Soul" she gets to show us what a tough gal she can be.
Anne Alford sounds so much like Julie Andrews at times, that I kept glancing over at the hills to see if they were alive. She also adds more cowbell where needed, and it says in the insert, "100% More Cowbell".
One of the things I always liked about the Crimson Pirates was the comedy. They've had some pretty funny songs. Well, my new favorite song has to be "Big Strong Man". Lionel Ruland leads this lively and catchy ditty, with assists from everybody. I giggled whenever I heard Robin O'Driscoll shout, "Big Chest!" and Jared Hoffert was particularly funny with his line, "Plenty of room for you and me!" Each time he said it, he sounded more and more like Popeye's old nemesis, Bluto. Or Brutus, whichever you prefer. I'm a Bluto kind of guy. ANYWAY, it's a very strong number, in which most everybody gets a chance to shine, and Lionel just chews it up.
When the Pirates are at their best, the sea shanties they sing are nearly as compelling as the roar of the ocean. If you happen to be a land locked lubber who has never seen the ocean and doesn't understand the call of the sea, this is the next best thing. Sure, I don't know a thing about masts and riggings, I have to think before I can figure out port from starboard (port is left, cus port has 4 letters in it, and so does left), but if it is as fun as these songs, then hell yes! I'll come'n be a pirate!
Peter
One last thing, Track 3, "I'll Tell My Ma", starts off slow, but picks up rather suddenly, so don't skip it.