Song of the Day - September 20, 2006

From the huge commercial success of Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, a side project developed that may not be as large a commercial success as the movie, but will appeal to the musically adventurous. Director Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp become fascinated with sea chanteys and songs of the sea during the filming of the movie, and thought it would be interesting to put together a collection of songs as performed by a multitude of artist, letting them have free reign as to their interpretation. They recruited producer Hal Willner, who traveled around the globe recording artists like Lou Reed, Sting, Bryan Ferry, Akron Family, Joseph Arthur, jazz guitarist Bill Frisell and many others. The result is the double album Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs & Chanteys. I love this album. It is unique, interesting, take on songs that are rarely performed today. To pick a single tune as a favorite is extremely difficult. I suggest one give a listen to Nick Cave's belligerent version of "Fire Down Below" for a taste of this luscious album. Click here to listen.