So it seems like an unusual music trend is sweeping the internet: sea shanties are on the rise, for some reason.
There was a tik tok not too long ago by 26 year old Nathan Evans featuring him singing a song called “Wellerman” entirely a capella, no guitar, no fiddle, just his fist banging on the table to keep time. Its kind of enchanting to hear, and I’ll be honest with you… I kind of love it? I kind of love sea shanties. There, I said it.
I found this band called The Longest Johns who exclusively cover and make sea shanty-type music, check them out on spotify or apple music. Or buy their CD (it’s not weird, I still do it). They did a rendition of “Wellerman” as well as a few others that are seriously catchy.
And it’s strangely appropriate for the time, you know. That kind of call and response song format was huge back when people had to sail for weeks and months and sometimes years at sea, it kept their spirits up and gave them a sense of comradery during those hard times. See where I’m going with this? I’ve never been on any boat bigger than my bed but there is a feeling of community that feels nice amid all this pandemic isolation crap.
It’s fun! They’re catchy! Give them a chance!
-Brendan
Comments