Album Review: Barrel Aged A Musical Alcoholiday

Barrel Aged A Musical Alcoholiday is the first album from The Pyrates Royale in quite some time.  Their last album as Keep Calm and Seek Revenge and was released way back in 2012. Of course between then and now the band retired after 30 years in 2016 but just like scurvy you can’t keep them down. For me it was a special day when I found out since they are my very first pirate band that I was treated to and hold a special place in my heart. Not just because they scared my girlfriend, now wife, the first time I took her to see them; I just think they are one of the best bands out there. To have a new album after so long does a great deal to lift my spirits.

We start off with a somewhat controversial song these days, “Bell Bottom Trousers (Revised)”. As always their audio additions to the song are wild and fantastic, especially the bit about Prince Albert and his fat German face. I am not sure I agree with the controversial camp as it is sung by a woman, from a woman’s perspective and don’t necessarily see it in the same light when it is sung by a man. This version very much makes it clear consent was given. This revised version is fun little rendition where the band is definitely having some fun, playing around the melody, and seem to be having fun.

“Old Joe” is, as the snippet reminds you, a seal clubbing hit. This was originally on their first album and the band still knocks it out of the park with their a capella. Solid and strong harmonies with the playfulness the band is known for. I always find myself singing along to this song and this version does not take away from that tradition for me. They also work themselves into the lyrics beautifully and just feels like it was always there. Their ending to the song is still one of my favorite renditions of Drunken Sailor.

Stinky Pete the Powder Monkey introduces us to “Blow The Man Down”. Three songs into the album and I think my listeners may be getting where the bumps influence may have come from. Pyrates Royale have always had more fun with this song than most and it continues with this rendition. A great mixture of playful and bawdy really speaks to me. This is also one of the few versions of “Blow” that doesn’t always make me want to say “TIMMAY” during “Tell Me” which says a lot.

“Beer That Tastes Like Beer” was one of the first songs I heard from the band so long ago that started my affection for them. Again the snippet before the song is hilarious, with a strong message in relating to the song. I’m not sure if anything has been updated on this song, still as strong as its ever been. Brad Howard’s voice is perfection for this song and I can attest that what you hear on this recording is what you hear in person. Yes, this song is as much fun live as you would imagine.

With a song that touches so many of us I was intrigued when I saw they put a version of “Fiddler’s Green” on this album. The only previous version is on their live album so was interested to see if this was done any differently. Sadly it sounds like it is the same recording from the live album. This is not meant as a knock on the song itself, just a bit sad at the missed opportunity for a studio version. What I do enjoy about this song is the guitar, very nicely done. A bit faster pace than I am used to which I think lends itself to be a more fun version than what I hear every weekend. The playfulness I mentioned earlier is still present in this song which keeps the band consistent.

“Grand Pubs of Yorkshire” is another live song from their album Lyve Behind Bars. Again I am struck at how well the guitar sounds in this recording. Still a bit sad we don’t get a new studio recording for this song but it still holds up after all these years. The violin in this song is the best level of subtle which I think really adds to the song. One thing I do think this live version gives you is what I mentioned earlier; how well Brad Howard is able to perform in person.

The snippet that starts “Sailor’s Prayer” is absolutely hilarious and I want to steal it for Back Bahr. This is one of those songs I wish I could play on the show as it’s absolutely fantastic and tells a great story. They do a great rendition live and I wish more bands would do it. This is the song so many love to sing along to and it goes to credit songwriter Tom Lewis. The harmonies by the Pyrates Royale may not be better exemplified than in this song.

“Poor Old Horse” is another one of those songs I have strong memory of seeing the band sing live. Fans old Old Dun Cow will enjoy the snippet. “Horse” is a great example of the band and how well they mix together. A capella until we add in the fiddle a good minute into the song. It is a precision song that becomes off really quickly if the band is not together and I don’t think I’ve ever seen that happen. Every band should have solid staples and this is definitely one of those.

Up next is “A La Una” with a specific Spanish flair. The guitars playing, the drumming, everything about this song is just beautiful. This song comes from their last album, Keep Calm and Seek Revenge and is as beautiful now as it was then. My Spanish is rusty as all get so they could be singing nothing but Drink Your Ovaltine but there is such emotion in the singing I could really care less.

“Carrickfergus” is one of my favorite songs by Pyrates Royale and am glad to see it on the album. It has to be said that the Rum Power Hour Podcast bit is fantastic. Now this is the third time the song has been included on one of their albums and I believe this is the rendition from their album BlackJack. It sounds remastered and is somehow even better than that previous album. Still one of the most beautiful songs they perform; a pristine mixture of guitar, violin and singing.

As we closer to the end we come to “Bring Em Down”, one of their new songs on this album. An interesting addition to this song is the wind in the background. It really brings a band singing in a pub on the English coast feel. Here we can see Brad has not lost a step at all and the harmonies are still top notch. I actually wish the song had been longer, but these things happen.

“Nelson’s Memory” is the “end” of the album and another new song for the band. Much like the other albums we’ve reviewed we find a song that is perfectly placed on the album, the perfect finale song on the album. A beautiful a capella song with connection to the history of sailing.

The secret song is “Wmft” which is a throwback if we’ve ever heard one. A basement tape of the band from 1989 singing one of my favorite songs of their’s “Wild Mountain Tyme”. I love little bits like this as we get to see the progression of the band from the start to where they are now. A bit rough but like I said, basement tape. You could see where the band would start heading towards and an interesting look to where they started.

Barrel Aged A Musical Alcoholiday is a great taste of the Pyrates Royale. It shows you the bands range, a great example of their personality, and definitely gives you a great snapshot of what they were and are capable of. Am I disappointed that the majority of the album can be found on other albums, of course. I am needy and want new Royale in my life. But I did get some new Royale and can be comforted in the fact that they are once again playing and making new music and can hope for a fully new album in the future. Regardless make sure you go out and pick yourself up a copy and support pyracy!