Album Review: Planned Piratehood

The Bilge Pumps have been around since 2000, that’s when the first album came out, so I like to think of Planned Piratehood as their 20th anniversary album. This is quite special in the pirate music community as there are only a small number of bands who can claim to have been around and releasing music constantly for twenty years. The fact that it is a double CD is even more astounding since I can’t think of a single other pirate band who has ever done this. The band is known for their comedy and looking at their song titles it appears you will get plenty of that on this album. Because of the length of the album don’t be shocked if I don’t write as much for each song.

A reminder on how we do reviews on the show. I write my thoughts here as I listen to the album; in a sense what you’re reading is a stream of thought from yours truly. I am in no way qualified to give my opinion but as the Proprietor of the Inn I do feel duty bound to do reviews of the bands, for the bands and for our listeners as well.

We begin with “Rowdy Soul”, a fairly well known traditional tune. I think it gives you a good taste of the style of music you’re in store for. A group of singers with minimal instrumentation most of the time. They take a traditional song and rework the lyrics to fit their own particular style which is, well, pirate. A special shout out to Oscar in this song.

“Piratical Talk” is a great example of what I was speaking of earlier, that the Pumps are known for their comedy. A song teaching you lubbers on how to speak pirate, one of the best original songs specifically about the pirate community I’ve heard in some time.

Next up is “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes”, the old Jimmy Buffett favorite. Known in my circle as making Maroon bring out the steel drum to play; he LOVES doing that. As much as I love Buffett songs and wish more pirate bands would do covers I’m torn since I can’t play them on the show. Easily one of my instrumental songs the Pumps do.

“Lucky Pierre” appears to be an original composition, which may be the set up on this CD. A well known song, then original, rinse and repeat. The heavers should like this song as they get a shout out early. A longer song for them, and a bit on the naughty side that should some folks happy. The best way I could describe this song is a clean version of “Land Ho” by The Dread Crew of Oddwood. I quite enjoy it.

I’m assuming “Farewell to Nova Scotia” will be something quite different from the last song. I’m struck immediately by the guitar playing, beautiful. Doesn’t appear to have anything new in the song, like the different lyrics in “Rowdy Soul”, just a beautiful song. A close your eyes and sway along with the song in the shade song in my mind.

“The Final Trawl” is up next. Written by Archie Fisher back in the 1970’s it was “inspired by a pair of rusting decommissioned trawlers off Scrabster Harbour”. Like the previous song, nothing new, just a beautiful song. I actually think it pairs quite nicely with “Scotia” as it’s another close your eyes and sway song.

“Ghost of Heroes” appeared on a previous album of the Pumps called Bail Money and was written by a British Songwriter by the name of Richard Grainger. The best way I could describe it as a march with some fantastic lyrics. Technically it is well put together piece, just a bit of a disconnect for me from the rest of the album.

Now this next song, “Privy Wind”, may be the song all festival and faire goer alike can relate to. Though it is no doubt written via a personal experience from the band but I feel almost all acts can relate to. In fact this song may be the most relatable song the Pumps have ever written since “More Rum Gloria”.

“Lowlands Low Round” I am guessing is their unique take on “Lowlands Low”. How to describe this…remember the scene in Star Trek 5 where the gang are singing row your boat at different intervals, it’s like that. I’m sure the is a style this is called, probably round, but is definitely unique.

I’ve heard and seen “Isn’t It Grand?” many times in person and I love that this recording brings that experience to an album. The Bilge Pumps are a fantastic live band with their audience participation and this song is one of those that can usually get everyone involved. Much like “Rowdy Soul” they’ve taken a traditional song and made it their own.

“Ramblin’ Rover” surprises me a bit as I know Maroon is not the biggest fan of Rover songs, so I’m interested to hear what we have in store. Apparently this is written by an Andy M. Stewart, a Scottish singer and songwriter. I can definitely tell why this is the preferred Rover song, it’s a solid drinking song.

Now “The Sailor’s Hornpipe” is a nice surprise, they’ve brought the steel drum back out. Sadly this is just another song we can make them do live, one that even TRF can’t complain about. I don’t know if I’ve heard “Hornpipe” with a steel drum so it was a pleasant addition.

“The Captain’s Daughter” takes us back into the comedy featuring Harvey the Corpsman. I always quite enjoy these Harvey led comedy songs, especially live, as he has a real talent for this. The song itself reminds me of a pirate version of Derby Ram and I can’t quite point my finger as to why. It may be the play with the speed of the song, but I do look forward to seeing this live.

“The Osprey” is an original piece which is about a father and son. I think you can feel Maroon’s musical preferences in this bit. It is really well written and arranged. What I really like about this is it’s essentially a duet between a father and son which brings something special to this song.

I’ve been wanting a pirate band to do a version of “The House of the Rising Sun” for years now so this pleases me. I know it’s gonna be played in NOLA in April when the 2019 Pirate Gathering (formerly known as Shore Leave) takes place. A traditional song that was done by The Animals in the 60s which is considered as the first rock folk hit the band does it justice here.

“The Coast of High Barbary” is a traditional song that has been in so many different styles I’ve lost count. The Pumps add their own particular style to this song, using their supply of singers to bring this song into storytelling territory, almost could have THIS IS AUDIBLE before the song began. What I like most about it, it’s something new I don’t remember anyone else doing before.

“Yo Ho” has The Bilge Pumps turning that dial to 11. As far as I can tell originally written by Heather Alexander, they’ve definitely made it their own here. I believe I’ve seen them perform this live without the electric guitar, which I didn’t know they had in them quite like this. The song then moves into a drunken sailor rendition, which is unexpected. We then head back to Yo Ho, for the “final song” on this disc, a great finish.

Now there are two “hidden” songs on each disc. I will not name them in an attempt to keep the mystique of bonus tracks which are sadly going away. The first takes a well known nautical song and they definitely make it their own. It keeps the beautiful portion of the arrangement but completely reworks the lyrics and is downright hilarious. The second song is an Irish schoolyard song that was popularized by The Dubliners that they treat similar to “High Barbary” and is a nice treat.

We start the second CD with a well known Pumps song, “Pirating the Seas”. It’s fitting for a twentieth anniversary CD for this as I don’t believe the current line up were the last ones on the previous CD. It is a real fun song when done live, here it feels a bit subdued to me. I quite explain it, maybe it’s just one of those things that are better live.

“One More on a Dead Man’s Chest” is an original composition from the Pumps and could take you back at first glance. You may look at the song title and think you’re getting “The Derelict” but nay, this is something different. It is a very unique song for the Pumps, there’s a darker feel and sound here that I quite enjoy. That deep baritone at the heart of the song really adds to it.

I can only imagine what “Roll Him Back” is about knowing this band. Part of me thought this song was about John Crowe and I may be right but it appears to be about conservation of sea animals. However I am not right and it’s quite amusing and I feel a bit triggered. Who found me at the beach?

“Into The Mystic” is a song from Van Morrison that I’ve seen the Pumps perform live and is a nice addition here. The first CD had “Changes in Latitude” and this song is the mirror on this CD. Again, much more instrumental than a traditional Pumps song and very beautiful. If memory serves Maroon is quite the Van Morrison fan so when you take this song and a few of the originals on the previous album you get a real sense of what he likes; but don’t quote me on that.

“Rippy the Gator” is gonna be a hit with children and parents and non-breeders alike. It could even that Baby Shark since I definitely know a few friends whose children will soon be walking around their homes going CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP, even if they’re Georgia Bulldog fans. It really is a fun song that I think many will enjoy.

“The Old Black Rum” is another Irish drinking songs for folks to enjoy. As far as I can tell originally written and performed by Great Big Sea the  Pumps add their spin to it. Since it’s not as noticeably modern it is a fun song that can be performed at faires who may be…opposed…to such things. I expect to request this next time I see them.

“Paddy Lay Back” is a well known song that you’ll hear from most bands who do Irish songs. This version has the Pumps flair of commentary worked into the song. That in itself may explain why I’m such a fan, I too tend to be a call back type of person due to all my RHPS years. Who know there would be personal insight in this review!

I’m curious about these next two songs since we have “Roll the Woodpile Down Pt 1” then “Roll the Woodpile Down Pt 2”. What do the Pumps have in store? We start with some beautiful guitar and flute, interesting. Not the usual approach we seem the Pumps take with traditional songs on this album. A beautiful “honest” take on “Woodpile” that I was not expecting. As the second version begins it is much more the version I am used to hearing. Both are fine songs and it’s nice to see a band give us an example of the same songs in two different styles back to back, never seen that before in the pirate community.

“Westering Home” is done in the traditional a capella style, which is a bit of a surprise. I think I expected a Pumps style of “Westering” and not a straight rendition. It’s a fine song if a bit unexpected.

Now “Pay Me” is what I expected from the Pumps, a traditional song done their way. Comedy with quality music; their bread and butter if you will. The interesting thing about this song is it tells a bit of the Pumps history as well as a blatant merchandise push. I think this would be a great song to play right before the last song in a set, when you send the CD girls out with hats to get tips and make that final merch push.

“Waterbound” is a traditional bluegrass song from what I can tell that the Pumps have turned into a pirate song. A beautifully dark song that fits into what we’re seeing more of on this album. Getting a definite feel that the Pumps want to show that they can play beautiful music to go along with their fun and games.

“Biddy McGrath” is an Irish folks song which fits well into what we’ve seen on the album. I’m not sure but this may be the most Irish specific the Pumps have been on an album. Some excellent drumming happening, I actually enjoy much about this arrangement. As far as I can tell no Pumps twist to the song, just straight.

Now “The Southern Cross” may be my wife’s favorite Buffett song so it’s a pleasure to see here. Originally a Crosby, Stills and Nash song I would argue though most know it from Buffett. It’s been a long time since I heard the CSN version so hearing two singers threw me off at first. It’s a solid cover but may be missing something by having the multiple person singing throughout. I’ve always personally loved that change to the chorus on the Buffett version. The flute in the song is quite nice but we know I’m a sucker for flutes and violins.

“The Isle of Tortuga” I know is not about me and mine but we may claim it anyway. We’ve seen the band do this live with some assistance from the ladies of Pride O’ Bedlam and it’s quite the fun song. Plus we get the return of the Steel Drum so that’s always a bonus. Even though it’s not about my people it may as well be.

“A Pirate Lullaby” has some unexpected instruments at the beginning, things I’ve never heard the Pumps use before. So immediately the song catches your attention. The lyrics are almost as beautiful as the arrangement. This is quite the show stopper that I was not expecting.

We “finish” the second album with a traditional favorite, “Seven Drunken Nights”. This is the kind of song that The Bilge Pumps can take and completely make it their own and knock it out of the park with their commentary. I’ll just say this, they do not disappoint. It definitely doesn’t go in the way the song traditionally goes and I love that. I mean it sort of does but like I said, their own style. Shout out to Wednesday Addams too. I just know Fish will love the ending to this song.

Like the first CD we have two additional bonus songs with this CD. The first song is a parody that will definitely have to played in NOLA along with “Rising Sun”. I wonder if it was inspired by their last trip to Pirate Weekend at LARF. The second song also is a parody which again seems them turn to 11. The denziens of the Sea Devil will be shocked to learn that somehow we have a second AC/DC parody song. I do have to say this one is MUCH better than “Plunderstruck”.

What can I say, the end of the second CD is one of the strongest endings I’ve ever seen on a pirate album. Four straight perfect scores, we’re talking Simone Biles type of finish. With this album it feels like The Bilge Pumps wanted to remind everyone that they’re not just the funny, comedy pirate band; that they’re talented musicians who can make beautiful music. They do that with a mixture of originals, parodys and covers and is a great exclamation point on a run that has spanned two decades and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Make sure you head over and buy your copy today.