Album Review: A Pirate Stole My Christmas

For years now Ye Banished Privateers have released a Christmas song or two every year. To our surprise they sprung this album on us seemingly out of nowhere as a present. Looking at the track listing there is only few songs that we’ve heard before so this is almost all brand new material to sink our teeth into!

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. I also don’t appear to have a set way in how I do these reviews so expect track name, thoughts, and a score. At the end the scores are averaged to get the overall rating.

Ring the Bells: We begin the album with their version of jingle Bells; just pirate style. I guess we should note that, all these are likely to be parodies of well known Christmas songs. The way they are able to take those songs and make them pirate songs are nothing short of miraculous. What a great opening number 5

It Came to Bloody Pass: I think we will likely start each song with the original number to help you keep track; this one being Santa Claus is Coming to Town I do believe. They have found a way in this song to somehow mix the source material into their own style so perfectly I am a bit aghast. Musically it is a marvel, lyrically it’s solid. 4

Deck and Hull: As you likely guessed, this is their version of Deck the Halls. It goes where you would expect a song with a whole lot of Fa La La La in by adding in a few yarr yarr yarrs. I really do enjoy the line See the blazing town before us, for whatever reason it takes me right to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. 3

12 Days of Christmas: No secret here what song this is; also not our only pirate version of it. Now in many instances this song can go on FAR too long, thankfully that is not the case. The pace is kept up, the gifts quick, and makes it a five minute song instead of the seven-ten minute monstrosity some folks do. Is this the Drunken Sailor of Christmas songs, just maybe. 4

Sulphur Ahoy: We come now to God Rest Ye, and maybe the least changed so of all the songs so far, at least at the beginning. That is a treat as the addition of the pirate lyrics can easily trick those who don’t know any better. You think you’re getting the traditional some and suddenly we’re talking about the monarchy and sulphur. One of those perfect songs to sneak in to grab your family’s attention at holiday gatherings. 5

Little Rummer Boy: Now the originally song, Little Drummer Boy, I have found to be more controversial than I expected as a child. Apparently people love it or hate it. This version is a bit like Sulphur; it can sneak up on folks if they’re not paying attention to the lyrics. It also has a bit of a dance to it on the second half which is quite surprising and quite the treat. 4

O Cannoball: For whatever reason, probably being a teen in the 90s, when I think of O Tannenbaum I think of South Park; just putting it out there. Our first real slower paced song so far is perfect placement; which is now surprise, YBP knows how to arrange albums. Now this song is downright haunting and beautiful, absolutely striking. 5

Festival Days: I am not quite sure what, if any, this is inspired by…save for the change of Christmas from a drunken merry orgy by the more religious puritans out there. Which I love the inclusion as it is a good reminder. I think there may  be an original song there, but I also get it may not fit here. 3

Drawn and Quartered: Now don’t quote me on this, but I think this is based on the Angels We Have Heard on High. Now this was a single that was released last year. The harmonies are excellent, but for whatever reason it’s just not connecting with me. You got that those beautiful harmonies, the rest is sort of just there. 3

Carol of Bellows: Ah, now Carol of the Bells is one of my favorites for whatever reason. Probably that California Raisins version that just tickled me as a kid. This keeps a nice quick pace while keeping that Melody from Bells. You gotta love lyrics that include there is time to rejoice and bring me some rum. A great holiday drinking song. 4

Away in the Gutter: I suppose Away in the Manger is the right way to end the album. We should not be surprised by the quality lyrics that YBP produces here. The ability to take the original, keep the feel at the start and take you all the over to their pirate life is just great. 4

Once again Ye Banished Privateers show their masterful ability to know exactly who they are as a band and produce music as such. They know what works from them, their audience, and delivers. Is it as good as their usual original albums, no, but in essence this is a parody album and sometimes you can only be good as that which you are working with. It’s a fantastic Christmas album, one the entire family can listen to; at least in my opinion…but then I don’t have children. Just another example why Ye Banished Privateers is likely the best pirate band in the world today.