Wait, people are talking about sea shanties?? There are some amazing ones! As a sailor and former folk music educator who taught them to hundreds of school kids, I have a few faves. I'm a fan of singing them with a bunch of people down the pub loudly & heartily. Miss that now.

There are some lovely gentle versions too that change the vibe but are pretty to listen to. Whatever floats your boat (!), enjoy!! Search for these songs and find your own favourites: Bold Riley. Bound for South Australia. Wild Goose. Río Grande. Lowlands Away. New York Girls.

They're perfect for reminding us of groups, community, working together, joy...

@boden_jon does a neat thing with a shanty here:

@Bellowhead do a great version of New York Girls:

Kate Rusby sings Bold Riley here: And the Wailin' Jennies also have a version on YouTube.

This version of Bold Riley by @ConcertinaRob and Tim Van Eyken holds fond memories for me and takes me back a bit:

Here's some info about Wild Goose, a gorgeous one. Sung by lots of people including Kate Rusby and the fabulous Louis (later Louisa) Killen. https://mainlynorfolk.info/lloyd/songs/wildgooseshanty.html

I don't have a favourite recorded version of Bound for South Australia but I used to love hearing Sarah Hayes sing it with Folkestra (youth folk group at The Sage Gateshead) back in the day.

I could go on for hours but... What's your favourite? @katdave I bet you have some good ones up your sleeve. #seashanty

Wait though, I forgot to mention The Keelers!!! Here they are outside The Sage giving it some welly: Oh to stand in a crowd at a gig right now... #seashanties

And this is an awesome book. Anyway, any excuse to share the shanty love even though I literally have no idea what is going on with sea shanties and tiktok - just keep seeing tweets about shanties so taking the chance to yak on about one of my favourite types of singing lol