BNL #3: Born on a Pirate Ship

Barenaked Ladies:

Born On a Pirate Ship

Shortly after the Barenaked Ladies' second album, keyboardist Andrew Creeggan left the band due to creative differences. This did not kill the Barenaked Ladies, however. They set to work on their third album, Born On a Pirate Ship as a quartet in 1995, and released it a year later. The non-sensical lyrics of the Ladies returned with a combination of upbeat rhythms and calm sensitive beats. Skip to the bottom of the page to buy Born On a Pirate Ship from cdnow.com. But first, here are the highlights of the songs on this album, or you can read the lyrics.

GENERAL COMMENTS: This CD is good, I’d recommend that after you’ve heard the essential Gordon and Rock Spectacle, I’d say buy this one next. In many ways, it is much like Gordon, probably because it has the same producer. PRODUCED BY Michael Phillip Wojewoda and Barenaked Ladies.

"Stomach vs. Heart" (That’s What You Get) – Steven in an upbeat comedy about the war between the stomach and the heart. W&M by SP&ER. (2:29)

"Straw Hat and Old Dirty Hank" (Be This Way) – Steven in a dark upbeat story with a fiddle, harmonica, and heavy breathing/wheezing effects. W&M by SP&ER. (3:23) (a live version is featured on Rock Spectacle)

"I Know" (I Have) – Steven sings a comedic song about nothing (unless you want to over analyze it). Ed sings the bridge of song, which also features sampling, flutes, and piccolos. W&M by SP&ER. (3:02)

"This Is Where It Ends" (Don’t Tell) – Steven in a slow upbeat. W&M by SP&ER. (2:53)

"When I Fall" (Catch Me) – Ed sings a slow song about a window washer (one of my personal faves!) W by SP&ER, M by ER. (4:04) (a live version is featured on Rock Spectacle)

"I Live With It Every Day" (I Have to Pay) – Steven in a slow, regretful song. W&M by SDuffy&SP. (4:30)

"The Old Apartment" (Where We Used to Live) – Steve sings a fast, upbeat, guitar-driven song about his old apartment and the memories he experienced there. First US break-through hit. W&M by SP&ER. (3:29) (a live version is featured on Rock Spectacle) (Different radio version)

"Call Me Calmly" (All You Have to Do) – Steven in an upbeat song with a string quartet. W&M by SP. (strings arranged by JC) (2:52)

"Break Your Heart" (I Didn’t Mean) – Steve sings a slow song with a strong “screaming” climax. With organ, alto and tenor saxes, and Tom Walsh on trombone (same guy who did the opening of “Hello City”) W&M by SP. (horns arranged by JC) (4:57) (a live version is featured on Rock Spectacle) (Short edit featured on "Brian Wilson" single)

"Spider in My Room" (I Don’t Like) – Jim sings his first song, featuring Stoney Park Pow-Wow Singers. Jim and Ed switch instruments. W&M by JC. (4:03)

"Same Thing" (Must’ve Been) – Ed in a slow song. W&M by ER. (4:01)

"Just a Toy" (Forever, Ever Mine) – Steven in a faster song. W&M by SP&ER. (3:40)

"In the Drink" (Drink Your Love) – Jim and Ed duet, with Jim taking the lead in his slow, upbeat song. W&M by JC. (5:00)

"Shoe Box" (Of Lies) – Steven in a fast song, later featured on the “Friends” soundtrack. W by SP&ER, M by SP. (2:57) ("Shoe Box E.P." features the radio remix) (a live version is featured on the US/Canadian "One Week" single)

Now that you know a little bit about the songs, you can buy Born On a Pirate Ship.

Buy Born On a Pirate Ship at cdnow.com. (<--You can also listen to sound clips here too)

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Last updated January 29, 2001.

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The cardiovascular questions they ask you are Less than the answers they give you like cancer and That’s what you get when you confuse your stomach with your heart!