I've learned nothing from Joe Camel. Lured by colorful cartoonish cover art depicting a sunglasses-clad moose hoisting a frothing mug and the clever title Of Moose & Men, I recently acquired Wild Mountain Thyme's 1998 release.

Charismatic cartoons don't necessarily lead to a healthful product.

Actually, the first eleven tracks of this self-produced CD are quite pretty. The trio of Bill Masino, Kathleen Masino and Gordon Lyons offer some excellent harmonies, especially on "Flowers of Scotland," Tommy Sand's "There Were Roses" and "The Minstrel Boy." The male vocal solo (the skimpy liner page doesn't say if it's Bill or Gordon) on "Foggy Dew" is also vibrant. The opening track, "Sailor's Prayer," likewise lends power to a determined sailor's particularly dismal day.

"Beggars to God," the third reason I was attracted to the CD, seems a bit rushed and pales in comparison to Double Indemnity's version of this beautiful song.

The rest of these tracks are nice songs but a bit uneven: "Farewell to Nova Scotia," "I Will Go, I Will Go," "The Skye Boat Song," "The Queen of Argyle" and "The Bonnie Ship the Diamond." Some of the vocals seem forced; sometimes the harmonies don't quite work. All of the songs were recorded live, which could explain some of this.

Then things get a bit weird. And if you have impressionable children, turn off the CD. As the trio tries to inject comedy into this recording, they lose control of the music. The vocals are shouted, the harmonies jar.

As Wild Mountain Thyme's website says, "You have to see the live show to truly appreciate the 'Seal of Approval' that makes our version of 'Wild Rover' so unique." Right. I can imagine that an audience barking like seals would be entertaining for a few minutes. I can't fathom hearing it again and again on a CD.

I had a similar reaction to "Dough, Ray, Me," as in "Dough, I use to buy my beer...." I suspect you needed to be there for the live performance. And that leads to "The Moose Song." I really don't want to think about the sexual possibilities involving a moose partner. Ick. And I'm not usually considered prudish.

I'd recommend that Wild Mountain Thyme follow the lead of Moxy Fruvous and compile their novelty songs onto a separate CD. Then the loyal followers who love to sing along to the live shows can relive those moments over and over again. And the rest of us would be able to appreciate quality music without a rude ending.