I was particularly excited about getting a CD that featured music inspired by the sea and all its varied faces. I have always had a great love of the snide and bawdy ballads that emerged from that tradition, as well as the yearning songs of home and the energetic dance tunes.

Happily, I was not the least bit disappointed by the Woods Tea Company's Side By Each. The tracks, whether traditional or original pieces, all feel very traditional in style and melody. The instruments ranged from the usual bodhran, squeezebox and guitar to the more uncommon dulcimer, banjo and synthesizer. The sliding freedom of bluegrass often creeps its way into the tunes alongside the traditional energy of whistles and acoustic guitar. The liner notes show the band's easy sense of humor as much as the choice of lyrics and songs. In the end, the subtitle of "traditional and original folk songs and tunes from now and then" is uncommonly apt.

The most traditional Celtic songs, like the ode to that Emerald Isle, "Irish Rain" and the sequences of "Clam Flats/Oyster River/The Bridge/Mud Walk," are all expertly played with a jaunty energy. Others, like "Spotted Pony/Sugar Hill," show some bluegrass twang to good effect. The synthesizer, when it appears, often feels a bit heavy and out of place among all these traditional instruments -- however, it is played well and thus is not too distracting.

The ballads are very strong, including "She Was," as a spoken sort of song concerning memories and regrets, and the beautifully minor "Wayfaring Stranger." They all deserve many listenings accompanied by a good pint (or two) of Guinness.

Similarly, the fun and slightly tongue-in-cheek sea chanty "Roll the Old Chariot" and the spirited "Petticoat Whalers" highlight the energy of the album as well as the artistry of the musicians. Often, the lyrics take a back seat to the music, which, when you have as much fun and talent as these fellows, is appropriate. When the vocals do take over, however, they do so well and with keen force, noticeable in the final track "Daughters and Sons" and "Three Fishers."

If an accomplished, energetic album of traditional songs is what you're after, then certainly pick up a copy of Side By Each. Heck, if you just want a fun collection of songs that'll appease your wistful longing for traditional songwriting and ballads, pick the album up.