autoevolution
Up Next 8 Mar 2021, 13:54 UTC ·
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Originally named Weller Bros., AC Cars is one of the oldest automakers in the business, as it was first incorporated back in 1901 in London, England. Killed off, renamed, and reinstated on countless occasions over the years, the company ultimately endured thanks to just one nameplate: the legendary Cobra. 7 photos
Now it’s ready to celebrate both its 120-year-old legacy and the Cobra at the same time as part of its anniversary festivities. And what better way to kick off the happy events than by introducing a limited edition Cobra? It’s going to be a collector’s item, as just 12 examples will be manufactured as “
Soon May the Record Deal Come Vulture.com 1/22/2021 Charlotte Walsh
In the year of our lord 2021, people have turned to 19th-century tunes to get them through the day, and it looks like that coping mechanism won’t be going away anytime soon. TikTok star Nathan Evans, one of the creators of the sea shanty trend, announced today that he has signed a record deal with Universal’s Polydor Records. For the rest of us mere mortals, the singer also released two versions of the popular New Zealand tune “Wellerman” with the label a classic cover and a remix perfect for any seafaring social gathering (a Wellerman is apparently an employee of the 19th-century whaling company the Weller Bros., who would probably be pleased with their viral success 200 years later). The Scottish Royal Mail worker turned musician went viral after recording the song in late December, scoring over 8 million views. Let’s just pray Evans collabs with the guy whose brother drives to se
The harsh history behind the internet s favorite sea shanty
2021-01-20 10:30:00 UTC
It s easy to see why Soon May the Wellerman Come became TikTok s first viral hit of 2021. This jaunty 19th century earworm, sung so earnestly by a  postman with a thick Scottish brogue, is perfect for remixing with multiple layers. Though musicologists will tell you it s technically a ballad, Wellerman fits our concept of a sea shanty as snugly as a cable-knit sweater. And shanties are perfect music for pandemic times. We ve spent months in isolation, yearning for the day when this ship of weirdness will reach the port of normalcy.Â
One of the cool things about TikTok is the way people can “duet” someone else’s video and build on it.
There’s a sea shanty trend going on over there. It started with one guy singing. Then someone ‘dueted’ his vid… then someone ‘dueted’ that one, etc. pic.twitter.com/DAeqKpRQPc
Why ‘Wellerman’, Though?
Me, yesterday: tf is this sea shanty shit everyone’s obsessed with suddenly? This is awful
Me today, full-throated: SOON MAY THE WELLERMAN COME/TO BRING US SUGAR AND TEA AND RUM#seashanty#seashantytok
Despite a number of sea shanties existing in the world, ‘Wellerman’ seems to have become a very clear favourite on TikTok. But in a modern context, the track’s lyrics make very little sense, which, considering the New Zealand sea shanty dates back to the mid-19th century, is not at all surprising.