Customer Reviews

My Favorite Record

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While their musical chops steadily improve, the Spankers devotion to novelty songs remains wholly undiminished. Clearly, they want to hit the magic formula to have a long-remembered goofball hit along the lines of "Euphoria," "Wahoo!," or "Marijuana Boogie" -- something that college radio DJs will play for decades to come. On one hand, they'll probably succeed -- this disc's title track comes pretty close. On the other hand, though, the sheer relentlessness of the pursuit is in itself a bit dreary, with the predictable application of time-worn, on-the-nose attention-getting themes such as irreverent religious references and druggie humor, etc. The songs I wound up playing off this record were the more or less straight swing-jazz tunes (mostly those written and sung by Christina Marrs)... I'd be interested to hear them try at least one full album where the repertoire tilts in this direction, showing off their musical chops rather than their sophmoric sense of humor.

The Spankers have become an Austin institution. Their live show is a must-see, and this record is a great example of that. They rely on no electronics whatsoever, just fiddles, resonator guitars, a hand saw (?!), and just about anything they can beat on. Many songs will have you crying... because you can't stop laughing. The musicianship is incredible only to be surpassed by the vocals. My favorties are "Whatever" and "Wammo's Blues". Buy this record... and if you can go see them live, you won't be disappointed! Check out their other stuff too!

The Spankers are one of the VERY few bands who perform with no electronic enhancement whatsoever, and are all the better for it. As opposed to popular singers, who shall remain nameless, who couldn't carry a tune in a bucket with the lid nailed shut if they didn't have soundmen with magic hands! Their sense of humor, style, performance level and downright sexiness are off the scale (on the positive end, that is) and they are an absolute necessity for any blues lover who wants that old-time, N'awlin's sound. Their licorice-stick player, and steel guitar player have to be heard to be believed and Wammo is bedda' dan poi, bedda' dan pig! Go for it, you won't be dissapointed.

The Spankers are just getting better. "My Favorite Record" demonstrates some real growth and polish of this original all-acoustic, non-categorizable Austin band. The new songs--music and tunes--are great; the musianship of Christina, Wammo, Stanley, Corey and the gang is outstanding. If you are a Spanker fan, or think you might want to be, this album is a must!

Now where have i heard this before?? Duh! Of course, its the music style first heard on the soundtrack to The Triplets of bellville, music performed on the 76sth Oscars by French band Betty!!! So go get that and leave these imposters on the shelf.