Customer Reviews

Hot Lunch

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

 

 

I've seen the Spankers dozens of times in person, and there is nothing like it. But I didn't think their albums translated well to the world outside of Austin...Until Hot Lunch. This album has the right approach; it captures the band's raw musical talent and leaves out the had-to-be-there fun that totally works live but can end up sounding campy on vinyl/other. This album brings out the true greatness that makes the Spankers so amazing: Stan's smooth, woody clarinet, Pop's poignant ukulele, and Christina's lush vocals.

The Asylum Street Street Spankers are as much a lifestyle philosophy as a band. As such it's impossible to capture the essence of them in a recording. Even strictly musically they cover such a range of style and subject matter that striking the right mix can't be easy. I'd reccomend getting everything they've done. But if you just want to try them out or if you want to turn someone else on to the band, the best way is with a fresh helping of "Hot Lunch". The Album offers a great balance of humor, homage, irreverence, and superb musicianship. If you can see them live, do so. If you can't I reccomend "Hot Lunch".

This was the first of their albums I bought, and, with the exception of LIVE, it is their best. This is some of the freshest music out there today. I give it as gifts. You cannot be depressed when listening to this lively all real instrument band of people who all just love to play.

A real treat for fans of acoustic swing. This CD is made up almost entirely of original titles many of which sound like they could have been written 70 years ago. Covering unrequited love, drugs, explosives, fetishes and UFO invasions this one has something for everyone. It's the next best thing to seeing these folks live!

I'm a fan of Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire, and this is an interesting cross between their style and the Squirell Nut Zippers. An eclectic mix of serious musicians playing not-so-serious music. The 30s-40s era harmonies are a blast.

Swing on!

I, too, was at the Spankers gig at the Electric Lounge on March 3 in Austin. My brother took us to experience some live Austin bands and I'm not sure it gets any better than the Asylum St. Spankers. After hearing their first set, we immediately bought the album. "Hot Lunch" is a full toe-tappin' songs that can't help but make you feel good. Some of my favorites are the ones written by bandmate Wammo. "HL" will give you a good flavor of the Spankers. But I highly recommend you see them live. We'll be there at the Tractor Tavern to hear more great tunes.

Some really good music to tap your feet to and some very funny lyrics. I enjoyed the entire album from the first song "Cakewalk" with the ukulele and clarinet intro right to the end with the "Asylum Street Blues". I saw this group in Austin last night at the Electric Lounge and they are great.

If you are a die hard fan or have a collection of their stuff, then this is a good CD to have. There are some redeemable qualities on this one, but it's just not their best. It's not really up to their standards. If you have not heard very much from them or are experimenting with their style of music. Please start with one of their other Cd's first, then move on to this one.

heard the live album and thought it reasonable enough but this here pup lacks any of its spark. quite unremarkable songs and playing, which is surprising considering their previous efforts.