I think I've got it figured out.  I think Second City and "Alexander's Ragtime Band" had a child, and it is this thing known as the Asylum Street Spankers. Fabulous cutting humor paired with great music!  The Austin band was formed in 1994 by current members Christina Marrs and Wammo and former member Guy Forsyth. Many other musicians have called themselves “Spankers” over the years. Asylum Street was the nickname of an Austin street now named Guadalupe Street where the band would often busk in their early days.  "Spanker" is an old musician's term for someone who plays their instrument proficiently and vigorously.

Their latest release is a double live cd called What? And Give Up Show Biz? which was recorded at New York's Barrow Street Theater over a two week run. While humor and social commentary are a big part of the Spanker's thing, make no mistake, these folks can play! Listen to Winnin' the War on Drugs or the 1956 Ivory Joe Hunter tune Since I Met You Baby to realize that this is really a musical group with a great sense of humor, not a comedy troupe that also plays music!  But, funny they are.   In 2006, the band's anti-war video Stick Magnetic Ribbons on Your SUV was a YouTube big hit.  If you haven't seen this do yourself a favor and check it out.  For a touch of irreverent humor, check out My Country's Calling Me or Hick Hop from this set. The current lineup consists of Christina Marrs(vocals, ukulele, tenor banjo, tenor guitar, guitar, musical saw); Wammo (vocals, washboard, harmonica); Nevada Newman (vocals, guitar); Charlie King (vocals, banjo, dobro, mandolin, harmonica); Jakob Breitbach (vocals, fiddle, saxophone);Morgan Patrick Thompson (upright bass); and Mark Henne (drums).

This is a talented group of folks and if you are not familiar with them, this collection is a great first spanking!