The Asylum Street Spankers, Sounding Off
Hear the Band
The Asylum Street Spankers are named for a street in Austin, Texas, that once led to the State Asylum. They've been called a postmodern jug band and "Hee-Haw for hipsters," among other things. They use fiddles, resonator guitars and even a saw, one of five instruments key contributor Christina Marrs has taught herself.
The Asylum Street Spankers, with Wammo and Christina Marrs at lower left.
The Asylum Street Spankers, with Wammo and Christina Marrs at lower left.
Their music is drawn mostly from the early 20th century, yet many of the lyrics aren't suitable for NPR — they're a bit too naughty. But as Jacki Lyden notes, the act is witty and wacky, a bit reminiscent of the late, great Spike Jones and his orchestra.
Marrs and lead singer Wammo tell Lyden about their music.
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