I Don't Wanna - Asylum Street Spankers, Bayless, Pops
Trippin' Over You - Asylum Street Spankers, Wammo
U.F.O. Attack - Asylum Street Spankers, Hershman, D.
If I Were You - Asylum Street Spankers, Marrs, C.
Colonel Josh's B.B.Q. - Asylum Street Spankers, Arnson, J.
Hot Lunch - Asylum Street Spankers, Biller, D.L.
Blue Prelude - Asylum Street Spankers, Bishop, Joe [1]
Smells Like Thirty-Something - Asylum Street Spankers, Wammo
Fanny - Asylum Street Spankers, Wammo
Island Angel - Asylum Street Spankers, Bayless, G.
A Smo-o-oth One - Asylum Street Spankers, Goodman, B.
Bijou - Asylum Street Spankers, Bayless, Gregory
Sad Bomber - Asylum Street Spankers, Wammo
New Jazz Fiddle - Asylum Street Spankers, Marrs, C.
Asylum Street Blues - Asylum Street Spankers, Wammo
The Asylum Street Spankers, a loose, unplugged collective of Austin, TX, pickers and bon vivants, seem to have little trouble, on Hot Lunch's 16 cuts, deftly blending virtuosic musicianship with seemingly effortless musica... more »l and lyrical wit. The band flits between ragtime, country, old-style am radio pop tunes, swing, and country-blues with equal ease. The Spankers ? particularly on such puckish, narrative cuts as "Trippin' Over You," "Sad Bomber," and others ? manage to walk the razor thin line between novelty and just plain fun-lovin' jamboree frolics.« less
The Asylum Street Spankers, a loose, unplugged collective of Austin, TX, pickers and bon vivants, seem to have little trouble, on Hot Lunch's 16 cuts, deftly blending virtuosic musicianship with seemingly effortless musical and lyrical wit. The band flits between ragtime, country, old-style am radio pop tunes, swing, and country-blues with equal ease. The Spankers ? particularly on such puckish, narrative cuts as "Trippin' Over You," "Sad Bomber," and others ? manage to walk the razor thin line between novelty and just plain fun-lovin' jamboree frolics.
"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."
It's good but not their best
01/07/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"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."
So good it Hurts!
solarpluvia | Olympia, WA USA | 08/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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 great CD to introduct the Spankers to others or yourself
Eljay's Used Books | Pittsburgh, PA | 01/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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"."