Albums by this artist

Sold Out (1997)

Squirrel Nut Zippers

Sold Out

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» GREG PEREZ | NATN ART DIRECTOR

Squirrel Nut Zippers Sold Out Mammoth, 1997 RiYL: The 1920's, flappers, sock-hops

For some time now, the Squirrel Nut Zippers have been unjustly lumped in with the flashy neo-swing movement that's got every hepcat and his brother making appointments at their local Arthur Murray dance school. True, the band helped bring swing into the limelight with its last album, Hot, which made a surprise calypso hit out of "Hell" and put the sultry "Put A Lid On It" on the radio. But the Zippers brand of '30s-style hot jazz has something that a lot of the slicker '40s-era daddios don't: a spicy Southern flair.

Sold Out, a live EP culled from shows all over the Southeast, showcases the energy and downright love this group has for the music that made them. The drawling "St. Louis Cemetary Blues" is a tender Delta blues ditty featuring singer/guitarist/saxophonist Tom Maxwell finessing a bass clarinet alongside a delicate mandolin and violin.

Maxwell's warm tribute to Fats Waller sideman Al Casey, "Pallin' With Al," blushes with playful affection, as do tapings from live club performances and quirky radio spots from the original Squirrel brand peanuts.

Even an early recording of the Zippers' second practice ever -- at a pot luck dinner -- resonates with a joy that comes from performing tunes with spirit to spare. While they may not be as smooth as their pinstriped counterparts, Sold Out shows that the Squirrel Nut Zippers can bring down just about any house, theirs or otherwise.

GREG PEREZ | Those that know this man -- as friend, NATN designer and/or Asian Millionaire -- love him. You can check out his site or email him and give him thoughts on our site's design.