The band began busking the streets of Austin back in the early 1990's, which is how they got their name. One of the streets they often busked was nicknamed Asylum Street. The word "spanker" is an old musicians' term for "one who plays his intstrument vigorously and proficiently." The Spankers eventually took their act on the road, developed a cult following, and have since have recorded 17 albums. Their latest is a children's album called Mommy Says No! and I love it. It's catchy and sweet and makes me happy (there's even a song about boogers!)
The Asylum Street Spankers performed in our studios on Monday of this week. You can see the video below and listen to the interview on These Days .
Richard Sloan Angulo from Point Loma
March 27, 2008 at 06:36 PM
I heard the Spankers for the first time ever on KPBS radio earlier this morning and enjoyed their quirky, multi-nuanced sound. The video, which reveals the various assortment of costumes worn and more of the interplay between the individuals in the band adds a completely different dimension to their performance and makes me appreciate them even more. I love their collective wit and the fact that they don't seem to take themselves so seriously. Keep searching for gems such as this band to promote to us listeners.
aaryn b.
from wearing a helmut
March 28, 2008 at 07:29 AM
How come it's always mommy who says no? What about daddy? Why doesn't daddy say no once in a while? Why does he always get to be the good guy? Why does mommy always gotta be da heavy?
Great video.
Great music.
Thanks for the introduction!
Cynthia G. from San Diego, CA
January 07, 2009 at 07:04 PM
WOW! That breathing song - her voice ungulated just like a breath. It was beautiful.
