The Lunch Hour Skiffle Band

Session 39

2008-03-07T15:31:00.000-05:00

One Minute of Silence
(Yoko Ono)
mp3 (580 KB)

I’m out sick and Josh 1 has a funeral so we went real basic. There is a lot of great Yoko Ono songs out there, but this will have to do for now. See you next month.

Session 38

2008-02-01T15:15:00.000-05:00

Mule Train
(Johnny Lange, Hy Heath, Fred Glickman)
mp3 (2.4 MB)

Picked this one this morning. We listened to two versions and went with the Tennessee Ernie Ford version. The usual group of thugs playing on this one.

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—brushes on laptop box
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—computer key(wash)board, belt snaps
Tyson—belt snaps, train whistle

Session 37

2008-01-04T14:35:00.000-05:00

Hey Dog!
(No clue)
mp3 (520 KB)

Real busy here, so it’s a short one. This was a old jingle for a car dealership that was on Telegraph Road. No one remembers the dealership name but we all remember the jingle. Our apologies to Josh 2 for standing him up and skiffling late AGAIN!

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—brushes on laptop box, and mixing bowl
Geoff—computer key(wash)board
Tyson—water bottle, whistle

Session 36

2007-12-07T15:29:00.000-05:00

Angels We Have Heard on High
(Traditional)
mp3 (2.8 MB)

And here’s the yearly Christmas song. Normally old members return for this but my department here at work had a computer sale today and for the first time, our timing was thrown off. This also caused our members who don’t work in my department to miss it. We tested out this MoblePre USB audio box for the music lab today. We multi-track recorded in GarageBand today with real microphones and did not use our traditional iSight. Sounds pretty good (The recording not our playing).

Andy—banjo, kazoo
Josh 1—brushes on laptop box, and mixing bowl
Geoff—recycle-bin bass
Rebecca—bottle cap shaker
Tyson—mandolin

Session 35

2007-11-02T13:29:00.000-04:00

Light’s Out
(Angry Samoans)
mp3 (1.3 MB)

So the punk songs are fun, easy, and rowdy. I think we should do more of them. This one did require a few takes since most of the band was hearing it for the first time today.
Why did we only have five people? The others went to the Olive Garden. Yeah, the Olive Garden. Lame.

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—brushes on laptop box, garbage can, and mixing bowl
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—computer key(wash)board
Jen—mandolin

Session 34

2007-10-05T13:50:00.000-04:00

State Street Boogie
(Shakin’ Jake Woods)
mp3 (1.6 MB)

Here’s our tribute to the legendary Shakin’ Jake who died a few weeks ago. We picked “State Street Boogie” since it’s very Ann Arbor. We tried to play it how we thought the artist originally envisioned it. We almost did “Hippy Boy” because of verses like…

“So the crocodile cried
The sea went dry
The mullein a hollered
So the crocodile said bye
And the elephant blowed his trunk
The sea went dry
The monkey cried
And then flew in the sun
Good morning evening”

What more can be said? Goodbye Jake. You will be missed.

link: Shakin’ Jake Woods website

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—brushes on laptop box, train whistle
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—computer key(wash)board
Tyson—kazoo
Jen—bottle cap shaker, mixing bowl

Session 33

2007-09-07T14:02:00.000-04:00

I Saw The Light
(Hank Williams)
mp3 (1.8 MB)

“I Saw The Light” was on the list for a long time. We almost did The Modern Lovers, but we figured this was more upbeat. We did two takes and this was the first one. The second one was faster but lacked spunk. Still recording in QuickTime with an iSight.

Andy—banjo, kazoo
Josh 1—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—brushes on laptop box
Rebecca—train whistle, computer key(wash)board
Tyson—water bottle, kazoo
Jen—kazoo

Session 32

2007-08-03T12:48:00.000-04:00

Shut Down
(Double Fudge)
mp3 (764 KB)

Double Fudge was a great short-lived garage band from Seattle. We still listen to them quite a bit around here. One take, recorded through an iSight camera, no editing or adjusting volume. Same goes for the picture, minus the adjusting volume.

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—brushes on laptop box
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—computer key(wash)board
Rebecca—bottle cap shaker
Tyson—mixing bowls

Session 31

2007-07-06T13:27:00.000-04:00

Rock and Roll pt.1
(Gary Glitter)
mp3 (2.4 MB)

Part 2 is way too easy. We did part 1.

Andy—kazoo, banjo
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—brushes on laptop box
Rebecca—computer key(wash)board
Tyson—kazoo, mandolin

Session 30

2007-06-01T13:42:00.000-04:00

Please Don’t Touch
(Johnny Kidd and the Pirates)
mp3 (1.6 MB)

What a classic song. We went for the original 1964 version. This time we recorded directly into QuickTime using an iSight. Sounds damn good. I had some problems working around the fifth peg on the banjo. Always an issue when playing left-handed. We welcome our new member, Tyson.

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—brushes on laptop box and mixing bowls
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—computer key(wash)board
Tyson—kazoo

Session 29

2007-05-04T13:33:00.000-04:00

Ack Ack Ack Ack
(Urinals)
mp3 (3.4 MB)

Nothing like a song about media coverage of a killer. Two takes, they both had their moments. We used the second because the mic placement was better. Now in stereo!

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—brushes on laptop box and mixing bowls
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—water bottle

Session 28

2007-04-06T13:23:00.000-04:00

Mellow Down Easy
(Willie Dixon)
mp3 (2.3 MB)

This one was all mine. Classic song, easy to play. One take, and what ever happens happens. No cleaning up to audio either so hiss, chatter and all.

Blind Boy Andy—banjo
Lemon Pie Peck—brushes on laptop box and other random crap
Mute Duke Pardon—recycle-bin bass
Washboard Liver Geoff—computer key(wash)board, water bottle
Jailhouse Mama Rebecca—shaker, kazoo
Sleepy Lips Jason—mouth organ

Session 27

2007-03-02T14:15:00.000-05:00

King Of The Road
(Roger Miller)
mp3 (3.8 MB)

Rebecca suggested this one too. We did this one pretty straight up. It’s mellow but that’s good after last months one. It’s winter break so we were short a few members.

Andy—banjo
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—brushes on laptop box
Rebecca—computer key(wash)board
Jason—mixing bowls

Session 26

2007-02-02T16:04:00.000-05:00

God of Thunder
(Paul Stanley/KISS)
mp3 (5.3 MB)

Rebecca suggested KISS, I picked “God of Thunder”. We based it on the live version since the album version was too slow. We also skipped the drum and guitar solo bringing it from 5:16 minutes to 2:51. I forgot some cables to record with so this was recorded through an iSight. Not bad sounding. Enjoy!

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—brushes on laptop box, mixing bowls
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—computer key(wash)board
Rebecca—plastic egg shaker
Jason—garbage can

Session 25

2007-01-04T11:04:00.000-05:00

Nestles Jingle
(??)
mp3 (1.1 MB)

We’re real busy this week so this is all we have time to do. Until next month.

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—computer key(wash)board
Josh 2—kazoo
Jen—mixing bowl
Jason—egg shaker

Session 24

2006-12-08T14:29:00.000-05:00

12 Days of Christmas
(Traditional)
mp3 (4.5 MB)

Seemed like a good idea at the time. Bring in everyone from the past, add two extras and do the 12 days of x-mas song. We ended up with only 11 people since Rebecca didn’t show. Sick maybe? Matt, Stacey, and Joe came back. As for additions: Chris from our web department came by to spread germs, and Dennis is one of our part time instructors who happened to pass by. Thanks to them for helping get our numbers up.

Last week the college was shut down due to a water main break so we postponed till this week.

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—brushes on cardboard box
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass, whoopee cushion
Geoff—mixing bowl
Stacey—4-string mandolin, whistle
Jen—Mr. T in your Pocket
Jason—computer key(wash)board
Chris—kazoo
Matt—mouth organ, chew toy
Joe—train whistle
Dennis—alligator clicker

Session 23

2006-11-03T14:26:00.000-05:00

You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
(Downing, Halford, Tipton)
mp3 (3.5 MB)

Big surprise—more metal. Josh 2 suggested Judas Priest and I didn’t think it would work. But we got a good trudge going and in the end we were all quite pleased. Josh 1 brought in a little DJ mixer which really helped in our sound. In the past I needed to filter out some of the hiss. Next month will be a x-mas song, oh what shall we do?

Andy—banjo, kazoo
Josh 1—4-string mandolin, whistle
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—computer key(wash)board
Rebecca—plastic egg shaker
Jen—kazoo, mixing bowl
Jason—brushes on garbage cans

Session 22

2006-10-06T14:48:00.000-04:00

It’s Tricky
(RUN-DMC)
mp3 (2.6 MB)

This one was planned for last time but we were short of staff. There was a lot of discussion before recording our one and only take. Jen has finally returned. Jason, who now has our ex-founder Matt’s job, joins us. The members are leaning towards “Metal” for the next session. We’ll see.

Andy—banjo, kazoo
Josh 1—water bottle
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—kazoo
Rebecca—plastic egg shaker
Jen—kazoo, mixing bowl
Jason—brushes on garbage cans

Session 21

2006-09-01T13:04:00.000-04:00

I’ve Got Something In My Front Pocket
(South Park)
mp3 (2 MB)

It's the Friday before Labor Day weekend and there are very few people around, but that doesn’t stop the LHSB! No sir. This time we went for the jazz trio. This simple little ditty was used in a South Park episode for a Butters’ tap dancing routine. It really takes us back to our 1st session.

Andy—banjo
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—staplers

original South Park Episode clip and song

Session 20

2006-08-04T20:03:00.000-04:00

The Model
(Kraftwerk)
mp3 (2.9 MB)

Josh 2 suggested this one at our last session. Guys only again. Josh 1 had the task of playing the high parts on the mandolin. I thought it would be easy, but it wasn’t. Lots of multi-tasking going on here due to a shortage of people. I was grabbing kazoos off the desk with my mouth, playing them, and then spitting them onto the floor to sing. Most amazing was Josh 2 standing on one foot and dragging the other across the computer keyboard that was laying on the floor. All while playing the recycle-bin bass. I added a picture of our set-up and circled the keyboard. Boy are we talanted.

Andy—banjo, kazoo
Josh 1—4-string mandolin
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass, computer key(wash)board
Geoff—brushes on laptop box, garbage can, mixing bowl

Session 19

2006-07-07T14:07:00.000-04:00

Fever
(Cooley, Davenport)
mp3 (2.8 MB)

Rebecca picked this one. Very minimal instruments which worked well with two members missing. I personally like the Little Willie John version better but couldn’t find my copy. We ended up doing the Peggy Lee version which everyone was more comfortable with. I at least got LWJ’s intro on it. No key changes because they’re too hard on a clothesline.

Andy—computer key(wash)board, mixing bowl, kazoo
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—water bottle, kazoo
Rebecca—fingersnaps

Session 18

2006-06-02T14:13:00.000-04:00

I Hear The Rain
(Violent Femmes)
mp3 (1.9 MB)

I picked this one. My bandmates say it’s cheating because the Violent Femmes are already very skifflish. I just wanted to sing rounds. We put Josh 1 on the orphaned mandolin then we switched some members around a bit. The bass broke at one point, but we cobbled it back together. Welcome back Jen. Glad we fit into your schedule again.

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—4-string mandolin
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Geoff—brushes on laptop box, garbage can
Rebecca—computer key(wash)board
Jen—mixing bowls

Session 17

2006-05-05T16:30:00.000-04:00

Boris The Spider
(John Entwistle)
mp3 (2.8 MB)

Geoff had the honor of picking this song. I’m amazed that Josh 2 actually could play it on one string. Listen to it—one string, people. Rebecca dug out Stacey’s old mandolin and played it harp-style. Are you ever going to take that home, Stacey? Josh 1 did great Keith Moon licks with the brushes.

One of our founders, Matt, is leaving to go work at U of M. That’s our second member the U has taken. Matt will be greatly missed. Sorry we never did Weird Al Yankovic for you, buddy. At least you got to play your goodwill mouth organ again.

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—brushes on laptop box, garbage can, and mixing bowl
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Matt—mouth organ, mixing bowl (ping)
Geoff—computer key(wash)board
Rebecca—4-string mandolin

Session 16

2006-04-07T13:42:00.000-04:00

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
(Scott, Young, Young)
mp3 (3.5 MB)

No ladies this time, just the gents. Matt threw this brilliant one at us. Three kazoos going this time. Since we were a little short-handed, there was quite a bit of double duty going on. We need to create kazoo and whistle holders. It would beat singing out the sides of our mouths.

We’re gonna try to webcast one of these things sometime soon, we’ll put up a post a few weeks before. Any song suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Andy—banjo, kazoo
Josh 1—brushes on laptop box, garbage can, mixing bowls, and whistle
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Matt—kazoo
Geoff—computer key(wash)board, kazoo

Session 15

2006-03-03T14:23:00.000-05:00

Jesus Built My Hotrod
(Gibby Haynes/Ministry)
mp3 (5.5 MB)

Yes, Jesus Built My Hotrod. It was a love affair. Josh 1 suggested this and how could we say no. Featured in this one was Rebecca’s idea of holding a rubber glove in a vacuum cleaner for the guitar solo. Matt did the preacher voice and we were all the congregation.

Andy—banjo
Josh 1—brushes on laptop box, garbage can, mixing bowls, and whistle
Josh 2—recycle-bin bass
Matt—kazoo
Rebecca—rubber glove in vacuum, plastic egg shaker
Geoff—computer key(wash)board