Try to imagine an old-timey vaudeville musical act on uppers, with Beck's lyrical sensibility, and you're beginning to approach the comical madness that is the Two Man Gentlemen Band.
Bassist Fuller Condon and banjo player Andy Bean - who in the past has peppered his lyrics with historical references to match the music - put together a feel-good screwball party record with Drip Dryin' that celebrates microbrews ("Fancy Beer"), the joy of a well-cooked bunny ("The Rabbit Foot Stomp") and the simple pleasure of a "Croquet Playing Girl."
The aforementioned "Fancy Beer" is perfectly emblematic of Drip Dryin': quirky lyrics ("When I'm lonely/I drink a fancy beer/When I want you only/I drink a fancy beer"), expert musicianship and, of course, kazoos.
"Hey Officer!" finds the duo trying to, literally, sing their way out of handcuffs, the title track is a high-energy stomp, and, well, witness the romanticism on display during "Into My Minivan": "I take my time/I'm a patient man/When I get you into my minivan."
The Two Man Gentlemen Band is a little reminiscent of neo-bluegrass cousins the Yonder Mountain String Band, in their reliance on classic old-school song structure and oddball lyrics, but the old-timey-ness of it all gives them a feel that is totally unique.
And completely hilarious. I'm kicking myself for missing their April show in Rehoboth Beach. Next time!
For more, visit the Gentlemens' Web site or MySpace page.
