Album Notes

Hand Painted Swinger humbly began life as the PestStrips, a well sought after cover band that played the Mid-Atlantic music scene throughout the 1990s. The PestStrips recorded a full length CD of original music in 1996, entitled "Sticky", which was nominated for a "Wammy” award by the Washington Area Music Association. The PestStrips received favorable reviews for "Sticky" which they promoted it until they stopped performing live in 2000.

Long time friends Jim Higley, Billy Plank, and Bob Shellhouse reunited in 2005 to write and record all new material. Today, the 3 long time members are known as Hand Painted Swinger and were recently joined by David Vespoint, ex-bass player of Interscope recording artist, Love Nut, to round out their sound.

Well over a decade after they originally began, with an impressive library of original and cover songs under their belts, Hand Painted Swinger is playing the local circuit promoting their latest CD "Speed Hump." "Speed Hump" finds the band in true form emphasizing steady pop-rock soundscapes met head on with tasteful roots-rock song crafts. The band uses an effective mix of melodies and heartfelt lyrics that truly exhibit their maturity as musicians to captivate audiences everywhere.

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HPS single My Last Laugh used as the theme song for the internationally popular comedy web-series We Need Girlfriends --- soon to be on CBS produced by Darren Star Productions (Sex in the City, Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210, etc.)

HPS - Nominated Best Pop-Rock Group --- WAMA (Washington Area Music Association)

“These dudes can sing, form harmonies and really play their instruments. They’d perfectly fit on a tour with Better Than Ezra” --- On Tap Magazine

“The band never comes off as less than excellent” --- Music Monthly Magazine

Speed Hump CD - Nominated Best Pop-Rock Recording --- WAMA (Washington Area Music Association)

“Speed Hump's clean production, by Max Mueller and Rich Isaac, makes these songs radio-ready” --- Music Monthly Magazine

“Our web series We Need Girlfriends wouldn't be complete without the great sounds of Hand Painted Swinger” --- RagTag Productions

“After hearing HPS on thesixtyone.com I had to purchase Speed Hump on iTunes” --- Mike V, Hidden Sanctuary Radio – Live365.com/stations/mavjb

“Love your stuff Hand Painted Swinger - I aired it as soon as I got it” --- DJ Stunner, 91.1 FM Clarkson University

“Thanks so much for coming on the show – you sounded GREAT!” --- Joanna Lubbes, Backstage Pass - Comcast Cable Music Showcase