Album Notes

The Middle Spunk Creek Boys have been entertaining upper Midwest audiences with their special form of Bluegrass music since 1968.*

*(1968: Lyndon Johnson president, North Korea captures the USS Pueblo, Tet Offensive in Vietnam, Martin Lu-ther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy killed, Soviets invade Czechoslovakia, Middle Spunk Creek Boys form, Jacqueline Kennedy marries Aristotle Onassis, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In top TV show.)

"No One Else" was recorded in late 1998 and early 1999. It features 13 songs (9 originals), with all instruments and vocals by the members of the current band (no "ringers"). The Boys were real proud of it. Bluegrass Unlimited magazine agreed; their review used words like "terrific" and gave the album a Strong Recommendation:

"The album closes with what has quickly become a favorite of mine; "There's No One Else," a slow, pensive number that sounds like the kind of work done by the rock group the Jayhawks. If it were possible to wear out a CD from repeated play, that cut would be in danger. Tasteful and varied song selection, sharp vocals and solid instrumental work earns this recording a strong recommendation." (Bluegrass Unlimited)

From their early days on the Prairie Home Companion radio show to their recent recording successes, the "philosophy" of the Middle Spunk Creek Boys has always been to perform the songs and styles that the current members are interested in, and not worry about what other bands are doing or what the MSCB did in the past. This ensures that the material is always fresh, and that the band actually likes performing the songs. (And you know, audiences can really tell the difference!)

Tim O'Brien says:
"Bill Monroe invented Bluegrass, but bands like the Middle Spunk Creek Boys keep it going. They've been there for thirty years through the thick and thin. Laying it down. Making new fans for the music on the local level. Like all god bands, they take their music seriously but they let their personalities shine through. They represent what's best about the bluegrass scene: people you like, being themselves, playing good, honest music."