Famous for their shows at the Biergarten at the Rathskeller restaurant in Indianapolis, this release from the crowd-pleasing, 10-13 membered group captures some of what makes them so popular (to fully experience them, you have to see them live).  Featuring traditional polkas like "Beer Barrel" and "Pensylvania," original polkas ("Polkaboy Polka"), and some polka-styled covers of songs you'd not normally associate with a polka band like The Knack's "My Sharona" and Thomas Dolby's "She Blinded Me with Science."
This album is very similar to the set list the band used in live performances around the time the album was recorded, including "The Star Spangled Banner," played near the half-way point of every show.  Most of the songs inspire crowd sing-alongs, in what the band terms, "The crowd participation portion of the evening."  When asked why they didn't record a live show, they confessed they didn't think they sounded very good after a few beers, so they opted for the studio.
If you like good music (I'm not a polka fan by any stretch, but I love these guys), and you want something to quell your road rage in the car, then pick this CD up; along with their second album, BOY IN THE USA, this music is the perfect tonic to your crappy day at work!
And if you're in the Indianapolis area, drop by the Rathskeller.  Who knows, you might get lucky enough to see them perform live.
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