Arf Arf! The Lizards have really outdone themselves. The fourteen tracks on their well-produced "Strange Noises in the Dark" show their influences (and ability to proficiently play) in the stylistic genres of Latin, western swing, Klezmer, bluegrass, folk, classic country, Gypsy jazz, rock, and even Bavarian yodel music. Bob Wills meet Frank Zappa! The ninth album from "the most laughable band in show business" is a guaranteed mirthquake.

For a little historical perspective, Hank Card and Conrad Deisler began writing songs together in 1976 when both were students at Princeton. The Austin Lounge Lizards originally formed in 1980 after the pair moved to Austin (to attend Univ. of Texas law school) and hooked up with banjo and dobro-player Tom Pittman. They began playing small clubs, and then won the 1983 Kerrville Bluegrass Festival band contest. They began touring nationally in 1987. Over the years of recording and touring, they've built a slew of fans who enjoy their wacky weirdness built largely upon satire and parody. Dr. Demento meets Bill Monroe. Appearance on NPR's Morning Edition have launched them to even greater heights. The Lizards will also make a showing on television in "Mostly True Stories - Urban Legends Revealed" on The Learning Channel. Their segment covers the Saguaro Legend about a guy who goes to the desert to shoot saguaro cacti until one falls and kills him. Honored as "Best None of the Above Band," on several occasions by the Austin Chronicle Reader's Poll, the Lizards have also won "Band of the Year" award at the Kerrville Music Awards three times since 1994. Where does guitarist Hank Card find the time to work as a part-time administrative law judge part-time for the State of Texas?

On "Strangers in the Night," one can find songs about singing bedsprings, fighting, drinking gin, getting a nose job, eating dog food, blossoming love between former Senators Jesse Helms and Phil Gramm, and blowing up Saddam. The band is still in fine form, and this disc will keep you in stitches. With their off-beat humor and first-rate musicianship, the Lizards dish up the laughs. Besides their own original material, they draw repertoire from the pens of likes of Emily Kaitz, Tom Paxton, Mike Craver, Mark Graham and others. A favorite is the full band's collaborative effort, "Tastes Like Chicken," with its mouthful of food items. A bluegrassy instrumental, "Snopes' Glory," breaks up the set. The theme of "The Miracle Baby," written by Dreisler and Card, reminded me of a favorite song of mine, "Bennie's From Heaven."

Tom, Hank and Conrad are joined by Boo Resnick (bass, oboe, tambourine) and Eamon McLoughlin (violin, viola, mandolin). The eight guest artists who appear on "Strange Noises in the Dark" add accordion, pedal steel, percussion, tuba, vocals, and even an "Oy Vey" chorus on "Susie Rosen's Nose." Vocalist Kelly Willis does a particularly fine job in the country duet, "We Always Fight When We Drink Gin." It's nice to hear them cover the Red Clay Ramblers' classic "Merchant's Lunch," that was a hit for them about three decades ago. I also enjoyed Eamon's British brogue on the George Formby classic, "When I'm Cleanin' Windows." It's incredible that the University of California Banana Slugs had no fight song...but that's all changed now, thanks to the Austin Lounge Lizards.

In the mood to cop a few laughs? Throw "Strange Noises" onto your disc  player and crack your pan. It's sure to tickle your crazy bone. (Joe Ross)

AUSTIN LOUNGE LIZARDS - Strange Noises in the Dark
Blue Corn Music BCM-0303
1114 Barkdull, Houston, TX. 77006

www.austinloungelizards.com

Total Playing Time - 40:39

Songs - 1. Strange Noises in the Dark, 2. We Always Fight When We Drink Gin, 3. Susie Rosen's Nose, 4. You Can Eat Dog Food, 5. Jesse + Phil, 6. Merchant's Lunch, 7. Tastes Like Chicken, 8. The Lonely Yodeler, 9. Why Couldn't We Blow Up Saddam?, 10. Snope's Glory, 11. The Miracle Baby, 12. When I'm Cleanin' Windows, 13. Maverick: A Love Song, 14. Banana Slugs! Racing Down the Field (Proposed UC-Santa Cruz Fight Song)