In Andy Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy, NC, the Snappy Lunch Café buzzes with the energy of bees in a hive. They make a pretty good pork chop sandwich, and you can "cut it in half, and eat it twice." The VW Boys establish a downhome theme with their lively tribute to the diner in this "Carolina Town" known to many as Mayberry in Andy Griffith's TV show of the 1960s. The VW Boys' approach to entertainment includes music, as well as humorous narrative, impersonations, jokes and even sound effects. Want to get a crowd singing along? Well, just write a song called "Saturday Night" with three words - "It's Saturday Night." With a format that resembles a radio show, the set also includes old folk favorites (Froggy Went a Courtin', La-De-Tu-Dum), bluegrass (Low & Lonely), gospel (When I Wake Up to Sleep No More), and originals like the ones mentioned above. The constant laughter behind "I Just Don't Look Good Naked Anymore" is a tad bit annoying. The CD also includes photos, video, biographies,and website link.

The album includes a number of guests who add a little chat prior to their  being featured musically. Hunter Berry adds some fiddle into the mix on "Barefoot Nellie." Gary Wedemeyer does a Briscoe Darling impersonation and sings "Low and Lonely." Comedian Fred E. Smith tells some corn-popping jokes and sings "La-De-Tu-Dum." Bass singer Joe Harr sings the "serious love song" Froggy Went a Courtin'. The 8-minute plus closing track, an interview with Charles Dowell (owner of the Snappy Lunch since 1943) is interesting but its length causes the album to lose some energy at its conclusion. Patsy Stoneman plays autoharp and sings on "My Long Skinny Lanky Sara Jane." She opens her interview with the VW Boys by exclaiming, "You all are full of stuff!" She's got them figured out.

The VW Boys are Tim White (banjo, 5-string dobro, jaw harp, vocals), Dave Vaught (guitar, percussion, vocals) and Larry McPeak  (bass, vocals). From Blountville, Tennessee, they formed in 1997 and their main goal appears to make us laugh. Besides being accomplished musicians, they're fun. Their music is bluegrass and folk in long underwear. Like the VW Boys' other albums, they give us a rather unique off-the-cob entertainment experience. (Joe Ross)

THE VW BOYS - Snappy Lunch
Fat Dog Records FD-403
P.O. Box 750, Bluntville, TN. 37617-0750

www.vwboys.com

Playing Time - 46:55
Songs - 1. Barefoot Nellie (2:25), 2. Sally Ann (2:15), 3. Hunter Berry Talks! (1:16), 4. Ole Buddha (2:24), 5. Snappy Lunch (1:45), 6. Gary Wedemeyer Talks! (1:18), 7. Low & Lonely (2:49), 8. Carolina Town (1:52), 9. Joe Harr Talks! (:54), 10. Froggy Went A Courtin' (2:29), 11. Sara Jane (2.42), 12. Patsy Stoneman Talks! (2:15), 13. I Just Don't Look Good Naked Anymore (2:59), 14. Smoke On The Water (2:27), 15. Saturday Night (2:08), 16. When I Wake Up To Sleep No More (2:17), 17. Fred E. Smith Talks! (1:52), 18. La-De-Tu-Dum (2:28), 19. Owner - Charles Dowell talks about the Snappy Lunch (8:21)