Neo-Swing Bands

There are tons of Neo-Swing bands that beat out their tunes. This guide will show you the best of the best, 'cause if "it ain't got that swing, it don't mean a thing"!

Squirrel Nut Zippers

Huh? Squirrel Nut Zippers? Actually, this North Carolina based band got the name from a chewy peanut butter candy made where they originate. One thing: this band is more of a 1930's jazz ensemble than a swing band, but they are well worth it!!! They'll get you dancing any old day! The current members of this band include Jim Mathus, Katharine Whalen, Je Widenhouse, Tom Maxwell, Ken Mosher, Stu Cole, and Chris Phillips. The fantastic violinist Andrew Bird also plays regularly with the band. The Inevitable Squirrel Nut Zippers, their first album, features the hit Anything But Love. And, their more famous album, HOT, produced such hits as Hell and Put a Lid On It,which both have music videos. Finally, the group's latest CD arrived in 1998, titled Perrenial Favorites. Make sure you visit Mammoth Records to find out more about this HOT group.

Brian Setzer Orchestra

If you're in the mood to Lindy Hop the night away, put on some Brian Setzer! Former member of the trio ,Stray Cats, Brian Setzer leads a brass orchestra with his rock 'n roll guitar and crazy lyrics. His most famous hit, Jump Jive an Wail, was featured in the Gap commercial with the swingin' couples. If that's all you've heard of Brian Setzer, you are missing all the fun! Gwen Stafani also is a guest perfomer and sings the role of a wild girlfriend in the album The Dirty Boogie. Make sure you seriously check this orchestra out!

Cherry Poppin' Daddies

This band from Eugene, Oregon can dish out the tunes. Their big hit, Zoot Suit Riot, is fun, saucy and very danceable. Some of thier other songs include:When I Change Your Mind, Here Comes the Snake, and Mister White Keys. Beware, though! This band is not for the purist because they tend to mix in ska roots. But, the lyrics are fun and the music is fun. What else could you possibly ask for?

Royal Crown Revue

When this seven person band started in 1989, they set off the craze of swing. Their newest album, The Contender, features such jivin' hits as: Zip Gun Bop and Work Baby, Work. As early as 1991, RCR was producing albums, literally setting off the swing rage. RCR also does the theme music for the WB Network and ABC. They also did a performance in the movie The Mask, starring Jim Carrey. So if you want to hear the Big Daddies of Swing, check out Royal Crown Revue at the Official Website.

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