1984 was an auspicious year. That was the year the Austin, Texas band EPS produced their first album (well, cassette tape); a year or two later, they took on the name Poor Yorick and continued on their way. Many of the band's first songs had their roots in the mental asylum where they worked. Life was rewarding, but with a high rate of dark moments; many of those who ended up at this hospital came with painful histories.

The music was disrespectful and irreverently funny. It was also musically satisfying, teetering on the border of maniacal genius. Who would guess songs about pharmaceutical strait jackets could bring such pleasure? Melody, creative beat, ingenious lyrics, and inventive guitar magic was flowing from a group with full-time jobs and young families.


Poor Yorick is still alive and well in 2013, belting out funky, objectionable music, the kind of stuff that makes the dark side of life not only bearable, but contrarily joyful. This band's a long-distance runner. Muy kudos!