Squirrel Nut Zippers

Ditch the zoot suit for a straw hat and suspenders. These duds match the classic Big Easy sounds of this North Carolina "hot jazz" outfit. Has there ever been a less likely MTV breakout band than the Squirrel Nut Zippers and their hit "Hell?" Unlike other popular retro acts, however, SNZ don't incorporate rock hooks into their sound to entice the youngsters. "Suits are Picking Up the Bill" is missing vocalist Katherine Whalen's Billie Holiday-like stylings, but the rest of SNZ's smoking New Orleans sound is on full rollicking display. While they aren't the greatest soloists in the world, Ol' Satchmo surely smiles from above.