Editor’s Note: Mitch Jones has been graciously taking photos for I Heart Local Music for a few months now. He spent the weekend tracking down Clyde and Clem’s Whiskey Business and felt compelled to describe the show to you. The band performed at Barnyard Beer at the Pool Room on Monday night. It was their third Lawrence show in three days.

People say one shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, an expression that proved true with this boisterous band hailing from Austin, Texas. From a distance, Clyde and Clem’s Whiskey Business appeared to be a traditional bluegrass or country band. It took very little time, however, before I realize that I was in for something far from the norm.

Their songs were fun and certainly not for all ages. From songs about whiskey (and various other controlled substances) to songs about sexual debauchery, and even a unique sporting event, it would be hard for one not to smile during their entertaining set.  

If you somehow manage to find yourself not tapping your foot along, a certain washboard player is not shy at all about bringing the excitement of the show to you, no matter where you are in the bar. Or even outside of the bar for that matter. Throw in a song about a lost love and a convict on the run and you have a well-balanced meal of redneck jest. Just don’t ask them what they’d like to have for lunch.

Words and photos by Mitch Jones