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Tapsi Biography

Tapsi Turtles are a quirky yet charming band from Germany who sound awfully British due in part to the lead vocals of Andreas Fauerbach. While alternative pop/rock is their foundation they mix it up with healthy does of American, Celtic and British folk music, as acoustic guitar, mandolin, and accordion are often their featured instruments. On their first album I Wanna Hear the Sunshine (1992) the saxophone of Judith Kock was surprisingly utilized, giving many of their songs a slight ska edge. Their next album, Get Off, wasn't quite as bouncy as their debut, with the electric guitar of Dirk Grimmer being employed with more frequency. Evidently, the formula for their first two albums was to include one traditional and one cover tune on each record, a pattern that would be tampered with on their next release. While their renditions of "Should I Stay or Should I Go" and "Police on My Back" are enjoyable enough, their own pieces are by far superior. 1997's Nobody Like(s) Us introduces new member Paul Kachur, who is highly adept at mandolin, banjo, and acoustic guitar. He arranged the traditional "Johnny We Hardly Knew You" and contributed some convincing banjo playing as well. "L. Ron's Reel Medley" is comprised of four more traditional tunes featuring Kachur. And interestingly, Tapsi Turtles give "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" a ska treatment. ~ Dave Sleger, All Music Guide