Eleanor Roosevelt - Creepy Part of Town
1994

The band Eleanor Roosevelt were loosely associated with St. Louis' nascent alt-country scene in the early '90s that also included Uncle Tupelo. In hindsight, Eleanor Roosevelt's inclusion in that genre is probably based more on their use of banjo than any affinity for country. The band, which was spearheaded by African History teacher Chris King, drew primarily from bluegrass, blues and dusty folk on the band's two albums, both of which were self-released.

"Creepy Part of Town," which originally appeared on Walker, has become something of a standard around town in the open-mic scene. King told me that he's not sure why, but the local folkies have taken to playing the song. He added that they probably don't even know who wrote it. Another cut from Walker, "Head in a Hummingbird's Nest," appears on vol. 1 of Tiny Idols the CD.