THE PUNSTERS

By the time I got to Brunswick, The Punsters were more a legend than a band, and these days they're probably not much of a legend. But a few people still remember, at least enough that they want $50 for a copy of Boardwalk Santa, their 1981 EP (on Rosebud Records, not that it helps). A comedy band, The Punsters separated themselves from their indie peers by tapping The Three Stooges (as opposed to Iggy and the Stooges) as a key influence. And they were pretty funny at that, provided you think The Dictators were funny.

A six-piece, the musicians were Tim Korzun, Michael Townsend, Carmen Presti, and Ken Cohen. The two wiseguys up front were Marc Lanzoff and Robert Kaplow. Kaplow has since made a name for himself as author of the novel (now a major motion picture) Me And Orson Welles. But in the 1980s, what we in New Brunswick knew as legendary was Marc Lanzoff who, night after night after night, collected money as Door Guy for Court Tavern shows. The look he gave me every time suggested he was doing me a favor even looking at me, let alone letting me go downstairs. Not that I received special treatment or anything.

This flyer is from 1983, and is obviously classic. Court Tavern appearance, of course. But The Uncle Floyd Show? How could they not be everyone's heroes?

[CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE]