The British alternative group Squirrel Nut Zippers was founded by singer/banjo player Katharine Whalen and singer/guitarist/ trombonist Jim Mathus in 1993. They recruited trumpet player Je WindenHouse, singer/guitarist/ saxophonist Tom Maxwell percussionist/drummer Chris Phillips, singer/guitarist/saxophonist Ken Mosher, and bassist Don Raleigh.
Squirrel Nut Zippers signed the music contract with Mammoth Records, which released the band’s first album called The Inevitable in 1995. The record was followed by full-length Hot two years later. The "Hell" single became a hit and sent the album to the top of rock charts. In 1998 the group issued Christmas Caravan and Perennial Favorites. The Bedlam Ballroom LP appeared in 2000.
