Poor Old Lu
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Poor Old Lu emerged as an influential Christian alternative rock group originating from the American Northwest, distinguished by their fusion of grunge, funk, and psychedelic rock elements. The ensemble consisted of Scott Hunter on vocals, Jesse Sprinkle handling drums, Aaron Sprinkle on guitar, and Nick Barber playing bass. Hunter’s songwriting delved into philosophical, metaphorical, and spiritual subject matter, frequently exploring themes such as personal identity challenges, societal critiques from a secular perspective, and messages of optimism. The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music hailed them as "one of the most accomplished and creative Christian bands of the '90s."
Their name draws inspiration from a passage in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, where Lucy ('Lu') is condescendingly addressed by her brother Peter after recounting her adventures in Narnia.
History
Originally called "BellBangVilla," the group recorded 'In Love with the Greenery' in 1990. Shortly thereafter, they adopted the name Poor Old Lu and produced a three-track demo in 1991. Their debut full album, Star-Studded-Super-Step (1992), included reimagined versions of songs from their previous release. Initially available on cassette, it was later reissued on CD by Alarma Records in 1995.
Their 1993 album Mindsize, produced by Terry Taylor and Derri Daugherty, marked their entry into broader commercial recognition. The subsequent year saw the release of Sin, with John Goodmanson as producer. In 1995, the EP Straight Six featured a guest appearance by Jeremy Enigk of Sunny Day Real Estate. Their 1996 record was titled A Picture of the Eighth Wonder.
The band ceased activity in late 1996 following a farewell performance in Seattle, which was subsequently issued as In Their Final Performance (1998).
In 2002, they reunited to create The Waiting Room for Tooth and Nail Records, supporting it with limited live appearances in Seattle and at Christian festivals including Cornerstone, TomFest, and Purple Door.
After Poor Old Lu
Post-breakup, band members engaged in various individual endeavors. In 1997, Nick Barber joined forces with Aaron Sprinkle in Rose Blossom Punch. Barber also contributed to Meekin Pop and Blue Collar Love. After Rose Blossom Punch dissolved, Aaron Sprinkle embarked on a solo career, releasing seven albums beginning in 1999. In 2005, he established Fair alongside Joey Sanchez, Nick Barber, and Erik Newbill.
Jesse Sprinkle moved to New York where he operated the Illuminata recording studio in Dansville until it closed in 2006. The following year he launched Bluebrick Recordings and performed drums for groups such as Morella's Forest, Demon Hunter, and Dead Poetic. Additionally, he has released solo works.
Scott Hunter formed This Diminishing West in 2006; however, the project ended after issuing an EP online.
In 2018, Aaron and Jesse collaborated to release a six-track EP under the name Blank Books.
Post-2002 reunions
Poor Old Lu reunited for an acoustic house concert in 2011.
In 2013, they recorded "The Great Unwound" to benefit Jesse Sprinkle’s ministry "Paradise Uganda," without announcing any further recording plans.
The band partnered with Vekora in 2014 to release the Christmas single "The Brightest Star."
In 2025, Poor Old Lu performed live shows in both Seattle and Nashville.
Members
- Scott Hunter – lead vocalist, lyricist
- Jesse Sprinkle – percussionist, drummer, backing vocals
- Aaron Sprinkle – guitarist, keyboardist, backing vocals
- Nick Barber – bassist, backing vocals
Discography
- In Love with the Greenery (1990) released as BellBangVilla, cassette format only
- Three Song Demo (1991) cassette release only
- Star-Studded-Super-Step (1992) available exclusively on cassette
- Mindsize (1993, Alarma Records)
- Split 7-inch with Mortal (1993, Intense Records)
- Sin (1994, Alarma Records)
- Sin LP featuring an additional bonus track (1994, Alarma Records)
- Straight Six (1995, Alarma Records)
- Star-Studded-Super-Step independent release (1995)
- Sit and Stare VHS (1995, Alarma Records)
- A Picture of the Eighth Wonder (1996, Alarma Records)
- In Their Final Performance (1998, KMG Records)
- Chrono [1993-1998] compilation (1998, KMG Records)
- Reissued Star-Studded-Super-Step on CD (1998, KMG Records)
- Mindsize/Sin [excluding certain tracks] (2000, KMG Records - "Classic Archives")
- Promotional release: Poor Old Lu & Serene (2002, Tooth and Nail Records)
- The Waiting Room (2002, Tooth and Nail Records)
- "The Great Unwound" (single track, 2013)
Compilation appearances
- Browbeat: Unplugged Alternative – track "Drenched Decent" (1995, Alarma Records)
- CHR Sampler 95 - Spring Tunes – song "Ring True" (promo release 1995, Frontline Records)
- Persuading You Near – "Thoughtless (Concept Version)" included (1996, Working Man Records)
- Noises from the Top of the Alarma Hotel – features "Receive" and "Chance for the Chancers" (promo 1996, Alarma Records)
- Sparkler Vol. 1 – contribution "It's Simple to Me" (1997, Spark Recordings)
- Happy Christmas Vol. 3 – rendition of "What Child Is This?" (2001, BEC Recordings)
- Here & Now – track "Revolve" featured (2003, BEC Recordings)