[4] Pianist Jake Hollifield and guitarist Scott Sharpe formed the band in 1990 in Statesville, North Carolina, where they both attended community college.
[5] Guitarist Aaron “Woody” Wood, bassist Bill Reynolds, drummer Mike Rhodes, and harmonica player Abe Reid would later join the group.
Recorded in a single day, the debut album was a blend of original songs and spirited covers of Professor Longhair, Lead Belly, and Gershwin tunes.
[10] Comparisons with fellow North Carolinians Squirrel Nut Zippers followed, though the Rags were quick to point out differences between the two bands’ styles, live shows, and influences.
It consisted almost entirely of band originals[13] and garnered some positive reviews,[14] with CMJ calling it, "Pure retro fun without a trace of irony".