by James Christopher Monger
With their signature blend of chanson, opera, and Gypsy music, London-based experimental rock trio the Tiger Lillies are difficult to define in one sentence. Formed in the early '90s by singer Martyn Jacques, drummer Adrian Huge, and double bass player Adrian Stout, the group revels in the bawdy vaudeville traditions of prostitution, opium dens, and the seedy life of the eternal street musician. They have recorded numerous albums, including 1998's cabaret-inspired Shockheaded Peter: A Junk Opera and 2003's collaboration with the Kronos Quartet, The Gorey End. Their 2007 album, Urine Palace, was recorded live with Symphony Orchestra of Norrlandsoperan, a 35-piece Swedish orchestra.