EXACTLY! I'm surprised no one else mentioned them. I've got soyo long grips on the drops I use for racing and they rock. Not much padding really but the grip you get on those cannot be beat. And I've had mine for a while and they are holding up fine.

Cinelli cork tape is really nice as far as padding, but on a messenger ride or a beater that you ride everyday in all sorts of weather it isn't really practical.

Shellac over cotton is certainly old school, especially if you finish the top with twine. It's not real grippy though, which is pretty important to me.

When I was a messenger I used mainly cotton tape, usually several layers, just keep piling it on as it flattens/wears out.