The 88 release well-crafted pop-rock
Reem Azem
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Focus
Let's face it, we live in an age where much of our music exposure comes from the movies and television shows we watch. Back when The O.C. was in its prime, almost any band featured on the show (particularly the first season when people actually watched it) became golden. Recall some of the artists: Death Cab for Cutie, The Killers, Frou Frou (also known as Imogen Heap), Iron & Wine, Jet, Rooney. All of them got their "big breaks" from The O.C.
Among these bands is The 88, a Los Angeles-based band that has transcended mere television popularity. Even after "How Good It Can Be" (a song you have heard, though you may not realize it at first), The 88 continue to release soundtrack-friendly tunes that can be heard not only on almost 30 different shows, but also several movies and commercials. Recently, The CW has used songs from the band's newest album, Not Only…But Also, such as "Coming Home" and "It's A Lot" for shows like Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill.
To put it simply, Not Only…But Also is a solid rock-infused pop album. The album kicks off with "Go, Go, Go," a pump-up song heavy on guitar and drums. Most of the songs on the album are upbeat, but there are a few slow tempo piano ballads such as "No One Here" and "Save Your Breath." However, the CD is a lot stronger when the band is making noise. "I'm Nothing" is a track about the lingering love for someone who has decided not to return the affection. The chorus is melancholic, yet powerful and captivating. The piano and the raw longing in lead singer/guitarist Keith Slettedahl's voice will resonate from your speakers.
Slettedahl definitely took advantage of the opportunity to showcase his versatile vocals on this album, particularly on the bubbly "Coming Home" and the rebellious "Sons and Daughters."
The most impressive aspect of this album is the band's prodigious understanding of melody. Some might find a repetitive chorus consisting of three words ("It's a lot") to be annoying, but their melodies make it work. Almost every track is catchy, which is an accomplishment you often see on well-made pop albums by acclaimed artists of the past and present. However, The 88 doesn't strictly stick to one genre. You can hear some funk, soul, and a hint of punk influences on certain tracks.
The 88 is not a novice band. They know what they're doing at this point in their career, and where they are going under the wing of their new label, Island Def Jam Music Group (one of today's major record labels). In an interview with Music Connection, pianist Adam Merrin recalls of their early career: "We made thousands of CD samples from our first record and passed them out at every show around town." With their talent and major producers like Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Train) and R&B mogul Babyface (Eric Clapton, Madonna), I think it's safe to say that The 88 wont have to look at another CD sample for a long time.
Among these bands is The 88, a Los Angeles-based band that has transcended mere television popularity. Even after "How Good It Can Be" (a song you have heard, though you may not realize it at first), The 88 continue to release soundtrack-friendly tunes that can be heard not only on almost 30 different shows, but also several movies and commercials. Recently, The CW has used songs from the band's newest album, Not Only…But Also, such as "Coming Home" and "It's A Lot" for shows like Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill.
To put it simply, Not Only…But Also is a solid rock-infused pop album. The album kicks off with "Go, Go, Go," a pump-up song heavy on guitar and drums. Most of the songs on the album are upbeat, but there are a few slow tempo piano ballads such as "No One Here" and "Save Your Breath." However, the CD is a lot stronger when the band is making noise. "I'm Nothing" is a track about the lingering love for someone who has decided not to return the affection. The chorus is melancholic, yet powerful and captivating. The piano and the raw longing in lead singer/guitarist Keith Slettedahl's voice will resonate from your speakers.
Slettedahl definitely took advantage of the opportunity to showcase his versatile vocals on this album, particularly on the bubbly "Coming Home" and the rebellious "Sons and Daughters."
The most impressive aspect of this album is the band's prodigious understanding of melody. Some might find a repetitive chorus consisting of three words ("It's a lot") to be annoying, but their melodies make it work. Almost every track is catchy, which is an accomplishment you often see on well-made pop albums by acclaimed artists of the past and present. However, The 88 doesn't strictly stick to one genre. You can hear some funk, soul, and a hint of punk influences on certain tracks.
The 88 is not a novice band. They know what they're doing at this point in their career, and where they are going under the wing of their new label, Island Def Jam Music Group (one of today's major record labels). In an interview with Music Connection, pianist Adam Merrin recalls of their early career: "We made thousands of CD samples from our first record and passed them out at every show around town." With their talent and major producers like Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Train) and R&B mogul Babyface (Eric Clapton, Madonna), I think it's safe to say that The 88 wont have to look at another CD sample for a long time.
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