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The 88, Ready to Rock the Fox.
Topics: music, The 88, fox theater
Posted by meandpete Thu Nov 13, 2008 08:41:39 PST
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Fun, positive, and energetic.  These are the words that Keith Slettedahl, lead singer and guitarist for The 88, would use to describe his band's music.

The 88 will be the opening act for the B-52s on Saturday, Nov 15. at Bakersfield's Fox Theater.

Though performing as a five-man band, there are only three official members of The 88: Slettedahl, Adam Merrin, piano, and Anthony Zimmitti, drums.

Slettedahl and Merrin were high school classmates and started the band in 2002.  They began writing songs, and The 88 was born.  The band's name is in reference to the 88 keys on a piano.  They met Zimmitti four years ago through a friend.

Dressed in suits and ties, the trio then hit the L.A. nightclub scene.

"We played a lot of clubs," said Slettedahl in a telephone interview on Nov. 12. 

When asked why the band wore suits and ties, Slettedahl explained that at first, they wanted to look like they were in the same band and the look just kind of stuck. 

Though you may not recognize the band by name, it is almost certain that you have heard their music, as it has been featured in commercials by Sears and Target, and on television shows such as The O.C., Grey's Anatomy, and Laguna Hills.  They even performed one of their songs on an episode of How I Met Your Mother, with Slettendahl having a speaking role. 

One of their tunes, "All 'Cause of You," was featured on the soundtrack of You, Me, and Dupree and a cover of the band Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" was played during the end credits of the Sarah Jessica Parker comedy, Failure to Launch.

After releasing two albums (Kind of Light, Over and Over) on an independent label, The 88 landed their major label recording deal with Island Records.  They recently released their debut album on their new label.  Not Only...But Also features eleven tracks with songs produced by Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds (Madonna, Fall Out Boy) and Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Faith No More). 

Their eclectic style of music pays homage to several different genres of music from funk to jazz to rock. 

When it comes to songwriting, Slettedahl says that it is just something that comes naturally to him.  He names The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Kinks as a few of his influences

Though on a major label now, the band still has artistic control over their music.

"We always have control, we just now have more outside input," said Slettedahl.

Fans are always appreciated by The 88.  Their myspace page is a testement to their popularity.  With nearly 72,000 friends and nearly 4500 plays in one day, these guys are poised on the brink of superstardom.

You can listen to their new album and download it from their myspace.  Just go to www.myspace.com/the88 . Tour dates are also posted on their myspace.

Catch them with the B-52s on Saturday, Nov. 15, 8pm, The Fox Theater, 2001 "H" Street.  Ticket prices are $72.50, $55.50, and $28.

 

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