The 88 have announced the release of their new self-titled album (on 88 Records, via Rocket Science), which will be available exclusively through iTunes for two weeks starting September 14th. The record will be available at retail and through all digital outlets starting September 28th.Produced and recorded by The 88 - vocalist/guitarist Keith Slettedahl, pianist Adam Merrin, bassist Todd O'Keefe, and drummer Anthony Zimmitti - the album was crafted in-between worldwide tours as both opening and backing band for Ray Davies of The Kinks. The 88 found themselves in front of thousands of fans each night, while also getting the opportunity to play and record with one of their musical heroes (Ray Davies sings backing vocals on the track "They Ought To See You Now"). The result is an 11-song album filled with memorable hooks and melodies, combined with the raw energy that comes from months spent onstage around the world.
You're probably familiar with The 88 without even knowing it. With their infectiously high-energy live performances, the band has won over critics and fans alike, among them a variety of fellow musicians from all over the spectrum. Along with North American and UK treks with Ray Davies - including the band's own stop at Hyde Park's Wireless Festival in London this year - The 88 have toured with Smashing Pumpkins, the B-52s, The Flaming Lips, Rilo Kiley, and the late Elliott Smith. Their music has been featured on hit television shows like How I Met Your Mother, Grey's Anatomy, Weeds, Gossip Girl and Community (they perform the main theme song), as well as in national Sears, Target, NASCAR, and NFL campaigns, leading Spin Magazine to call The 88 "the best band you didn't know you'd heard."
As The 88 continues to evolve as a progressive and innovative force in an ever-changing musical landscape, they continue to find new ways to create music. The band recently captured the interest of Apple when they recorded the single "Love Is The Thing" entirely on an iPhone, using the FourTrack application and chronicling the process on YouTube; check it out here