The Badlees
The Badlees |
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The Badlees are a folk rock band from central Pennsylvania. Currently signed to their independent Saturation Acres Music label, the band released 6 full length records between 1992 and 2002. The band returned from an extended hiatus in 2009 to release the critically acclaimed, "Love is Rain".
History
After a brief stint with the Canton, PA band Masque, with members Ron Morgan, Ben Darrow, and Curtis Smith, Bret Alexander met his future bandmates. Formed in Selinsgrove, PA in the late 1980’s, the group was originally known as Bad Lee White, consisting of guitarists Alexander and Jeff Feltenberger, along with drummer Ron Simasek.[1] The group would eventually add frontman Pete Palladino and bassist Paul Smith to form their current lineup. The band had come to be known as the Badlees by many of their fans, and in 1990 released their debut EP It Ain’t For You under this name. Their most successful record was 1995’s River Songs, released on A&M Records, and containing the songs "Fear of Falling" and "Angeline Is Coming Home". Recently the band has reunited and plans to release a new record on October 6, 2009 titled "Love Is Rain".
The Badlees are one of the most successful bands to emerge from Central/Northeast Pennsylvania. The group has sold nearly a quarter of a million albums, mostly due to 1996's "River Songs," and has earned two national recording contracts.
There was also a trip to China and several road jaunts across America. The band's video for "Angeline" appeared on VH1, was directed by Anthony Edwards and starred Julianna Margulies. The group also did national tours with Bob Seger and Gregg Allman and once shared the stage with Page & Plant.
Other Projects
Guitarist and lead singer Bret Alexander along with Bassist Paul Smith and drummer Ron Simasek are currently touring as The Cellarbirds, with several shows in central PA in 2007.[2]
Discography
- It Ain't For You EP (Rite Off Records, 1990)
- Diamonds in the Coal (Rite Off, 1992)
- The Unfortunate Result of Spare Time (1994)
- River Songs (A&M Records, 1995)
- The Day's Parade EP (Rite Off, 1998)
- Amazing Grace (Rite Off, 1999)
- Up There Down Here (Ark 21 Records, 1999)
- 50:45 Live (2000)
- Renew (S.A.M. Records, 2002)
- Love is Rain (SAM Records 2009)
Charting Singles
Year | Title | Chart Positions[3] | Album | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
US Mainstream Rock | US Adult Top 40 | US Top 40 Mainstream | Billboard Hot 100 | |||
1995 | "Fear of Falling" | 31 | - | - | - | River Songs |
1996 | "Angeline is Coming Home" | 20 | 28 | 27 | 67 |
Gallery
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The Badlees Love is Rain CD Cover
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The Badlees promo shot
Notes
- ^ Allmusic. "The Badlees". accessed 4 Jan 2007.
- ^ BretAlexander.com “BretAlexander.com”. accessed 4 Jan 2007.
- ^ Billboard Single, Allmusic.com