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The Badlees

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The Badlees

The Badlees are a Roots rock band from central Pennsylvania formed in 1990. They released several independent albums and steadily gained popularity, achieving national success on the strength of their 1995 album River Songs. After recording a follow-up album for their national label, Polydor, they got caught up in the aftermath of the company’s sale to Seagram’s corporation in 1998, which delayed the release of the album and eventually led to the Badlees return to being an independent band. They have continued to perform and produce albums independently, with their latest album, 2009’s Love Is Rain, being universally acclaimed for its top-notch songwriting and production quality. The Badlees and its individual members have forged a tremendous legacy in the countless artists they’ve inspired, mentored, advised, produced for, and performed with throughout the burgeoning Pennsylvania music scene. Currently signed to their independent Saturation Acres Music label, the band released 6 full length records between 1992 and 2003. The band returned from an extended hiatus in 2009 to release 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 released a new record on October 6, 2009 entitled 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 2009.

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[2] 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

Notes

  1. ^ Allmusic. The Badlees. accessed 4 Jan 2007.
  2. ^ Billboard Single, Allmusic.com
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