8889

“A Precious Pop Gem - 8889 took their time in developing their catchy melodic style, but with their first full-length release My Music Plan, it has become clear that the wait was worth it. My Music Plan is near-perfect guitar pop, a Midwestern spin on a grand British tradition. The melodies are gorgeous and infectious, the rhythm section is solid and sufficiently varied, while vocalists Ross Benbow and Jason Teteak consistently find unique ways to harmonize. They write lyrics that range from clever to heartbreaking and pensive. And former glam guitarist Casey Collins unfailingly spices up the chord progressions both with subtle accent/texture playing as well as straight-forward, melodic lead lines…

Capable of turning relatively simple melodies into giant, sweeping epic moments…the production is slick and radio-friendly, without being excessive or lifeless. The lyrics are sincere and heartfelt without being sappy. If you’re weary of both lazy songwriting posing as underground, and bland, formulaic radio tunes, you’ll want to check out ‘Dandelions,’ ‘Two-Way Dream,’ and, well, pretty much the whole damn CD.”
- Rick's Cafe Janary 2006

“With a Brit-pop sensibility that hearkens back to the late ’90s and channels Blur with a dash of Oasis, local Madison band 8889’s first full length album ‘My Music Plan’ shows a healthy disregard for all trends indie and moves decidedly into the genre of smooth guitar pop. 8889 clearly demonstrates potential and the possession of songcraft building blocks necessary to become lasting musicians...

Radio-friendly track “Dandelions” is a well-constructed song with guitars that are very cleanly executed—especially its solo—and its vocal harmonizing has a pleasing light quality...The album’s most complex song, and perhaps best written, is its last, “The Exit Song,” which radiates for nearly seven minutes with clean guitars, well-sung vocals, and a dominating creative genius that closes the track with a cascade of piano, strings and a heightened sense of accomplishment.”
- The Daily Cardinal 12/9/05

"8889 exude all the sincerity and innocent charm of the proverbial boy next door: It comes through in their songs - polished pop rock statements draped in the classic hues of the Beatles, Beach Boys and Motown, and it comes through in their lyrics, which feature candid reflections on loving and living in a world that sometimes moves too fast...Behind the tireless drive of the band's talented songwriting tandem, Benbow and Teteak, and the astute guidance of co-producer Lucas Jorgensen, 8889 have authored a document in 'My Music Plan' of passionate delivery and meticulous craftsmanship. The very definition of genuine."
- The Isthmus Al Ritchie 11/14/05

"Madison's 8889 appear on the just-released A Tribute to Elliot Smith, a compilation CD that salutes the memory and the bittersweet music of the late indie-rocker-cum-Grammie nominee. The band contributes the gossamer original 'It Takes All Kinds,' which hints at Smith's famous melancholy without being overwhelmed by it. See www.doubledrecords.com for more information."

- The Isthmus 11/14/05

Madison is usually too alternative for obvious pop bands, but 8889’s new album, My Music Plan, reaches right for the heart of the Christopher Cross fan in all of us. It’s laid-back chick-rock that hits some nice harmonies, especially on the pretty Beach Boys-esque “If I Run.” While “Dandelions” has the most obvious radio chorus and is just the right length, some of their jams take a little too long to get really going, like “Two-Way Dream,” which has the “Life in a Northern Town” thing going on, but everything holds back. Sometimes you just wanna hear them frickin’ go for it. You know these guys can hear great melodies, and a little more dynamics would make this a great record. - Maximum Ink Jan 16, 2006

Madison Area Music Award nominees named


The Madison Area Music Awards announced its 2006 nominees Wednesday in a host of categories, honoring everything from the top blues musicians in town to the best places to see live music.

Now in their third year, the awards are intended not only to showcase the best in local talent and solidify connections within the local music community, but to raise funds for music programs in area schools.

This year, the nominees for Best Song and Best Album were chosen by local music fans through online voting, with each voter making a $5 donation toward music programs. To date, more than 400 people have signed up to vote.

A second round of voting to choose the winners will take place beginning Saturday and run through March 10. In addition, a special selection committee will determine Best Artist winners for each categories, and there are several "People's Choice" overall awards determined solely by voters.

The awards ceremony will take place at 8 p.m. March 18 in the Wisconsin Union Theater, 800 Langdon St., and will feature performances by numerous local artists, including Phat Phunktion, Droids Attack, the Madison East High School Show Choir and more. The event will also feature a special lifetime achievement award for Madison jazz musician Ben Sidran.

Tickets for the show are $20 and are on sale through the Wisconsin Union Theater box office at 262-2201. In addition, MAMA fundraising concerts are scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday in the Rotunda of the Overture Center for the Arts and at 9 p.m. Sunday at the Club Tavern in Middleton.

For the full list, visit www.themamas.org
• Best Overall Artist (People's Choice) - Brittany Hayes, Mark Croft, Motor Primitives, Rob DZ Experience, Super Tuesday and the Profits.

Best Live Music Venue (People's Choice) - Cafe Montmartre, Dry Bean, Harmony Bar, High Noon Saloon, Inferno Nightclub, King Club, Orpheum Stage Door, Slipper Club.

• Best Local Music Record Store (People's Choice) - B Side Records, Madcity Music Xchange, Exclusive Company, MC Audio.

Best New Artist - Mark Croft, 8889, Lucas Cates, Traveler's Requiem.

Best Rock Album - "Sympathetic Groove," Mark Croft; "We Don't Feel Like This for Free," SevenOneFive; "The Motor Primitives," the Motor Primitives; "She Said," Spin Spin Coupling; "Lorenzo's Music," Lorenzo's Music.

Best Folk/Americana Album - "Real Like Theater," Blake Thomas; "Ghosts of Yesterday," Bob Manor & the Getaway Drivers; "Come Visit Soon," Box Elder, "Sketches," Burr Settles.


• Best Pop Album - "Attack of the Delicious," Mike Massey; "Kerfluffle No. 1," The Buffali; "My Music Plan," 8889; "Ocean in a Shoebox," Steve Schad.

• Best Electronic Album - "We Are SwitchFocus," SwitchFocus; "Falling Away," Samarah; "Caustic/Endif," Meld; "The London EP," Null Device.


- The Capitol Times By Rob Thomas:

For three years now, the Madison Area Music Awards (MAMA's) have been raising money for local schools and honoring the efforts of local musicians, producers, and performers with awards in a number of musical categories. Bands and fans nominate local music, then voters pay five dollars to vote on the best of what they hear. All proceeds go to benefit school music programs in Madison--programs that are often targeted by budget cuts.

8889 has been nominated for three categories this year, including Best New Artist, Best Pop Album for 'My Music Plan', and Best Pop Song for 'Dandelions.' We're hoping that you'll support Madison area school music programs, the local music scene, and maybe even 8889 by taking the time to participate. Sign up and vote here for five bucks. You win and the children of the Madison School District win. And maybe, come the March 18th MAMA's award ceremony, 8889 wins.

Read more here and here.

- www.themamas.org

We’ve been invited to play what we’re told is the biggest pop music festival in the world: The International Pop Overthrow Festival in Chicago. Two weeks, seven clubs, 160 bands, a ton of great music, all across the greatest big city in the nice guy Midwest. Even Mark is going!

The Festival runs from April 21st to May 3rd. We’ll be performing Saturday, April 22nd at Mother Fool’s Pub on Lincoln Avenue during the highly coveted 2pm slot. Which is better for us because then we can cut loose for the rest of the day and see a whole mess of great bands from all over the country. Come down and see Chicago at the height of its seasonal beauty! - 8889