the tell alls
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the tell alls

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"The Tell Alls debut-All Music Guide"

All Music Guide-review
(by Alex Henderson)

Drummer/vocalist Ken Buono isn't an international mega-superstar or a huge name in the music world; it's safe to say that he would be able to wander all over the streets of Barcelona or Paris by himself without needing a bodyguard and without being hounded incessantly by countless autograph seekers. But in Philadelphia indie rock circles, Buono has his share of admirers. Those who follow the Philly rock scene closely know that Buono's long résumé includes such local bands as Flight of Mavis, Buzz Zeemer, Dragstrip Courage, Trolleyvox and Grand. And a name that he can be proud to add to that list is the Tell Alls, whose debut album, Feeding Frenzy, illustrates Buono's strong power pop instincts. Buono produced this 2004/2005 recording with Adam Lasus, known for his work with Juliana Hatfield, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Helium; Lasus helped the album sound good, but ultimately, there is no question that Feeding Frenzy is very much Buono's baby. In addition to playing drums and providing the lead vocals, he wrote all of the material, and much of that material underscores the fact that quality power pop, thankfully, is something that never goes away. Over the years, power pop has been a part of everything from the '60s British Invasion (the Beatles) to pop-metal (Cheap Trick, Sweet, Quiet Riot) to new wave (Blondie, the Knack, the Go-Go's) to alternative pop/rock (No Doubt, Letters to Cleo, Eve's Plum, Oasis, Hope 7). Buono approaches power pop from a jangly indie pop perspective, bringing plenty of infectiousness to rockers like "Can't Forget" and "Start a Commotion" as well as something more reflective such as the Tom Petty-ish "Through a Veil." Feeding Frenzy could have been a bit more consistent; many of the tracks are excellent, while a few miss the mark. But most of the time, Feeding Frenzy reminds us that Buono is a valuable part of the Philadelphia indie rock scene.

reference link:
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:dzfqxqrdldte - All Music Guide


"The Tell Alls debut-Amplifier Magazine"

Amplifier Magazine-review
THE TELL ALLS
FEEDING FRENZY
JOURNEYMAN

The Tell Alls is essentially a new solo endeavor for Philly music veteran Ken Buono, a drummer and multi-instrumentalist who started back in the late 80’s with jangle pop trio Flight of Mavis and has drummed for other notable indie pop bands such as Grand, The Trolleyvox, and Dragstrip. Teaming up with producer Adam Lasus (Juliana Hatfield, Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah), Buono has crafted a lush, chiming pop record filled to the brim with all the requisite ingredients for classic pop: bright, strummy guitars, solid straight-forward rhythms, and of course, the ever-important musical hook. His raspy, slightly-strained tenor, which bears a striking resemblance to Scott Sax (Wanderlust, Feel) and Mike Mazzarella of the Rooks, carries the music in an uncomplicated fashion through all ten of the album’s tracks. Buono even roughs up the pop edge a bit with the rollicking, Tommy Keene-inspired “Can’t Forget" and the funky experimentalism of “The BIG Time" All in all, Feeding Frenzy is a solid pop album and a very promising debut.

(Release date: April 5, 2006)

reference link:
http://www.amplifiermagazine.com/reviews/cds/the_tell_alls_cd.php
- Amplifer Magazine


"The Tell Alls-Kool Kat"

Kool Kat Musik-review

The Tell Alls Bright Lights Of Christmas EP 2008/Journeyman Records

Drummer/multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Ken Buono isn't an international mega-superstar or a huge name in the music world; it's safe to say that he would be able to wander all over the streets of Barcelona or Paris by himself without needing a bodyguard and without being hounded incessantly by countless autograph seekers. But in Philadelphia indie rock circles, Buono has his share of admirers; those who follow the Philly rock scene closely know that Buono's long, impressive resume includes such local bands as Flight of Mavis, Buzz Zeemer, Dragstrip Courage, the Trolleyvox and Grand. And a name that he can be proud to add to that list is The Tell Alls. While Ken and band prepare their sophomore full-length, they have delivered us this charming, home-spun, 3-song Holiday-themed EP to help warm those cold, winter evenings. "Bright Lights Of Christmas" is very George Harrison-like both vocally and in delivery! "Season Of Joy" features a beautiful choir backing. EXCELLENT!!
Ray Gianchetti
- Kool KAt Musik


Discography

'Feeding Frenzy'-LP, 2006/Journeyman Record, JR-19
"Always Love"-MP3 download release-2010/Journeyman Records/CD Freedom
'Wear Your Crown'-EP 2007/Journeyman Records, JR-20
'Bright Lights of Christmas'-EP 2008/Journeyman Records, JR-21
"Glow"- 2007 'All the Wild Wonders'-KeyTone Records
various posted originals-www.myspace.com/thetellalls

Photos

Bio

The Tell Alls-Bio

The Tell Alls full length debut CD, entitled 'Feeding Frenzy', was released on May 2, 2006 on their own indie start-up label Journeyman Records.

Signing on producer Adam Lasus (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Oliver Future, Army Navy, Juliana Hatfield, Helium), multi-instrumentalist Ken Buono had the luxury of time to craft his hook-laden pop/rock songs in the indie-friendly environment of Brooklyn-based 'Fireproof Studio' (now located on the West coast).

From a series of treks down the PA Turnpike into New York, the recording process proved to be a testament of Buono's determination not to fall flat on his face, out to prove his worth as a songwriter (more than just the drummer that he is most recognized as throughout indie-music circles: The Trolleyvox, Buzz Zeemer, Grand, Flight of Mavis).

For a period of two years, on-and-off through multiple 3-day recording sessions, Buono and Lasus teamed up to produce an album of many dimensions, bringing well deserved praise within the press (see reviews:
http://www.www.allmusic.com
http://www.amplifiermagazine.com/reviews/cds/the_tell_alls_cd.php).

In the 90's, Buono cut his teeth playing drums in the Philadelphia-area band Flight of Mavis. Lead by the songwriting talents of Frank Brown (Dave McElroy-bass), FOM released their self-titled debut and quickly gained recognition for their live show as an energetic three-piece. Soon after releasing their follow up EP 'Spools', they added guitarist Mike Brenner (Marah, Slo-Mo featuring Mike Wrecka, Low Road), rounding out their sound for live shows, as well as studio recording. As the result of being passed on by the major record labels, FOM eventually called it quits in 1993.

Rising from the ashes of FOM came Buzz Zeemer. Essentially, the original members of FOM that continued on under a different name. The band released it's debut cd entitled 'Plaything' in 1995. THey also found there way into regular rotation on the University of Pennsylvania radio station 88.5 WXPN (also being invited to performing at their annual 'singer/songwriter festival' in '96). Again, the majors turned a blind eye and the band went under.

Continuing on his musical journey, Buono teamed up with long time friend in the Philly music scene Andrew Chalfen to play drums in his new band venture The Trolleyvox. Enlisted by Chalfen to help propel his 60's style musical muse, Buono's range of influence behind the kit is most likely displayed best here throughout The Trolleyvox catalog (Keith Moon, Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts rolled up into one).

He also picked up playing with another philly-based band called Dragstrip Courage. This band was driven by songwriter Jason Karaban. They changed their name to Grand and landed a demo-deal with Madonna's Maverick label. Recording in famed Ardent Studio's in Memphis, TN (working with producer John Hampton), the band seemed on their way to bigger thing. Well, the label decided to pass on the band, but they continued on and made a full length record (eventually released by start up label Ascend Records). Without the proper touring, the band broke up soon there after.

As a drummer, Buono has shared the stage, in support, for many headlining acts: Goo Goo Dolls, Joe Strummer, Buzzcocks, Sinead O' Connor, Del Amitri, NRBQ, Bo Deans, Cheap Trick, and Squeeze.

With The Tell Alls, he has shown that he can hold his own, taking center stage out from behind the drum kit (Dave Grohl anyone?!), along with respected colleagues by his side, to showcase the band's undeniable talents.

Since hooking up that U-Haul trailer straight out of High School, making that cross-country trip from East to West coast in his brother's Dodge Challenger, Buono has never looked back in his journey in showcasing his talents.

From past to present, and all points in between, Buono has been making music with hopes of connecting with those that matter most..THE MUSIC FAN!