The Magnolias (band)

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The Magnolias
OriginMinneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
GenresIndie rock, alternative rock
Years active1984–present
LabelsTwin/Tone Records, Alias Records, Veto Records, SMA Records
MembersJohn Freeman
Mike Leonard
Pat McKenna
Rob Robello
Past membersTom Lischmann
John Joyce
Ron Anderson
Kyle Killorin
Tom Cook
John Devries
Sam Planet
Kent Militzer
Caleb Palmiter
Johnny O'Halloran
Dana Stewert
Dave Wiegardt
Eric Kassel, Dave Randall
WebsiteThe Magnolias on Facebook

The Magnolias are an American band from Minneapolis, fronted by John Freeman. They formed in 1984 and have had numerous line up changes throughout their history, with Freeman being the only continuing member. They have released six albums, including their latest, Pop The Lock, in 2011.[1]

History[edit]

The Magnolias formed in 1984 in Minneapolis, fronted by singer/guitarist/songwriter John Freeman. They played their first gig in early 1985 and by the end of that decade they had released three albums on the local Minneapolis label Twin/Tone Records.

With a twin buzz-saw guitar attack, sturdy yet flexible rhythm section, John Freeman's inimitable caterwauling and top-notch song writing, the band created a sound that was instantly identifiable, as well as enduring.[2] The Magnolias' high-energy American punk is consistently compared favorably to the band's influences, including The Clash, The Only Ones, The Undertones, The Real Kids and Buzzcocks.[3]

They signed to Alias Records and issued one LP, 1992's Off The Hook and an EP Hung Up On, featuring some tracks taken from Off The Hook. Another album, Street Date Tuesday, followed in 1996, with the band back on Twin/Tone.

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a period of reduced activity for the band. In 2007, an album of unreleased demos and outtakes was issued, titled Better Late Than Never. They undertook their first European tour in 2008 and returned again in 2009.

The band released a new album in 2011 titled Pop The Lock. it was funded thanks to Kickstarter.com, the online donation site.[4] They continue to play sporadic gigs.[5][6][7][8][9]

Discography[edit]

  • Concrete Pillbox (1986) - Twin/Tone[10]
  • For Rent (1988) - Twin/Tone
  • Dime Store Dream (1989) - Twin/Tone
  • Off The Hook (1992) - Alias[11]
  • Hung Up On (1992) - Six track EP - Alias
  • Street Date Tuesday (1996) - Twin/Tone
  • Better Late Than Never (2007) - 13 unreleased demos
  • Pop The Lock (2011) - Veto Records

References[edit]

  1. ^ Bush, John. "The Magnolias". Apple Music. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  2. ^ "The Magnolias History". Magnolias Homepage. August 13, 2006. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
  3. ^ "The Magnolias". First Avenue. January 31, 2009. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
  4. ^ Riemenschneider, Chris (January 13, 2012). "Magnolias are back with a kick". Star Tribune. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
  5. ^ Bush, John. The Magnolias at AllMusic. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  6. ^ Riemenschneider, Chris (August 17, 2012). "Local music: Little-brother pop/punks the Magnolias are now elder statesmen". Star Tribune. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  7. ^ Wuench, Kevin (April 27, 2016). "Road tripping with the Replacements ... what could go wrong?". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  8. ^ Schoenleber, Conrad (October 21, 2010). "Vintage Minneapolis punk band The Magnolias are still playing punk like it should be". Minnesota Daily. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  9. ^ Stegall, Tim (December 3, 2021). "How Minneapolis' punk scene foreshadowed alt-rock, grunge and pop punk". Alternative Press. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  10. ^ Connelly, Jim (December 27, 2017). "Certain Songs #1083: The Magnolias – "One More Reason"". Medialoper. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  11. ^ Engebretson, Mark (August 14, 2020). "'When I'm Not' by the Magnolias". Longhorn Film. Retrieved September 1, 2023.

External links[edit]