Not Only But Also

The 88 | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 28, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Island
• ASIN: B001G9LVMU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124,625 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Like their music, The 88 have traveled an eclectic road to Not Only...But Also, their major label debut for Island Records. Using an organic combination of old and new school in their approach to music and its marketing, the band's catchy rock melodies have found a growing audience through TV, film and commercial placements as well as virally online. The L.A.-based group has been attracting attention since forming in 2003. Tirelessly playing the local scene as well as opening nationally for acts like Matt Costa and dates with Rilo Kiley and Smashing Pumpkins, The 88 once served as the late Elliott Smith's back-up band by personal request for a memorable Orange County performance after serving as openers. While you may not be familiar with The 88, you've certainly heard their music. With two independent releases already under their belt in 2003's Kind of Light and 2005's Over and Over, the group have found a welcome home for their music on TV, in the movies and as part of widely seen commercial campaigns. Produced by Matt Wallace [Maroon 5, Replacements, Faith No More, Train], and with two tracks by Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds [Eric Clapton, Fall Out Boy, Madonna], Not Only...But Also additionally serves as an apt description of the band's impressive pop-rock palette. Students of rock history, The 88 combine post-punk high energy ("Go Go Go", "I'm Nothing") with a love of classic British Invasion bands such as The Kinks and The Small Faces ("Love You Anytime", "Save Your Breath"), `70s Bowiesque glam ("Sons and Daughters"), and Nuggets-style garage-band psychedelia ("Waiting for the Next Drug"). There are also nods to funk ("Like You Do"), R&B ("No One Here"), and soul ("We Felt Alive"). "The title fits the album because not only did we do things people might expect," says Keith, "but we also took some chances by stepping outside of our comfort zone."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A bit disappointed, December 9, 2008

By 

James Cazares "jimmy c" (Cali) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Not Only But Also (Audio CD)

When I picked up this CD, I was not aware that the 88 had signed a deal with a major record label. All I knew was that I was a fan of their Kind of Light album and I really loved Over and Over. Now I'm not generally the kind of person who resents indie bands who sign with major labels. More often than not, at least in my experience, the quality of the music doesn't change a whole lot. I wish I could say that about Not Only ... But Also. I feel like The 88 has lost a bit of their identity with this record. It's very polished and clean, as a major release should be, but it's more "pop"ish and less fun. Whether this is the fault of major label producers or just the direction the band was headed, I don't know. I can't define the sound. You have to have a listen yourself. All I can say is I don't hate it....but I don't love it either.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as "Over & Over"...but still good!, May 26, 2009

By 

Hayden R. Deck (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Not Only But Also (Audio CD)

Overall Grade: B

Hilights: Love You Anytime, Coming Home, No One Here, Sons and Daughters

"Not Only...But Also" is not bad for the 88's sophomore release. Though slightly uniform, this record is catchy and fun. "Coming Home" is a treat for fans of the first album, being that it's an altered version of the original tune. Keith Slettedahl's voice is melodic and sensitive while still carrying the right tones for this piano rock band! A few of the songs are a bit too similar, but there is little monotony here!

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice follow up to previous works, September 25, 2009

By 

D. Corbishley (Skillman, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Not Only But Also (Audio CD)

I've enjoyed this band for a while and this is a nice follow up to their previous 2 recordings. Well done!