Description:
Nearly three decades ago, the BoDeans were formed when Kurt Neumann and
Sammy Llanas initiated a unique singing and songwriting partnership in
Waukesha, Wisconsin. The partnership was built on give and take,
whether in the trading of lyrical or melodic ideas, an exchange of
guitar riffs, or the blending of vocal harmonies. As frontmen for what
would become one of America’s premier roots-rock bands, the duo forged
a signature sound based on heartfelt lyrics, passionate harmonies, and
ringing guitars.
The distinct sound of the BoDeans first emerged on their critically
acclaimed debut, “Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams,” which also
saw production by T-Bone Burnett. Released on Slash/Warner Bros. in
1986, the album reached 115 on the Billboard charts and quickly
propelled the group into the national spotlight. This initial success
for the BoDeans would soon be surpassed by their 1987 release, “Outside
Looking In,” which broke into the Billboard Top 100. A tour with U2, an
appearance on Robbie Robertson’s self-titled debut solo album, and
being named “Best New Band” by Rolling Stone magazine that same year
only added fuel to the group’s already-blazing fire.
As if to confirm the status they had achieved, the BoDeans went on to
release yet another Top 100 best-seller, 1989’s “Home.” The record was
followed by “Black And White” in 1991, and by 1993, there was an urge
for the group to return to their roots. The BoDeans decided to
re-enlist T-Bone Burnett for the production of “Go Slow Down,” which
ultimately yielded the “Party Of Five” theme song, “Closer To Free.” In
1996, around the time their sixth studio album, “Blend,” was released,
“Closer To Free” found a home in Billboard’s Top 10. The song
catapulted the BoDeans to even greater heights, and earned an ASCAP
award for being one of the most played songs at radio that year.
University of Montana
