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The 88
The 88
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The 88 was an American pop rock band from Los Angeles, California. The group consisted of Keith Slettedahl (vocals and guitar), Adam Merrin (keyboards and vocals), Anthony Zimmitti (drums and percussion), and Todd O'Keefe (bass and vocals). Meeting in high school in Calabasas, California, Adam Merrin and Keith Slettedahl formed the band in 2002. The band's popularity grew from high-profile song placements in video games, films, commercials, and popular TV shows.[2][3]

Key Information

From 2010 to 2012, the band toured and recorded with the Kinks leader Ray Davies, serving as his opening act and backing Davies for his set. The band performed with Davies at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2011.[4][5]

They have also performed with Elliott Smith, The Smashing Pumpkins, The B-52's, Elvis Costello, Black Francis, The Zombies, and The Flaming Lips.[6][7]

Their track "At Least It Was Here" is the opening theme song to the television series Community. In 2012, the band co-scored the film Friends with Kids.

Work with Ray Davies

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In 2010, the band acted as the support act and back up band for Ray Davies on his American tour. For the next two years, the band performed with Davies, including performances at London's Royal Albert Hall and Japan's Fuji Rock Festival. The 88 performed with Davies and Elvis Costello at Clive Davis's pre-Grammy party in 2012.[8] The band recorded with Davies at Konk Studios in London on Davies' duets album See My Friends.[9] The 88 played on "Long Way From Home" with Lucinda Williams and "Till the End of the Day" with Alex Chilton (Chilton's final recorded performance),[10] as well as recording a version of "David Watts" with Davies. The band did a promotional tour for See My Friends with Davies including performances on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,[11] and The Regis and Kelly show.[12]

Television, film and video games

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The 88 wrote and performed "At Least It Was Here", the opening theme song for the television series Community.[13]

Their song "You Belong to Me" is on the soundtrack of How I Met Your Mother's episode "Belly Full of Turkey". The band was also featured on the episode "Best Prom Ever" of that same series. Their song "No One Here" was used during the Season 2 finale "Something Blue".

Their song "How Good it Can Be" is on the soundtrack of The O.C.. "All 'Cause of You" is on the soundtrack for You, Me and Dupree.

"No One Here" and also "All 'Cause of You" were used in Blue Lagoon: The Awakening, the 2012 remake of The Blue Lagoon.

In film, the band co-scored the 2012 movie Friends with Kids. That same year, The 88 performed on the soundtrack to the film The Lorax.[14]

The song "Sons and Daughters" appeared as downloadable content for the video game Rock Band.

The band appeared in on issue of the comic series Manhunter.

Members

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Discography

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Albums
  • Kind of Light (June 2003) EMK/Mootron Records
  • Over and Over (September 2005) EMK/Mootron Records
  • Not Only... But Also (October 2008) Island Records
  • This Must Be Love (November 2009) 88 Records
  • The 88 (September 2010) 88 Records
  • Fortune Teller (June 2013) 88 Records
  • Close to You (December 2016) 88 Records
EPs
  • No One Here (February 2010) 88 Records
  • Actors (March 2012) 88 Records
Singles
  • "All I Want For Christmas Is You" (November 2009) 88 Records
  • "Love Is The Thing" (June 2009) 88 Records
Appearances

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The 88 is an American rock band from , , formed in 2002 by keyboardist Adam Merrin and vocalist-guitarist Keith Slettedahl, later joined by bassist Todd O’Keefe and drummer Anthony Zimmitti. The band emerged on the music scene with a style blending melodies and '70s rock influences reminiscent of , earning them the L.A. Weekly award for Best Band of the Year. Their early independent releases, Kind of Light (2003) and Over and Over (2005), built a grassroots following before they signed with in 2007, releasing Not Only... But Also (2008). After parting ways with the label in 2009, The 88 returned to independence, issuing This Must Be Love (2009), a self-titled album (2010), Fortune Teller (2013), and their final studio LP Close to You (2016) on their own 88 Records imprint. Notable for their contributions to media, the band composed and performed the opening theme song "At Least It Was Here" for the NBC sitcom Community (2009–2015), which became a fan favorite and was released as a full-length track. They also co-scored the 2012 film Friends with Kids and collaborated extensively with Kinks frontman Ray Davies, touring with him in 2010 and 2011, recording at his Konk Studios in London, and contributing to his 2010 covers album See My Friends, including a joint track. Performances at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall highlighted their live energy, while Keith Slettedahl's solo ventures, such as virtual art exhibitions tied to new songs, have kept the band's creative output visible into the mid-2020s, though no new group albums have followed Close to You.

History

Formation and early career (2002–2005)

The 88 was formed in 2002 in by Keith Slettedahl on vocals and guitar and Adam Merrin on piano and keyboards, who had met as high school students in . The duo, inspired by their shared interest in sounds, soon expanded to a full band with the addition of bassist Todd O'Keefe and drummer Anthony Zimmitti, solidifying the group's core lineup. The band's debut album, Kind of Light, was released in 2003 on the independent EMK/Mootron Records label. Featuring tracks like "How Good It Can Be" and "Elbow Blues," the album showcased their melodic pop-rock style and earned positive reviews for its harmonious arrangements. This release marked their entry into the music scene, where they began performing live shows and building a local following through gigs in venues. In 2005, The 88 followed with their second album, Over and Over, also issued independently via EMK/Mootron Records. The record included standout songs such as "Hide Another Mistake," which highlighted their upbeat yet introspective songwriting. Early recognition came in the form of the 2003 L.A. Weekly Music Award for Best Band, affirming their presence in the Los Angeles circuit amid performances at spots like Records. However, as an independent act, the band encountered challenges including limited promotional support from their label and difficulty gaining traction without major label backing, positioning them as too polished for the indie crowd yet too unconventional for mainstream pop.

Rise through collaborations and media (2006–2012)

In 2007, The 88 signed with , marking a significant step toward broader recognition after building a local following in , where they were named “Best Band of the Year” by L.A. Weekly in 2003. Their major-label debut, , arrived in 2008, featuring the single "Go Go Go" and showcasing a polished pop-rock sound that blended their indie roots with mainstream appeal. Following a mutual parting with Island in 2009, the band released the independent digital album This Must Be Love that year, followed by the EP No One Here in February 2010, which included tracks like "Think You Broke My Heart" and "No One Here." Their self-titled album The 88 emerged later in 2010 via Rocket Science Ventures, solidifying their transition from indie obscurity to a more established presence in the pop-rock landscape through these varied releases. The band's visibility surged through strategic media placements, with songs appearing in popular television shows that amplified their reach to mainstream audiences. Tracks like "All 'Cause of You" featured in The O.C. on multiple episodes, while "How Good It Can Be" and others synced with , including a guest appearance by the band in the season 1 episode "Best Prom Ever." These syncs, alongside placements in shows like One Tree Hill and films such as , helped elevate The 88 from regional indie acts to fixtures in sync licensing, contributing to their growing profile without relying solely on radio play. By 2011, this momentum led to national television performances on Live with Regis & Kelly and , further bridging their indie origins with pop-rock accessibility. A pivotal collaboration came in 2010 when The 88 served as the backing band for Ray Davies on his Kinks tribute album See My Friends, recording at Davies' Konk Studios in London and contributing to tracks like "David Watts." This partnership extended to extensive touring, including U.S. dates in 2010 followed by a UK run culminating in a headline performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011, where they supported Davies' solo acoustic set. The duo continued with joint appearances at the Fuji Rock Festival in 2012 and a Kinks medley at Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy Gala that year, exposing The 88 to international audiences and high-profile venues. These efforts, combined with prior tours alongside acts like The Smashing Pumpkins and The B-52's, underscored their evolution into a versatile supporting ensemble while honing their own live prowess.

Later releases and current status (2013–present)

In 2012, The 88 released the EP through their label 88 Records, featuring four tracks that blended their signature with introspective . The band's sixth studio , Fortune Teller, followed in June 2013, also self-released on 88 Records as a limited-edition vinyl pressing of 500 copies. The included ten , such as "I Saw the Light That Day" and "You Are in Love," maintaining their melodic style while exploring themes of escape and longing. By 2016, The 88 issued their seventh and final full-length album, Close to You, on December 20 via 88 Records. This ten-track release, featuring songs like the title track and "Do It Again," marked the end of their regular group activities. No full-band tours or new albums have followed since its release. Following the band's fade into inactivity, members pursued individual endeavors. Lead singer and guitarist Keith Slettedahl released his debut solo , You Know You Know, in 2020, produced by Mark Siragusa and comprising twelve original tracks. In promotion of the album, Slettedahl debuted a exhibition titled "3 New Songs" in May 2020, collaborating with Chris Roemer to create a piece inspired by 1960s and 1970s aesthetics. Keyboardist Adam Merrin contributed to production on select projects outside the band. As of November 2025, The 88 remains inactive as a performing and recording unit, with no scheduled tours or collective releases on record. The members continue sporadic individual pursuits amid shifts in the landscape, reflecting on their catalog through occasional updates, including Keith Slettedahl's solo performances and collaborations in 2024 and 2025.

Musical style and influences

Core style elements

The 88's core musical style is rooted in pop/rock, incorporating elements of indie, power pop, and alt pop genres, characterized by their blend of British Invasion-inspired melodies with a subtle yet potent instrumental approach. Their sound often evokes a sunny California vibe, infused with catchy, infectious tunes that balance upbeat tempos and harmonious vocals, typically shared between lead vocalist Keith Slettedahl and keyboardist Adam Merrin. Arrangements are frequently keyboard-driven, providing a foundation that supports lean, raw structures while capturing live band energy, as heard in tracks like "They Ought to See You Now" from their self-titled 2010 album. Lyrically, the band explores themes of love, nostalgia, and everyday optimism, often conveying disarming charm and acceptance in the face of change. For instance, their song "At Least It Was Here" reflects on seizing opportunities and finding value in fleeting moments, with lines like "Give me the hope to run out of steam / Somebody said it can be here" underscoring a resilient, hopeful outlook. In production, The 88 favor a clean, retro-inspired aesthetic that nods to mod rock, polished with modern clarity to create a sleek, bouncy feel without excessive edge. This results in a syrupy-sweet yet sophisticated tone, evident in the refined pop mindset of their self-titled album, where instrumentation remains controlled and memorable melodies take center stage. Over time, their style has evolved from the rawer indie edges of early works like their 2005 album Over and Over to a more polished presentation in later releases, emphasizing natural songwriting and complex musicianship while retaining core pop accessibility.

Key influences

The 88's music draws heavily from the era, particularly , whose songwriting style and melodic wit have been cited as a primary influence by lead vocalist Keith Slettedahl. Slettedahl has described as the catalyst for his in music, emphasizing their impact on his approach to crafting clever, narrative-driven songs. This connection deepened through a direct collaboration with Kinks frontman , whom The 88 backed on tour in 2010 and with whom they recorded a cover of "David Watts" for Davies' 2010 album See My Friends. Other foundational influences include , whose melodic structures and evolving musicianship Slettedahl regards as benchmarks for songcraft, and 1960s acts like The Who, which the band admires for their raw energy and classic rock ethos alongside groups such as and T. Rex. ' vocal harmonies also resonate in The 88's layered arrangements, reflecting a broader appreciation for harmonious pop from that decade. These elements manifest in the band's originals through thematic nods to storytelling and in live performances, where they have covered tracks like "" and "David Watts" during Davies tours and standalone shows. On a personal level, Slettedahl and Adam Merrin, who met as high school classmates in , bonded over shared tastes in , initially forming a musical partnership on their last day of school in the mid-1990s. This early exposure to radio shaped their foundational sound, blending reverence for icons with modern sensibilities. In contemporary terms, The 88 parallels revivalists like , sharing a penchant for hook-driven, guitar-pop anthems, and outfits such as , evident in their mutual emphasis on intricate melodies and introspective lyrics within accessible formats. These influences underscore The 88's position as a bridge between vintage rock traditions and indie accessibility.

Band members

Core and current members

The 88's core lineup consists of four members who have been central to the band's sound and identity since its early years. Keith Slettedahl serves as the lead vocalist and guitarist, while also acting as the primary songwriter; born on August 9, 1973, in Granada Hills, California, he co-founded the band in 2002 and played a pivotal role in its formation, as well as in supporting tours with from 2010 to 2012. Adam Merrin, who co-founded the band alongside Slettedahl as high school friends, handles keyboards and provides backing vocals and harmonies, contributing to the group's melodic and keyboard-driven style. Todd O'Keefe joined in 2007 as the bassist and vocalist, replacing Carlos Torres, and has participated in all subsequent while maintaining a consistent presence in the rhythm section. Anthony Zimmitti joined in 2005 and rounds out the core on drums and percussion, providing the steady backbone for the band's recordings through their final album, Close to You, released in 2016. These four members remain the band's enduring core, with all credited as active on the 2016 release; as of 2025, Slettedahl continues to pursue solo projects, including live performances and prior releases such as his 2020 album You Know You Know.

Former and touring members

The band's early lineup experienced changes during its formative years, reflecting the challenges of establishing a stable ensemble amid growing performance demands. Carlos Torres, recruited through a classified ad, served as the original from the group's in 2002 until 2007, contributing to initial recordings and live shows before departing to prioritize family time. Mark Vasapolli handled drumming duties from 2002 to 2005, providing the rhythmic foundation for the band's debut efforts, including their debut album Kind of Light (2003), and influencing their sharp, mod-inspired stage presence. His exit occurred ahead of sessions for the follow-up Over and Over (2005), after which Anthony Zimmitti assumed the role on a permanent basis. Brandon Jay joined in 2003 as a , focusing on guitar and percussion, and helped solidify the configuration during a period of increased touring and recording activity. His tenure ended in 2007, streamlining the group into its core four-piece amid the transition to major-label support. These shifts were driven by personal commitments and the need for consistent personnel to meet expanding session and performance obligations during the band's ascent.

Discography

Studio albums

The 88's debut studio album, Kind of Light, was released on June 3, 2003, by EMK Records and Mootron Records. The record features 12 tracks blending and elements, with standout singles including "How Good It Can Be," which highlighted the band's melodic hooks and harmonious vocals. Critically, the album received positive reviews for its imaginative and inoffensive sound, reminiscent of Pavement and . It did not achieve significant commercial chart success, reflecting the band's early independent status. The band's second album, Over and Over, arrived on , 2005, via Mootron Records, comprising 12 tracks that expanded on their pop sensibilities with more polished production. Key highlights include "Hide Another Mistake," a track that gained notable placement in and film soundtracks, boosting the band's visibility. Reception was favorable, while aggregate scores on sites like Album of the Year averaged 67 out of 100 based on limited reviews. Like its predecessor, it saw no major chart placements but solidified the duo's reputation in indie circles. Not Only... But Also, released in 2008 on , marked a shift toward label and featured 11 tracks with a rawer, more energetic edge. The album spotlighted singles like "Coming Home" and "Go Go Go," emphasizing upbeat rhythms and Kinks-inspired influences. Critics responded warmly, though commercial performance remained modest without charting. In , The 88 returned to independent roots with This Must Be Love, self-released under 88 Records, delivering 13 tracks of introspective . The single "Love Is the Thing" served as the primary single, capturing themes of romance and longing central to the album's vibe. While formal reviews were sparse, fan and aggregate reception noted its heartfelt lyricism and melodic charm, though it bypassed mainstream charts entirely. The self-titled The 88, issued on September 14, 2010, by 88 Records in collaboration with Rocket Science, contains 11 tracks and followed the band's high-profile work backing on tour. Highlights include "Center of the Sun" and "Hold On," showcasing matured songcraft post-collaboration. It received acclaim in communities, with no notable chart entries. Fortune Teller, the sixth studio effort, emerged independently via 88 Records on June 11, 2013, with 10 concise tracks emphasizing brevity and hooks. Standout "I Saw the Light That Day" exemplified the album's optimistic yet wistful tone, limited to a small vinyl run of 500 copies. Critical attention was limited, but users appreciated its efficiency, averaging around 3.2 out of 5, without commercial charting. The band's final studio album, Close to You, was self-released on December 20, 2016, through 88 Records, featuring 10 tracks with a reflective, mature sound drawing from '60s influences. Tracks like "Do It Again" and "Losing You" highlight nostalgic melodies and subdued introspection, signaling a contemplative close to their . Reception praised its warmth and songwriting finesse on platforms like (3.0 out of 5 average), though it garnered no chart presence amid the band's winding down.

Extended plays and singles

The 88 released their first , No One Here, in February 2010 through 88 Records, featuring five tracks that showcased the band's pop-rock sensibilities with introspective lyrics and melodic hooks. The EP included songs such as "Think You Broke My Heart," "If Anyone Should Call," "I've Got a Name," "No One Here," and "At Least It Was Here," the latter serving as the theme for the sitcom . Primarily distributed in digital format, it marked a transitional release between the band's full-length albums, emphasizing concise songwriting without extensive production. In March 2012, The 88 followed with the Actors EP, also on 88 Records, comprising five tracks that explored themes of relationships and introspection through their signature blend of power pop and alternative rock. Tracks on the EP included "Blue Skies Are Black Again," "Do You Love Me," "Someday Blues," "Oh, My Love," and "My Friend John," released digitally with a limited cardboard sleeve CD edition available in the US. This release highlighted the band's evolving sound, incorporating more layered vocals and guitar-driven arrangements. Among their standalone singles, The 88 issued "Love Is the Thing" in June 2009 as a digital single via 88 Records, an upbeat track from their album This Must Be Love that captured their romantic pop influences. Later that year, in November 2009, they released a cover of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" as a holiday digital single, infusing the classic with their indie rock twist for seasonal appeal. The full-length version of "At Least It Was Here," tied to the Community theme, appeared as a digital single in September 2010, extending the instrumental motif into a complete song structure. Beyond EPs and singles, The 88 contributed to the 2012 soundtrack for the animated film Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, providing vocals and instrumentation on tracks like "Biggering (Original Demo)" and "You Need a Thneed" alongside The Lorax Singers. These contributions were released digitally as part of the Universal Music Group compilation, featuring the band's harmonious style in a family-oriented context without unique B-sides or remixes.

Media appearances and legacy

Television and film

The 88's music has been prominently featured in several television series, providing significant exposure for the band. Their song "At Least It Was Here" served as the main theme for the NBC sitcom Community from its premiere in 2009 through its conclusion in 2015, appearing in the opening credits across multiple seasons and episodes. The track, a full-length version of which was released on the show's official soundtrack album, became synonymous with the series and introduced the band's indie rock sound to a wide audience. Earlier placements included "Hide Another Mistake" in the season 1 episode "Best Prom Ever" of How I Met Your Mother (2006), where it underscored key emotional scenes. The band's early work also appeared in The O.C., with "How Good It Can Be" featured in the season 1 episode "The Heights" (2003) and included on the show's Music from The O.C. Mix 1 compilation. In film, The 88 contributed to soundtracks and original scoring efforts that highlighted their versatility. "All 'Cause of You" was included on the official soundtrack for the comedy (2006), playing during pivotal moments in the narrative. The band co-scored the romantic comedy (2012), directed by , providing original instrumental tracks and songs such as "It's a Lot" to enhance the film's intimate tone. That same year, their songs "All 'Cause of You" and "No One Here" appeared in the Lifetime TV movie Blue Lagoon: The Awakening, a of the story, accompanying scenes of isolation and budding romance. These synchronization placements played a crucial role in expanding The 88's fanbase beyond live performances and album sales, leveraging the popularity of high-profile TV shows and films to reach millions of viewers. Early features in youth-oriented series like The O.C. and helped build a dedicated following in the mid-2000s, while the long-term association with sustained visibility through the 2010s, contributing to increased streaming and touring opportunities. The band's scoring work on further solidified their reputation in Hollywood, opening doors to additional media collaborations.

Video games and other media

The 88's music has appeared in several video games, contributing to their visibility in during the late 2000s. Their song "Sons and Daughters," from the 2008 album , was included as part of a free pack for , released by and Games in October 2008. This pack featured 20 tracks available to players via a code included with new copies of the game on , , and , helping to expose the band's sound to a wide gaming audience. In film soundtracks, The 88 contributed original songs to the 2012 animated feature [Dr. Seuss' The Lorax](/page/Dr._Seuss' The_Lorax), produced by . They performed tracks such as "You Need a Thneed" alongside The Lorax Singers and provided demos for "Biggering," a song ultimately cut from the final film but later released on the official . These contributions aligned with the band's style of melodic, upbeat pop, fitting the film's whimsical tone. The band's songs have been licensed for use in television commercials, particularly in the mid-2000s, bolstering their presence in advertising sync culture. "Coming Home," from their 2005 album Over and Over, featured in holiday campaigns promoting home goods and family themes, as well as Target ads highlighting seasonal home essentials like bedding and decor. This era of placements exemplified The 88's role in the sync boom of the and , where their accessible, nostalgic sound appealed to brands seeking emotional resonance in short-form media. Post-hiatus, following their last full album in , The 88 maintained a niche fanbase through these earlier sync successes and occasional projects, with members pursuing side endeavors like scoring and solo releases while keeping the catalog active in licensing rotations.

References

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