The Suburbs
Encyclopedia
The Suburbs were an alternative punk rock
/funk
/new wave
band from Minneapolis, Minnesota popular in the late 1970s through the 1980s. The band frequently headlined at Minneapolis's most influential music clubs including Jay's Longhorn Bar
and First Avenue.
in 1977 following introductions by Chris Osgood of the Suicide Commandos. Following live performances, they released The Suburbs on the Twin/Tone
label (the label's first release) in early 1978. The record was a nine-song 7-inch red vinyl EP
. The band also saw two songs, "Urban Guerrillas" and "Ailerons O.K.", included on the compilation Big Hits of Mid-America, Volume Three. Band guitarist Bruce C. Allen did the art direction for the compilation.
The band's popularity increased during the early to mid 1980s, and during this time, their new wave dance sound, eclectic lyrics, and stage presence gained a following that broke out of the Midwest and reached both coasts. In 1980 Twin/Tone released their first full length LP, In Combo.
The single "World War III" (and its B-side, "Change Agent") showed development of the band's songwriting abilities and improved sound. A year later, they released the double album Credit In Heaven which added elements of jazz
, funk
, and disco
to the mix. The single "Music for Boys" was taken from the record and became a radio hit.
In 1982, the band released a 12-inch single "Waiting", which frequently found its way onto dance club playlists. An EP Dream Hog followed on Twin/Tone, featuring three new songs and a remix of "Waiting" on the B-side, all produced by Steven Greenberg
of Funkytown
and Lipps Inc
fame.
Greenberg then brought the Suburbs to the attention of Mercury Records
, which added them to their roster in 1983. Mercury started by re-issuing Dream Hog. By this time, the band's live performances were muscular and funky, attracting rabid fans and keeping the band busy as an opening act for the likes of Iggy Pop
and The B-52's
, as well as headliners in their own right. In 1983 Polygram released Love is the Law, a harder-rocking album that included a horn section and some of their most off-beat lyrics, also produced by Steven Greenberg
. In 1986, The Suburbs signed with A&M Records
and released The Suburbs, produced by Prince's Revolution
drummer Bobby Z
(Robert Brent). Frustrated by a lack of radio
play and abandoned by the major labels, the band broke up in 1987.
In 1992 Twin/Tone released Ladies and Gentlemen, The Suburbs Have Left the Building, a best-of compilation, and in 1994 a live record Viva! Suburbs!. The Suburbs reunited during this period and played numerous shows in the Twin Cities, and have played on and off since that time including opening once more for the B-52's in 2003.
Summer of 2002 saw the much-anticipated re-issues of the albums In Combo, Credit In Heaven and Love Is The Law on CD for the first time (issued on the band's own Beejtar Records - distributed by Universal). In late 2003, the band issued Chemistry Set: The Songs Of The Suburbs 1977 - 1987 (a best of CD with a few bonus tracks and a DVD of their 2002 performances at Minneapolis' First Avenue).
In 2004, Chan Poling formed The New Standards
with John Munson and Steve Roehm.
In June 2005, keyboardist Chan Poling married Eleanor Mondale
, daughter of former Vice President
Walter Mondale
.
On December 7, 2009, guitarist Bruce Allen died aged 54.
In July 2011 the Suburbs and the Suicide Commandos played two shows, one in Minneapolis and one in Duluth Minnesota. They also launched "The Suburbs Band" website at this time.
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
/funk
Funk
Funk is a music genre that originated in the mid-late 1960s when African American musicians blended soul music, jazz and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable new form of music. Funk de-emphasizes melody and harmony and brings a strong rhythmic groove of electric bass and drums to the foreground...
/new wave
New Wave music
New Wave is a subgenre of :rock music that emerged in the mid to late 1970s alongside punk rock. The term at first generally was synonymous with punk rock before being considered a genre in its own right that incorporated aspects of electronic and experimental music, mod subculture, disco and 1960s...
band from Minneapolis, Minnesota popular in the late 1970s through the 1980s. The band frequently headlined at Minneapolis's most influential music clubs including Jay's Longhorn Bar
Jay's Longhorn Bar
Jay's Longhorn Bar, most frequently referred to by patrons as The Longhorn has arguably been considered what constituted the nexus of the...
and First Avenue.
Band History
The Suburbs were formed in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States...
in 1977 following introductions by Chris Osgood of the Suicide Commandos. Following live performances, they released The Suburbs on the Twin/Tone
Twin/Tone Records
Twin/Tone Records was a record label based in Minneapolis, Minnesota that operated from 1977 until 1994 and helped several local groups receive national attention. The label was born from the Minneapolis punk rock music scene, which included venues like Jay's Longhorn Bar. The label was begun by...
label (the label's first release) in early 1978. The record was a nine-song 7-inch red vinyl EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
. The band also saw two songs, "Urban Guerrillas" and "Ailerons O.K.", included on the compilation Big Hits of Mid-America, Volume Three. Band guitarist Bruce C. Allen did the art direction for the compilation.
The band's popularity increased during the early to mid 1980s, and during this time, their new wave dance sound, eclectic lyrics, and stage presence gained a following that broke out of the Midwest and reached both coasts. In 1980 Twin/Tone released their first full length LP, In Combo.
The single "World War III" (and its B-side, "Change Agent") showed development of the band's songwriting abilities and improved sound. A year later, they released the double album Credit In Heaven which added elements of jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
, funk
Funk
Funk is a music genre that originated in the mid-late 1960s when African American musicians blended soul music, jazz and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable new form of music. Funk de-emphasizes melody and harmony and brings a strong rhythmic groove of electric bass and drums to the foreground...
, and disco
Disco
Disco is a genre of dance music. Disco acts charted high during the mid-1970s, and the genre's popularity peaked during the late 1970s. It had its roots in clubs that catered to African American, gay, psychedelic, and other communities in New York City and Philadelphia during the late 1960s and...
to the mix. The single "Music for Boys" was taken from the record and became a radio hit.
In 1982, the band released a 12-inch single "Waiting", which frequently found its way onto dance club playlists. An EP Dream Hog followed on Twin/Tone, featuring three new songs and a remix of "Waiting" on the B-side, all produced by Steven Greenberg
Steven Greenberg
Steven Greenberg may refer to:* Steven Greenberg , writer and producer of "Funkytown"; and owner of October Records* Steven Greenberg , openly gay rabbi with Orthodox ordination* Steve Greenberg , owner of S-Curve Records...
of Funkytown
Funkytown
"Funkytown" is a 1980 disco hit song by the disco band Lipps Inc. The song expresses the singer's pining for a metaphorical place that will "keep me movin', keeps me groovin' with some energy". It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Dance charts in 1980, also reaching number 1 in Germany,...
and Lipps Inc
Lipps Inc
Lipps Inc. was a studio band that achieved two significant hits, "Funkytown", in 1980 and "Designer Music", in 1981.The group was formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota by Steven Greenberg, who wrote and produced all of the group's music, and who also played several musical instruments...
fame.
Greenberg then brought the Suburbs to the attention of Mercury Records
Mercury Records
Mercury Records is a record label operating as a standalone company in the UK and as part of the Island Def Jam Motown Music Group in the US; both are subsidiaries of Universal Music Group. There is also a Mercury Records in Australia, which is a local artist and repertoire division of Universal...
, which added them to their roster in 1983. Mercury started by re-issuing Dream Hog. By this time, the band's live performances were muscular and funky, attracting rabid fans and keeping the band busy as an opening act for the likes of Iggy Pop
Iggy Pop
Iggy Pop is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Though considered an innovator of punk rock, Pop's music has encompassed a number of styles over the years, including pop, metal, jazz and blues...
and The B-52's
The B-52's
The B-52's are an American rock band, formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976. The original line-up consisted of Fred Schneider , Kate Pierson , Cindy Wilson , Ricky Wilson , and Keith Strickland . Following Ricky Wilson's death in 1985 Strickland switched to guitar...
, as well as headliners in their own right. In 1983 Polygram released Love is the Law, a harder-rocking album that included a horn section and some of their most off-beat lyrics, also produced by Steven Greenberg
Steven Greenberg
Steven Greenberg may refer to:* Steven Greenberg , writer and producer of "Funkytown"; and owner of October Records* Steven Greenberg , openly gay rabbi with Orthodox ordination* Steve Greenberg , owner of S-Curve Records...
. In 1986, The Suburbs signed with A&M Records
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
and released The Suburbs, produced by Prince's Revolution
The Revolution (band)
The Revolution was an American rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1979 by Prince. Although widely associated with rock music, the band's sound incorporated heavy metal, pop, funk, R&B and hard rock elements. Before their official break-up, The Revolution had released one studio album,...
drummer Bobby Z
Bobby Z
Bobby Z is a monster truck driver. He was the driver of Monster Mutt on the USHRA Monster Jam circuit.-Trucks he has driven:*Monster Mutt*Blue Thunder*Skoal Bandit*Skoal Crusher...
(Robert Brent). Frustrated by a lack of radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
play and abandoned by the major labels, the band broke up in 1987.
In 1992 Twin/Tone released Ladies and Gentlemen, The Suburbs Have Left the Building, a best-of compilation, and in 1994 a live record Viva! Suburbs!. The Suburbs reunited during this period and played numerous shows in the Twin Cities, and have played on and off since that time including opening once more for the B-52's in 2003.
Summer of 2002 saw the much-anticipated re-issues of the albums In Combo, Credit In Heaven and Love Is The Law on CD for the first time (issued on the band's own Beejtar Records - distributed by Universal). In late 2003, the band issued Chemistry Set: The Songs Of The Suburbs 1977 - 1987 (a best of CD with a few bonus tracks and a DVD of their 2002 performances at Minneapolis' First Avenue).
In 2004, Chan Poling formed The New Standards
The New Standards
The New Standards is a minimalist jazz trio formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2005 and composed of Chan Poling , John Munson and Steve Roehm...
with John Munson and Steve Roehm.
In June 2005, keyboardist Chan Poling married Eleanor Mondale
Eleanor Mondale
Eleanor Jane Mondale Poling was an American radio personality television host, and actress.-Biography:...
, daughter of former Vice President
Vice President of the United States
The Vice President of the United States is the holder of a public office created by the United States Constitution. The Vice President, together with the President of the United States, is indirectly elected by the people, through the Electoral College, to a four-year term...
Walter Mondale
Walter Mondale
Walter Frederick "Fritz" Mondale is an American Democratic Party politician, who served as the 42nd Vice President of the United States , under President Jimmy Carter, and as a United States Senator for Minnesota...
.
On December 7, 2009, guitarist Bruce Allen died aged 54.
In July 2011 the Suburbs and the Suicide Commandos played two shows, one in Minneapolis and one in Duluth Minnesota. They also launched "The Suburbs Band" website at this time.
Members
- Bruce C. Allen (died 12/7/2009): Guitar, Vocals
- Chan PolingChan Poling-Musical career:He was born in 1957 in Evanston, Illinois, USA. He moved to Minnesota with his family when he was a child. He studied composition at MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and, after graduating from high school there, went on to study composition and performance at the...
: Keyboards, Vocals - Michael Halliday: Bass
- Hugo Klaers: Drums, Vocals
- Blaine John "Beej" Chaney: Guitar (Beejtar), Vocals
Albums
- The Suburbs EPThe Suburbs EP-Track listing:7" #"Memory"#"Go"#"Stereo"#"Teenage Run-in"#"Chemistry Set"#"Your Phone"#"Couldn't Care Less Anymore"#"You"#"Pre-historic Jaws"-External links:*...
(Twin/Tone 1978) - In ComboIn Combo-Track listing:12" #"Hobnobbin With The Executives"#"Tiny People"#"DD 69"#"Goggles On"#"Black Leather Stick"#"Eyesight"#"Big Steer Blues"#"Baby Heartbeat"#"Cows"#"Underwater Lovers"#"Cig Machine"#"Drinking"#"Chemistry Set"-External links:*...
(Twin/Tone 1980) - Credit In HeavenCredit in Heaven-Track listing:12" #"Tired Of My Plans"#"Faith"#"Tape Your Wife to The Ceiling"#"Macho Drunk"#"Ghoul Of Goodwill"#"Dish It Up"#"Mommy"#"Cigarette In Backwards"#"Girl Ache"#"Drinking With An Angel"#"Spring Came"#"Girlfriend"#"Postcard"...
(Twin/Tone 1981) - Dream Hog EPDream Hog EP-Track listing:12" #"Roll Over City"#"Waiting"#"Yo Sa Ba I I Noni"#"The Best Is Over"#"Waiting "-Personnel:* Chan Poling - keyboards, vocals* Beej Chaney - beetar, vocals* Hugo Klaers - drums* Bruce C. Allen - guitar, vocals...
(Twin/Tone 1982) - Dream Hog EPDream Hog EP-Track listing:12" #"Roll Over City"#"Waiting"#"Yo Sa Ba I I Noni"#"The Best Is Over"#"Waiting "-Personnel:* Chan Poling - keyboards, vocals* Beej Chaney - beetar, vocals* Hugo Klaers - drums* Bruce C. Allen - guitar, vocals...
(Mercury/Polygram 1982) - Love Is The LawLove Is The Law (Suburbs album)"Love Is The Law" is a full length album released by the band The Suburbs.-Track listing:#"Love Is the Law"#"Monster Man"#"Rattle My Bones"#"Skin"#"Accept Me Baby"#"Hell A"#"Perfect Communist"#"Rainy Day"#"Crazy Job"-External links:*...
(Mercury/Polygram 1984) - Suburbs (A&M 1986)
- Ladies and Gentlemen, The Suburbs Have Left The Building (Twin/Tone 1992)
- Viva! Suburbs! Live at First Avenue (Twin/Tone 1994)
- Chemistry Set: Songs Of The Suburbs 1977-1987 (Beejtar/Universal 2003) (Best Of CD & Live DVD)
- High Fidelity Boys - Live 1979 (Garage D'or 2006)
Singles
- "World War IIIWorld War III (Suburbs song)"World War III" is a single from the band The Suburbs.-External links:*...
" (Twin/Tone 1979) - "Music For BoysMusic For Boys-External links:*...
" (Twin/Tone 1982) - "WaitingWaiting (Suburbs song)"Waiting" is a single from the band The Suburbs.-Track listing:12" #"Waiting "#"Waiting "#"Waiting "-External links:*...
" (Twin/Tone 1982) - "Love Is The Law" (Mercury/Polygram 1984)
- "Rattle My BonesRattle My Bones (Suburbs song)"Rattle My Bones" is a single from the band The Suburbs. A portion of the song was used in a Target commercial in 2002....
" (Mercury/Polygram 1984) - "Life Is Like" (A&M 1986)
- "#9" (A&M 1986)
- "Heart Of Gold" (A&M 1986)
- "Little Man's Gonna Fall" (Buy Records 1987)
Awards
- The Suburbs were voted among the "100 Most Influential Minnesota Musical Entities of the Twentieth Century" by The Minneapolis Star Tribune.
- Chan Poling was voted #6 in Rake Magazine's "Favorite Minnesota Rockers" poll (alongside PrincePrince (musician)Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
, Bob DylanBob DylanBob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
, and Paul WesterbergPaul WesterbergPaul Westerberg is an American musician, best known as the former lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter of The Replacements, one of the seminal alternative rock bands of the 1980s. He launched a solo career after the dissolution of that band...
). - The Minnesota Music Awards honored Chan Poling with their POP (Perpetually Outstanding Performer) Award.
Media
- In 1993, the song "Love is the Law" was featured during Darlene's prom dance scene during the season 5 episode "Promises, Promises" of the sitcom Roseanne.
- "Rattle My Bones" was featured in a television ad for TargetTarget CorporationTarget Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
, and is also played during Minnesota VikingsMinnesota VikingsThe Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
home games.