100sMerchandise
The 2008 CD by The
100s,"Echoes", still available from CD Baby
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The 2005 debut CD, "Take The
Gravel Home", still available from CD Baby
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What The Press Says About
The 100s and their debut CD,
"Take The Gravel Home"...
"The quintessential Iowa
band." -Gayane Torosyan, Producer-WSUI, University of Iowa
Public Radio
"...an enjoyable brand of
folk, country and rock that eventually could make The 100s one of the
area's most beloved bands." -Eric Clark, Cedar Rapids Gazette
"...it's
arguable if there's ever been a rock band that has captured the modern
rural Iowa Zeitgeist with the posture-free accuracy of The 100s."
-Jim Musser, Iowa City Press Citizen
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The 100s 'Take the
Gravel Home'
Music Beat Iowa City
Press Citizen September 15, 2005
Jim Musser
It's been years since Iowa suffered any shortage of singer/songwriters
capable of zeroing in on the state's idiosyncrasies, yet it's arguable
if there's ever been a rock band that has captured the modern rural
Iowa Zeitgeist with the posture-free accuracy of Eastern Iowa's
late-bloomers, The 100s.
The forty-something sextet's self-described brand of 'rural route rock'
centers on primary co-writers Dave Pedersen (lead vocals, percussion)
and Jeff Schmidt (acoustic guitar, harmonica). Kenny Kemper (bass,
banjo) grabs co-credits on a pair of key tunes, and the two covers-a
graceful, Lightfoot/"Sundown" reading of The Volebeats' "Annabel" and
the guarded optimism of Joe Henry's "Fireman's Wedding"--fit like
favorite shirts.
Drummer Tim Looney and multi-instrumentalists Pete Raine and Dale Beeks
flesh it out admirably; the chops are clean, inventive and polished,
but flashy solos are eschewed in deference to the humble songs at hand.
Pedersen's reedy tenor is remarkably flexible and convincing
throughout, particularly on the gut-wrenching closer about bill
collectors, "How Much."
Taken as a whole, the disc deals straight-up with the daily pleasures,
anxieties and tragedies of farm living, and anyone who's been even
close to it will instantly recognize the sometimes-hard truths of its
contents. Bravo.
Click
Here to download the original scanned article (PDF format -
3.0MB)
The 100s offer an appealing
ride
I.C.-based bandÂ’s straightforward sound a winner
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Music Section Thursday, May 26th, 2005
by Eric Clarke
The 100sÂ’ music is upbeat, melodious and as straightforward as its
membersÂ’ Eastern Iowa roots. Led by songwriters David Pedersen
and Jeff Schmidt, the band plays an enjoyable brand of folk, country
and rock that eventually could make the Iowa City-based 100s one of the
areaÂ’s most beloved bands.
"Take The Gravel Home," The 100sÂ’ debut, is practically a universally
appealing album. ThereÂ’s enough energy and integrity here to
hook young ears, while older listeners will appreciate the 100s
allegiance to traditional Americana music.
ThereÂ’s even what sounds like a childrenÂ’s song ("Happy on the
Farm"), which would be right at home on a farm-themed "Sesame Street"
episode.
But The 100s are not all fun and games. "Darwin Adams" is about a
farmer who kills himself after his wife dies.
However, most of the songs take more of a middle-of-the-road approach,
at times recalling bands like R.E.M., the Wallflowers and the Gin
Blossoms.
Pedersen handles vocal duties with a crisp and earnest voice, and heÂ’s
frequently backed by harmonies from several of the bandÂ’s other
members.
All in all, the 100s are a highly listenable band that is sure to have
a promising future.
Contact the writer: (319) 368-8809 or
eric.clark@gazettecommunications.com
Click
Here to download the original scanned article (PDF format -
1.2MB)
The 100s Keep Alt-Country
Flame Burning
Penny Saver Nightlife
October 13th, 2004 by Jason
Young
Uncle Tupelo started the movement. The 100s are keeping it alive
in Eastern Iowa.
The ‘movement’ is alternative country, or "alt-country", an amalgam
of country, rock, punk, folk and blues.
The 100s feature six veteran musicians who have played most styles of
music throughout their careers. Their songs feature three- and
four-part harmonies and a layered sound bolstered by banjo, mandolin,
lap slide, dobro, and fiddle.
"We play 14 instruments between the six of us, so thereÂ’s a lot of
variation," says guitarist and mandolin player Pete Raine, whoÂ’s also
a member of the Wild Shoe Mongers along with multi-instrumentalist Dale
Beeks.
The 100s play many originals and a few Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt and Joe
Henry covers. The bandÂ’s founders, lead singer Dave Pedersen and
rhythm guitarist Jeff Schmidt, write most of the music and lyrics.
Pedersen and Schmidt have also played as a duo for several years.
TheyÂ’ve slowly added musicians to the lineup, including bassist
and banjo player Ken Kemper and drummer Tim Looney.
Raine and Beeks are the newcomers. Pedersen and Schmidt first met
the pair at an open-mic night in Shueyville. Last November,
Schmidt handed them a demo and asked them to join the band. They
accepted in January of this year and by March the six-piece band was
born.
"The music found us and took on a life of its own," Raine says.
Word spread fast about the new alt-country band. Crowds grew
dangerously large and popularity hasnÂ’t waned.
"It really is cool to have a fan base of people who know you by the
songs you play," Raine says. "Most of them donÂ’t have any idea
what ‘alt-country’ means. They just like what they’re hearing."
The 100s are in the studio working on a new album. For more
information, visit www.the100s.com.
Click
Here to download the original scanned article (PDF format -
106KB)
The 100s
are...
Dave
Pedersen: vocals
Jeff Schmidt: guitar, harmonica
Pete Raine: bass, backing vocals
Vern McShane: pedal steel guitar
Mike Daly: keyboards, backing vocals
Tim Looney: drums
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