100sMerchandise
The new CD by The 100s,"Echoes", available 12.05.08
Order a copy from CD Baby
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Copies of the 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 bands straightforward sound a winner
Cedar Rapids Gazette Music Section Thursday, May 26th, 2005 by Eric Clarke
The 100s music is upbeat, melodious and as straightforward as its members 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 areas most beloved bands.
"Take The Gravel Home," The 100s debut, is practically a universally appealing album. Theres enough energy and integrity here to hook young ears, while older listeners will appreciate the 100s allegiance to traditional Americana music.
Theres even what sounds like a childrens 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 hes frequently backed by harmonies from several of the bands 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 theres a lot of variation," says guitarist and mandolin player Pete Raine, whos 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 bands 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. Theyve 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 hasnt 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 dont have any idea what alt-country means. They just like what theyre 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
Kenny Kemper: bass, banjo, backing vocals
Vern McShane: pedal steel guitar
Pete Raine:guitar, bass, mandolin, backing vocals
Tim Looney: drums
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