the bigger lovers

‘Honey in the Hive’ 10th anniversary show THIS SATURDAY in Philly

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 22:48:11 -0400

We hope you’re planning to join us THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 at Johnny Brenda’s in Philly to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ‘Honey in the Hive.’

We’ll celebrate the anniversary not with an ACME sheet cake and a hastily purchased Hallmark card, but by performing the album start-to-finish, along with some other choice gems from the catalog. Because that’s better.

Our pals Cliff Hillis (with whom we share a drummer) and Echo Orbiter are also on the bill.

The rock starts at 9:15, and tickets are going fast, so get ‘em here.

In the meantime, in case you missed it, you can download “Barely 5:30,” a lost demo from the ‘Honey’ era for free here, and you can watch us reminisce about the night Scott totaled the van en route to the ‘Honey’ record release show in Sept. 2002 here.

Call the babysitter now – it’s gonna be a rager.

So maybe you want to watch a video of The Bigger Lovers sitting...

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:03:29 -0400

So maybe you want to watch a video of The Bigger Lovers sitting around Bret’s living room talking about the night Scott totaled the van en route to the ‘Honey in the Hive’ record release show?

Honey in the Hive turns 10 today - download it for free

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 07:21:00 -0400

Ten years ago today our second album, “Honey in the Hive” was released.

If you never got around to purchasing it, had it but lost it in a breakup, or had it, sold it to the used CD place and have regretted it ever since, today’s your lucky day.

We’re offering “Honey in the Hive” as a free download this week.

Download it here free of charge until 11:59 p.m. EST Friday, Aug. 31.

No salesman will come to your house, no obligation whatsoever. This one’s on the arm, baby.

(You can always pay what you want, if you like. Seriously, though, no pressure).

But, hey, since we’re giving you something for free, how about buying a ticket or three to our Honey in the Hive 10th anniversary show at Johnny Brenda’s, Saturday, September 8?

Again, though, no pressure…

Big love,

-TBL

Free download of a lost track: "Barely 5:30"

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:23:00 -0400

The things you find on the hard drive when you’re trying to find ways to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a sophomore album…

Prior to entering Miner Street Studio in January 2002 to begin work in earnest on “Honey in the Hive,” we hunkered down in our freezing cold rehearsal space above Green Street For Pets consignment shop on Market Street in Old City/Philly (don’t look for it, it’s not there anymore) to demo a bunch of songs.

One of those songs was “Barely 5:30,” a ragged stab at some sort of Crazy Horse-meets-the dB’s noise and a staple of our live shows around this time.

While we never got around to tracking it at Miner Street, the song has always been one of our favorites. So what better time to share this mid-fi, warts & all version than on the eve of Honey’s 10th anniversary.

Download the demo version of “Barely 5:30” for free here. But before you do that, indulge “Barely 5:30” author Bret Tobias as he reminisces about hangovers:

“I used to be hungover a lot. “Barely 5:30” is about that. Ya know, waking up mid-morning, sunlight glaring through the blinds, and feeling like, ‘Shit, swear I just went to bed an hour ago.’ I occasionally get nostalgic for that stuff, and then I accidentally reacquaint myself with that kind of hangover and realize how incompatible it is with my current life. Not a bad song though.”

Yeah, that’s right, we sit down when we rehearse now. Just...

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:42:28 -0400

Yeah, that’s right, we sit down when we rehearse now. Just like Eric Clapton did for his ‘Unplugged’ performance. Got a problem with it?

Remember that time David Fricke gave ‘Honey in the...

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 09:28:06 -0400

Remember that time David Fricke gave ‘Honey in the Hive’ 4 stars in Rolling Stone? Our parents sure do…

Bigger Lovers to celebrate 10th anniversary of ‘Honey in the Hive’ at Johnny Brenda’s Sept. 8

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 07:15:00 -0400

The slight return continues…

To mark the 10th anniversary of our sophomore album ‘Honey in the Hive’ (released Aug. 27, 2002 on Yep Roc Records) we will be playing that sucker LIVE, in its entirety – along with some of your other TBL faves – at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia Saturday, September 8.

Our good pal Cliff Hillis will open (along with one more support act TBA). You can get tickets right here, right now.

The geekiest of Lovers geeks probably know that September 8, 2012 marks the 10 year and one day anniversary of the ‘Honey’ record release show at the Khyber in Philly, a memorable night for two reasons in particular:

1. Scott Jefferson totaling the van en route to pick up P.B. for soundcheck, necessitating a fireman’s carry load-in wherein we stopped Olde City traffic as we pulled gear from the wrecked van off a flatbed.

2. Pretty sure we set the booze sales per capita record at the Khyber that night.

(It was also a pretty blazing show).

‘Honey’ was recorded in the winter of 2002 at Miner Street studios (when it was located in Manayunk, Philly) with our longtime pal Brian McTear engineering and Thom Monahan producing. It was our first of two releases for the Yep Roc label, and the first time we hit the road at length, touring the U.S. with bands like Centro-Matic, Bobby Bare Jr., the Waxwings, and Los Straitjackets.

There were nice reviews, a World Café appearance, a local TV appearance, semi-fancy dinners charged to record company expense accounts… we even stayed in hotels with ice machines a couple-few times.

Those were the party days, people.

And we will endeavor to re-live them to the best of our abilities September 8.

Call the babysitter. It’s gonna be a rager.

And keep it locked to thebiggerlovers.com, and our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages in the coming weeks as we take a trip down memory lane with some nostalgia from the ‘Honey’ era.

Big love,

-TBL

A long overdue dispatch from your friendly neighborhood Bigger Lovers

Thu, 31 May 2012 17:28:23 -0400

I know, I know… we’re getting to be like your deadbeat brother. You don’t hear from us for six months, and when you do, we’re always asking you to do some shit. But this is what happens when you’re a semi-functioning rock band whose members are beating that “40 is the new 20!!!” drum with a little too much zeal.

But enough about your hang-ups. Here’s what we’re peddling…

Wesley Stace, nom de rock: John Wesley Harding - ever heard of him? Of course you have. The man has been crafting incredibly tuneful and literate pop songs since you’ve been in short pants. He’s also an award-winning author, for the love of Pete.

Anyways, ‘ol Wes moved here to Philadelphia recently, and we’ve become friends. No joke. Look at that photo. That’s Wes telling Scott about a bunch of things he’s doing wrong on the bass. We’ve been playing together because we have the honor of being his backing band this Saturday at the 4th Annual F.U. Cancer Music Festival in Philly, which benefits Dara’s Defense, an organization providing advocacy, education and support for women and families that are affected by Ovarian Cancer. The show is sold out. But if you were lucky enough to score tickets, you’re in for a great day. Especially if you bring the family because there’s going to be donkey rides and a moon bounce. Good music too. We’ll do a Bigger Lovers set of all the hits at 8:00, then we back Wes at 9:00.

Here’s what else were peddling…

Saturday, September 8, 2012. Save the date. That is when we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of our second album, “Honey in the Hive” with a big show at Johnny Brenda’s. We’ll play the album in its entirety, along with some of your other TBL faves. And we’ll have our tight bro from way back, internationally renowned entertainer Dave Hill “hosting” the evening. More details soon. But seriously, save the date.

Do not forget, thebiggerlovers.com is the number one source for all your Bigger Lovers needs, like the “How I Learned to Stop Worrying” 10th anniversary vinyl reissue, the “Little Giant Maxi Single”, the “Honey in the Hive” and “This Affair Never Happened… and Here are 11 Songs About It” CDs, and more!

And don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, and feel free to inquire about our availability for well paid house concerts, holiday parties, and festival gigs.

Big love,

-TBL

The Bigger Lovers have a holiday gift for you: "For Christ's Sake"

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:46:00 -0500

In anticipation of the 4th Annual Bigger Lovers/Photon Band Holiday Spectacular on Ice, happening this Friday (Dec. 2) at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia (get tickets here),and in the holiday spirit of giving, we’re giving you a free download of our song “For Christ’s Sake.”

You might remember this piss, vinegar, and spiked eggnog fueled ballad from our third album, 2004’s “This Affair Never Happened… and Here are Eleven Songs About It.” It’s always been a bit of a square peg in a round hole: a holiday-themed song written in May, recorded on a balmy October afternoon, and released in March.

As for the origins of this tear-in-yer-eggnog slow jam, here’s how the song’s writer Bret Tobias remembers it:

“We were asked to contribute to a Christmas compilation and were riffing off title ideas at rehearsal. Someone came up with “For Christ’s Sake” and we all had a laugh and then quickly moved on to doing “Emmanuelle” for the umpteenth time or something. But the title stuck in my head, and as I started writing it became a little more heartfelt than intended. It was an interesting experiment, even though it’d be served better by someone who can belt soulfully with more aplomb. But I still like it.”

We hope you like it too.

Enjoy your free download, here.

And we hope to see you slow dancing to this one Friday night in Philly.

Happy holidays.

Holiday sale at thebiggerlovers.com

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:54:57 -0500

There are two types of people in this world. Those who queue up at Best Buy at 2 a.m. on Black Friday to purchase an off-brand document shredder for $15, and those who don’t.

What’s that have to do with the big holiday sales going on right now at thebiggerlovers.com? Absolutely nothing. Just a little social commentary is all.

We are currently offering our debut album “How I Learned to Stop Worrying” and the follow up, “Honey in the Hive,” at deep discounts just in time for your holiday shopping needs.

You can pick up the deluxe, limited edition, 10th anniversary vinyl reissue of “How I Learned to Stop Worrying” for just $10. Or download the album for just $5.

And you can also download “Honey in the Hive” for $5.

While you’re in a holiday shopping mood, tickets for the 4th Annual Bigger Lovers/Photon Band Holiday Spectacular on Ice, December 2 at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia make great early gifts. Get ‘em here.

The 4th Annual Bigger Lovers/Photon Band Holiday Spectacular on Ice, Dec. 2 at Johnny Brenda's

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:02:00 -0400

The Bigger Lovers will cap off a fairly busy year (at least compared to the years 2005-2010, when we were either preparing to disband or broken up for real) with an absolute corker of a rock show:

The 4th Annual Bigger Lovers/Photon Band Holiday Spectacular on Ice which is set for Friday, December 2 at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia. Tickets are on sale now. Purchase them here.

Expect all the hits and the misses from our catalog. Expect a cover or three - perhaps even a holiday themed one. Expect at least one “Internationally Acclaimed” special guest. Expect a very tired drummer flush with drink tickets. As you may or may not know, TBL and the Photons share a drummer in one Patrick Berkery.

And expect a mind-melting opening set from our tight bro from way back, Jay Laughlin.

Speaking of the holidays, thebiggerlovers.com is a great place for all your holiday shopping needs, like the “How I Learned to Stop Worrying” 10th anniversary vinyl reissue, the “Little Giant Maxi Single”, the “Honey in the Hive” and “This Affair Never Happened… and Here are 11 Songs About It” CDs, and more!

Oh yeah, don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, and feel free to inquire about our availability for well paid house concerts, holiday parties, and festival gigs.

Big love,

-TBL

The Bigger Lovers opening for The Baseball Project, Frog Holler in June

Tue, 17 May 2011 06:21:08 -0400

Yes, it’s been quiet on the TBL front since the reunion show. People have lives to live: Raising babies, moving house, planning weddings, playing with other people here and there, that sorta thing.

Happy to tell you we’re getting back at it for two shows in June. And we’re even happier to tell you that both shows find us opening for good pals.

First up, we open for The Baseball Project at the North Star Bar in Philly on Monday June 6. For the uninitiated, The Baseball Project is comprised of Steve Wynn, Scott McCaughey, Peter Buck (being pinch-hit for on this tour by his R.E.M. bandmate Mike Mills), and Linda Pitmon, and they sing great songs about America’s Pastime. Can’t recommend ‘em enough. We’re on at 8:30. Get tickets here.

Then on Friday, June 10, we head out to Bret’s hometown of Reading, Pa. to warm up for our dear friends from way back Frog Holler at Reverb. Much like Yuengling, Frog Holler is a certifiable Pennsyltucky treasure. Mason Porter opens; we’re in the middle slot. Show starts at 8:30. Get tickets here.

Lastly, please be reminded that most of our catalog – including the 10th anniversary vinyl reissue of “How I Learned to Stop Worrying,” and the Little Giant Maxi Single - is on sale via our website. Most everything can also be found at iTunes, eMusic, and Amazon, but why not eliminate the middle man and buy it straight from the source, eh??

Oh yeah, don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, and feel free to inquire about our availability for well paid house concerts and festival gigs.

Big love,

-TBL

Reunited and it felt so good

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:48:50 -0400

We’re happy to report The Bigger Lovers reunion gig at Johnny Brenda’s in Philly (Sat. March 12) was a rousing success with only a few minor injuries. If you’re scoring at home, set list at right.

To those who came out, we extend a most sincere thank you. We had a blast. If you took photos/video, please share.

To those of you who couldn’t make it, maybe you’ll have another opportunity to see us make some noise. We just don’t know yet.

For now, we’ve got new stuff for sale: the 10th anniversary “How I Learned to Stop Worrying” vinyl and digital reissue, the “Little Giant Maxi Single” EP, plus back catalog: the “Honey in the Hive” and “This Affair Never Happened… and Here Are 11 Songs About it” LPs.

In the meantime, since we signed up for Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube we might as well maintain a presence… keep an eye out for news & such.

BIG LOVE,

-tbl

The Bigger Lovers release 10th anniversary reissue of debut album, “How I Learned to Stop Worrying” TOMORROW, celebrate with Philly reunion show, THIS SATURDAY

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:36:32 -0500

Phase One (a free download of the new track “Little Giant”) and Phase Two (the release of the digital only EP “Little Giant Maxi Single”) of their semi-reunion complete, Philadelphia guitar-pop faves The Bigger Lovers are swinging for the fences with Phases Three and Four. Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 8) they will release a 10th anniversary reissue of their instantly out-of-print 2001 debut, “How I Learned to Stop Worrying” in remastered vinyl and digital form (buy here).

Then on Saturday (March 12), the band reunites for a hometown show at Johnny Brenda’s (1201 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, Pa.), marking their first performance since 2005, with special guest Dennis Diken (Smithereens drummer) and Bell Sound. Get tickets here.

To say they’re “re-” releasing “How I Learned to Stop Worrying” is a bit of a stretch, considering the album was hardly “released” in the first place. After a prolonged legal battle with a now defunct record label which shall remain nameless (ah, screw it - Mood Food), “Worrying” was released by the similarly now defunct Black Dog label on March 13, 2001. By the time the Lovers returned from a few brief tours later that spring, Black Dog had lost their distribution, effectively rendering the album D.O.A.

Still the band won rabid fans everywhere they went (thirty-something dudes, mostly, who liked to get loaded and discuss The Move at great length) and received raves in the press. The strong critical response never did translate into record sales, but it stoked enough interest that the album became somewhat of a cult classic - handled like a crown jewel when stumbled upon in the used bins or online.

And now, it’s back. Or it’s finally arrived. However you wish to spin it, the 10th anniversary edition of “Worrying” has everything you want in a reissue: a remastering job to please the audiophiles, 180 gram vinyl, bonus tracks (“Needy,” “Private Party”), expanded liner notes and essays, and great music you’ll want to pony up for even if you bought it the first time around.

It has arrived!

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 22:29:00 -0500

Out March 8. Pre-order here.

The Bigger Lovers release first new music in 7 years, the “Little Giant Maxi Single”

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:41:15 -0500

Phase one of our reunion began in earnest two weeks ago when we made the song “Little Giant” available as a free download. Phase two kicks in today as we release the digital only EP “Little Giant Maxi Single” via our Miles Above imprint. The EP is currently available at thebiggerlovers.com for the rock bottom price of $4 for five songs (a buck a song if you’re purchasing a la carte). The EP goes on sale Friday via iTunes and Amazon.

The “Little Giant Maxi Single” features our first new music since the 2004 album, “This Affair Never Happened… and Here are Eleven Songs About It.” We recorded the basic tracks in the spring of 2005 in my basement with Tony Goddess (Papas Fritas) lending a hand, only to disband later that year. When we started discussing re-releasing our debut album “How I Learned to Stop Worrying” for its 10th anniversary (more on that in a bit) we went back to the stuff we recorded with Tony and liked it so much we returned to my basement to finish the tracks last October. Those tracks include a soaring pop song with a looped backbeat (“Little Giant”), acoustic-based songs filled with tempered hope (“Talon Show”), and not-necessarily-fond farewells to departed friends (“I’m Not the Sort”), trippy, lumbering big rock (“All About Regret”), and a remix of “Little Giant” (“Little Giant Dub Goddess Version”).

The “Little Giant Maxi Single” will be followed on March 8 by the 10th anniversary reissue of our instantly out-of-print 2001 debut, “How I Learned to Stop Worrying” (originally issued on Black Dog Records on March 13, 2001) in remastered vinyl and digital form. It’s the first time the album has appeared in either format. The reissue - which includes two bonus tracks (available digitally) recorded during the original sessions, and expanded liner notes - will be available through thebiggerlovers.com, iTunes, Amazon, and select brick and mortar stores.

To put a bow on the reunion, we’re playing Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia on Sat., Mar. 12 to celebrate the new release and the re-release. Tickets are $10 adv/$12 door and they’re available now through the Johnny Brenda’s website. Dennis Diken (Smithereens drummer) and Bell Sound will open.

Until then, enjoy the new tunes, check us out on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, and feel free to inquire about our availability for well paid house concerts and festival gigs.

Re: Miles

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 08:15:00 -0500

You all remember Bret’s dearly departed tabby Miles, right? He was “The Bigger Lover,” the inspiration behind the band’s name. The largest of Bret’s (at the time) three cats, weighing in around 22 lbs at his huskiest. He wasn’t necessarily fat, just big boned. And mean as a snake. But that was part of his charm. And our new little ‘record label’ Miles Above is named in his honor.

The Bigger Lovers reunite for 10th anniversary reissue of debut album... and a new Maxi-Single... and a hometown show!

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:29:09 -0500

Five seasons and change after closing up shop, The Bigger Lovers are reuniting to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our instantly out-of-print 2001 debut, “How I Learned to Stop Worrying” (originally issued on Black Dog Records on March 13, 2001) with a remastered vinyl and digital reissue coming March 8, 2011 on our own Miles Above imprint. It’s the first time the album has appeared in either format. The reissue - which includes two bonus tracks (available digitally) recorded during the original sessions, and expanded liner notes - will be available through thebiggerlovers.com, iTunes, and select brick and mortar stores.

And there’s new music, some of it free: From now (Jan. 18) through Feb. 1, we’re offering the brand new track “Little Giant” as a free download (feel free to post). I can’t begin to tell you how proud we are of this track. Bret (Tobias, guitarist/vocalist) has said repeatedly it’s so good it should be in an Apple commercial. And that’s saying something because it’s Scott’s (bassist/vocalist) tune, meaning Bret won’t get any publishing! “Little Giant” is the lead track from the “Little Giant Maxi Single,” four tunes (plus a remix) we began recording in the Spring of 2005 and finally got around to finishing last October with our pal Tony Goddess (singer-guitarist of Papas Fritas). It’s available beginning Feb. 1 from thebiggerlovers.com at the rock bottom price of $1 per song, or $4 for the whole thing. iTunes will carry it as well.

And since it wouldn’t be a proper reunion without a show, we’re playing Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia on Sat., Mar. 12 to celebrate the new release and the re-release. Tickets are $10 adv/$12 day of show and they’re available now through the Johnny Brenda’s website. Dennis Diken (Smithereens drummer) and Bell Sound will open.

What else?… We’re now present on every platform that caught fire after we disbanded - Facebook, YouTube, and even Twitter. And as far as the reunion stuff goes, we really don’t know where it will lead. Well paid house concerts and festival gigs? Hey, if you’re offering, we’re listening.

If you need more information/promotional materials/photos, give us a shout: biggerlovers@gmail.com.