Every once in a while, something happens in the editorial office that makes us smile and say "That's the power of OnMilwaukee.com."
This is one of those cases.
Six months ago, we told you the story of a Milwaukee band called The Tygers, who reunited after a 40-year hiatus and put out an album.
Apparently, that story caught the attention of the folks who book bands at the Wisconsin State Fair. Friday night, The Tygers will open for 1960s legends the Grass Roots and Three Dog Night on the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage at the Wisconsin Stage Fair.
Show time is 7:30 p.m. and I hope they rock the house.
The Tygers -- Tony Dancy, Lanny Hale and Craig Fairchild -- were known for their tight harmonies and catchy songs. Their "reunion" CD, entitled "Second Album," has won strong notices from several reviewers. Here is a sampling:
"The Tygers' 'Second Album' isn't exactly a trip down memory lane either. Rather this work is more like 'then is now' or yesterday is today.' I can't think of anyone attempting to revitalize this vintage rock (whether they are young or original artists). Most bands like The Tygers are playing that 'oldies' circuit, reliving past glory, and not attempting to do anything new. Kudos should be reserved for The Tygers simply because they're composing their music again." --Craig Hartranft, Danger Dog Music Reviews
"Outstanding, smooth, polyphonic vocal phrases that sound like in the bloom of youth, but not as of old masters. The result is more than amazing -- a perfect nostalgia album! Pop songs that could come from the original period 1967-1970 and so includes almost everything that was then successfully produced between the Mersey River and the West Coast for the charts." --Rocktimes, Germany
"Nearly 40 years on, The Tygers have been rediscovered like some rare prehistoric creature (saber tooth perhaps), and many classic rock supporters are finding out that this lot aren't toothless after all! The band model their sound on the rich harmony vocals from the '60s and '70s a la Crosby Stills & Nash and Poco, some down country rockin' that Credence Clearwater Revival wouldn't be ashamed to own, plus the godfathers of '60s pop -- The Beatles." --Glory Daze
"It's like they've never been gone, and if nostalgia pervades the steel-guitar-washed country rock of the opener "How Long Does It Take," for the most part the adult experience is well hidden behind the youthful sunshine swirl so prominent in the surf-ey "Girl Like You" twist, with "Never Too Late" taking an infectious foray into the music hall territory thanks to its piano strut. Harmonies reign here, but there's also the predatory "Night Walker" with its ominously plonking bass and a creepy crunchy pace of the brass-oiled "Voo Doo" that are impossible not to love, too. Always tongue-in-cheek but never going for pastiche, it's one of the most adorable records of 2010." --Let It Rock
Host of “The Drew Olson Show,” which airs 1-3 p.m. weekdays on The Big 902. Sidekick on “The Mike Heller Show,” airing weekdays on The Big 920 and a statewide network including stations in Madison, Appleton and Wausau. Co-author of Bill Schroeder’s “If These Walls Could Talk: Milwaukee Brewers” on Triumph Books. Co-host of “Big 12 Sports Saturday,” which airs Saturdays during football season on WISN-12. Former senior editor at OnMilwaukee.com. Former reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
