The Badinovs

“We make pretty music that rocks and rock music that’s pretty.” Spawned from some of the Twin Cities’ seminal modern-rock groups of the 70s, 80s and 90s, The Badinovs have transformed a lifetime of love of music into a mix of the boundless inventiveness of Beatles-like pop mixed with modern, passionate, intelligent indie-rock. Their sound spans the sound of both sides of the Atlantic: from harmonious to raw, radiant to intense, and tender to jagged. You may want to hang on to the Badinovs’ 1st CD, “Fess Up” for a few decades – the last time this songwriting team put out a release (2 song 45 rpm, “Chitter Chat”/”Tonight”) it became a cult classic and holy grail of vintage 45s, and is now selling to the cognoscenti of pop/punk for ridiculous money. The Badinovs are direct descendants of Smart Alex, St. Paul, Minnesota’s first all original pop/punk outfit, which songwriters Mike Nilles & Patrick Olberding lead back in the late 70s. Now, in the Badinovs these two have reunited and released “Fess Up” (2012) & "The Big Picture" (2017), inspired and diverse songs that continue the melodic but edgy pop they had begun a few decades ago. “Their 45 is the best single to ever come out of my hometown, St Paul”, John Kass, owner of “Go, Johnny Go”, one of the world’s largest vinyl sellers. http://gojohnnygojohnny.wordpress.com/2011/04/ Heading the Badinovs are writers/guitarists/vocalists Patrick Olberding & Mike Nilles (aka Nicco Badinov). Joining these front-men are: Doug Salmela, a bassist with more than a 1000 songs in his repertoire; Bill Kelm with his 10-finger symphony orchestra on keys; drummer-for-life Tom Duda; and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Jamie Olberding, Pat's daughter-in-law. When Pat & Mike were playing with Smart Alex the group had such upstarts as The Replacements and Husker Du opening for them. Tommy Stinson, of The Replacements and Guns n Roses was called them his favorite local band from that era. Smart Alex released only one single, which has long been a sought-after record collector’s treasure, and recently sold on eBay for an eye-popping $763.00! “We love putting a surprising chord change or something whimsical into every song – kind of like an unexpected plot twist in a good film.” Musically, there is a fondness for the innovation of Lennon-McCartney but also, in spirit, the looseness of the Faces which continues to be part of the style of The Badinovs. The Badinovs like to walk the tight-rope act of writing and performing complex, clever pop-rock that is equally catchy, lyrically captivating and fun. Having two songwriters brings a diversity of sound to the group which keeps the band from succumbing to the sameness of sound of many others. Mike's and Pat's songs portray lyrical themes from asking absolution from a deceased father to a fantasy conversation between Jesus and Mohamed. Guitar sounds range from shimmery acoustic, to chiming pop to chunky chord crashes. “Melody, harmony, engaging rhythms and heart-felt passion; seriously lovely music by a band that doesn't take itself too seriously. These are the elements that we feel are essential to making good music. These are the elements that make up the musical exploits of The Badinovs.”

Saint Paul, MN