The Wallets were a band from the Twin Cities, who recorded on the local Twin/Tone Records label in the 1980s.
History The Wallets were founded as an experimental group by accordionist Steve Kramer and managed by Bob Hest.Baenen, Jeff (1997) "Ex-band mates finf success in ad world", Reading Eagle, December 26, 1997, retrieved 2010-08-25
The Allen Toussaint-produced debut album Take It was released in 1986, described by Spin as urban soul and funk with "a Cajun smell to their work". The album saw the band described as "art rockers who not only want to groove but know how to groove"."The Wallets Put Art Rock in the Pocket", San Jose Mercury News, November 16, 1986
Kramer decided to retire the band in spring 1988, but waited until their final album, Body Talk, was released late in the fall before announcing the split."It's official: Wallets will fold as newest album is released", Star-Tribune, November 4, 1988 The Wallets performed their final show at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis on January 23, 1989.
Kramer and Hest later formed an advertising agency, currently known as Hest & Kramer, Van House Weber, noted for its use of music in television ads for clients such as Target Stores, MTV, Time Warner, and Buick.Bream, Jon (1997) "Ex-Wallets finally get musical payoff - off the stage", Star-Tribune, August 24, 1997Baenen, Jeff (1998) "The Beat Goes On--to TV Jingles; Advertising: Two rock band graduates make their past pay off in music for commercials", Los Angeles Times, February 12, 1988
Kramer died in January 2013 at age 59.
Musical style The Minneapolis Star Tribune summed the band's style up as a "mix of polka, rock, rhythm-and-blues, jazz and whimsy"."Going-out-of-business party", Star Tribune, December 29, 1988
Awards The band received several Minnesota Music Awards ("Minnies"), with ten nominations in 1987."Nominees announced for state music awards", Star-Tribune, April 2, 1987
Discography
Albums Take It (1986), Twin/Tone Body Talk (1988), Twin/Tone 17 Songs (1989), Twin/Tone
EPs Catch a Falling Star (1983), Spiffola 333
Singles "Night Before Christmas" (1983) "Totally Nude" (1986)
References
External links Twin Tone Records Hest & Kramer