Emerging from Minneapolis as a ragged punk-pop outfit drawing melodic inspiration from local predecessors like Hüsker Dü, the Replacements, and Soul Asylum, the Magnolias centered on vocalist and guitarist John Freeman, the sole enduring member throughout the group's history. Signed to Twin/Tone, they enlisted Grant Hart from Hüsker Dü to produce their raucous first release, Concrete Pillbox, in 1986. Subsequent efforts For Rent and Dime Store Dream found the band dialing back the disorder in favor of punk's more melodic elements, culminating in Off the Hook from 1992, their inaugural outing on Alias Records. Following an EP issued that same year, the group went quiet until 1996, when Freeman assembled a fresh lineup for the album Street Date Tuesday.
American DreamEPop the Lock · 2011Pop the Lock2:45
Bullet for a BadmanStreet Date Tuesday · 1996Street Date Tuesday3:48
Shirley's Looking DownDime Store Dream · 1989Dime Store Dream2:16
