(Minneapolis, MN).... The Flamin’ Oh’s, regarded as one of the Twin Cities’ seminal rock bands of the 1980s, announce the CD release of Long Live the King on SMA Records, the band’s first release since 1986.

Critically acclaimed and adored by fans for more than 20 years, the Flamin’ Oh’s returned to the studio in the summer of 2005 to record 12 tracks written by front man Robert Wilkinson (guitar, lead vocals). Original members Bob Meide (drums, vocals) and Jody Ray (bass) are featured along with Bob Burns (keyboards, vocals), who joined the band in 1987 after the departure of original keyboard player Joseph Behrend. The album features guests Gini Dodds (vocals); Terry Isachsen (guitars); Liz Cummings (vocals); Curtiss A (percussion); and Rich Mattson (harmonica). Recorded at Flowerpot Studios, the CD was also produced by Rich Mattson.

While the sound of Long Live the King reflects the band’s early years as a forerunner of indie/alternative rock, infused with a uniquely “Minneapolis” sound, it also acknowledges - through Wilkinson’s lyrics - the experiences of parenting, loss and personal journey. The album also reflects the band’s decade’s-long commitment to live performance and offers many tracks that will satisfy the live audiences that have loyally followed the band throughout the past 20 years.

Since the band started performing again in 1997 as the Flamin’ Oh’s, critics have acknowledged the ensemble’s great live gigs and their role in the Minneapolis music scene. “The trick isn’t just how to play rock 'n' roll, it’s how to be rock 'n' roll. And if the Flamin’ Oh’s demonstrate anything, it’s that the secret is simpler than you think .... The Oh’s endure by sticking to the basics: tunes tunes tunes played with heart heart heart.” (City Pages 2003).

Long Live the King promises to provide fans and newcomers alike with an authentic rock 'n' roll experience, reflective but not embedded in the past.