CLOSENUF, NY's Premier Singer/Songwriter Rock Band, |
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Wreckords Records is proud to announce the 2009/2013 release of CLOSENUF's Latest Album: "CLOSENUF...to a new beginning." CLOSENUF, NY's Premier Singer/Songwriter Rock Band since 2001, brings together fresh modern sounds influenced by the masters of classic rock to create a body of work which will stand the test of time. The 18 track fully digitally mixed all original (lyrics included) release was guided in the studio by Steve "Woody" La Cerra, editor of EQ Magazine & soundman for "Blue Oyster Cult." Also Includes Bonus Tracks - Alternate Mixes With Special Guest Players & Producers! Get your copy now! Musical Perfection? CLOSENUF!! |
1) The Truth Is Me (or God Speaks To Man) (3:53)
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2) Music Man (The Barlotta Mix) (3:01) * DOWNLOAD FREE * |
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3) Alive Forever (The Jerome Mix) (3:50) * DOWNLOAD FREE *
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4) The Tag (3:22) |
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5) Airline Bags & Luggage Tags (4:17) |
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6) Close Enough (3:02) * DOWNLOAD FREE * |
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7) Prose Noir (Intro) (0:59) |
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8) At Night (The La Cerra Mix) (3:47) * DOWNLOAD FREE * |
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9) Universe (Intro) (1:16) * DOWNLOAD FREE * |
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10) The World Is Crying (2:46) * DOWNLOAD FREE * |
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11) Fertile Green (6:03) * DOWNLOAD FREE * |
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12) She's Leaving (4:23) |
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13) In The Eyes Of The Rose (The Jerome Mix) (5:02) * DOWNLOAD FREE * |
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14) Buy The Boat (4:21) * DOWNLOAD FREE * |
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15) Music Man (The La Cerra Mix) - CD Bonus Track * DOWNLOAD FREE * |
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16) Alive Forever (The La Cerra Mix) - CD Bonus Track |
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17) At Night (The Pitrelli Mix) - CD Bonus Track |
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18) In The Eyes Of The Rose (The La Cerra Mix) - CD Bonus Track
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CLOSENUF’s Anthony J. Foti Has Compositions Released By International Evangelist Children’s Company: “On 12/1/15, Loveable Lola, LLC, the Bklyn, NY company which creates & markets cartoon doggie characters that spread positive inspirational messages & releases children’s music through its record label, King’s Daughters Records, has acquired multiple compositions & published them as part of their 2015 album & video releases “Loveable Lola – Songs To Love.” Foti is credited for penning half the album, as well as a Christmas single, in addition to lending vocal, percussion, production, arrangement, video editing & package design duties. The company is part of a 501(c)(3) where sales are scheduled for charitable endeavors, & Foti is taking no proceeds for his works.” CLOSENUF Chosen To Appear In Independent Music Film Documentary: "On 12/7/13, CLOSENUF was chosen to appear in the Independent Music Film Documentary: "Universal MusiCARE: The Music Therapy Experience," both in live performance & interview form. The film is being released by Terra Rising Records (the organization known for its capital raising ventures for Healing Through Musical Therapy) & directed by its CEO, Michael Ricucci, who commenced a 4 month US/Canada Tour of independent artists to film the feature length documentary, which through the hearts & minds of indie artists from many fields & stages in their careers, details the power of music to heal & connect. Post production will wind down fall of 2014 for release to the Indie Film Circuit early 2015." CLOSENUF Nominated for a 2013 LadyLake Indie Music Award: "On 11/15/13, CLOSENUF was nominated for a 2013 LadyLake Indie Music Award for Best Independent Music Artist of the Year! LadyLake Music, one of the USA & UK’s most respected music publicity firms since 2006, presents their Annual Indie Awards Competition highlighting outstanding accomplishment & excellent achievement in independent music.” CLOSENUF performs at The St. Jude Children's Hospital Fundraiser: "On 9/29/13, CLOSENUF was chosen to perform at The St. Jude Children's Hospital Fundraiser. The 6th Annual event is run by The Omerta Motorcycle Club of Brooklyn, NY to raise capital for the facility internationally known for their strides in research to find cures for ailments in terminal children."CLOSENUF performs at The Audrey Friedson Benefit Fundraiser: "On 5/5/13, CLOSENUF was chosen to perform at The Audrey Friedson Benefit Fundraiser. The event was created to assist a family of a senior accident victim which has resulted in her quadriplegia and required great capital for her medevac transport home."CLOSENUF chosen to perform at The SPC Bryan Dilberian Fundraiser: "On 11/3/12, CLOSENUF was chosen to perform at The SPC Bryan Dilberian Fundraiser. The event was held to raise capital to build SPC Bryan Dilberian (decorated US Army Iraqi-War Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient & triple amputee) a "Smart Home" equipped for his current needs & a suitable tribute for his bravery & heroism."CLOSENUF appears on Blog Talk Radio with Roman Midnight Music: "On 10/22/10, the leader of CLOSENUF, Anthony J. Foti is featured in his own 1 Hour Special focusing on his 25 year career, the 15th anniversary of Wreckords Records, & his involvement in an upcoming publication of the biography of legendary rock guitarist Al Pitrelli who has appeared on Anthony's albums. The show is a bi-weekly broadcast of interviews & reviews of unique & interesting hard rock post-1980 mainstream & upcoming artists via discussion & music clips."CLOSENUF Receives International European Airplay: “On 12/10/09, MOJO ALT 94.1 FM Radio, Skopje, Macedonia, adds CLOSENUF’s compositions “The Truth Is Me” & “Fertile Green” to their regular rotation to positive reviews.”CLOSENUF Chosen Semi-Finalists in the 2008 Northeast Independent Music World Series: "On 7/23/08, CLOSENUF was chosen as Semi-Finalists in the Discmakers, TAXI & Billboard Magazine sponsored Northeast Independent Music World Series Competition whose finals award a Grand Prize package worth $50,000 & additional prizes totaling $12,500. Entries are judged on Songwriting, Overall Vibe, Vocal/Lead Instrument Performance, Musical Performance, & Originality. TAXI screens thousands of applicants, to select 100 Semi-Finalists. These Semi-Finalists are sent to the offices of Billboard to choose 6 acts for Finals showcasing or inclusion on a compilation CD, as well as prizes including industry discount packages and publications. This is the band's second appearance in this competition at this level!"CLOSENUF Chosen To Play The Sounds of Summer Concert Series: CLOSENUF Plays Woodstock as They RockCanRoll for Food: CLOSENUF Chosen to Play the Make Music New York Festival: CLOSENUF Co-Sponsors Brooklyn Cutest Kid Contest: CLOSENUF's Compositions Chosen as Score for Movie Soundtrack: "On 1/31/08, Wreckords Records signed rights & clearances for usage of various CLOSENUF compositions from their Album for the Soundtrack Score, in the Spring 2008 Independent Film Festival Documentary Entry: "American Pop Culture: Going Against the Grain." The work is being Produced & Directed by Brian Barry, & includes Interviews with: Producer George E. Nahas, the founding Members of "Sha Na Na," as well as other Industry Professionals discussing actor Timothy A. Carey, & rocker Frank Zappa, to educate on how music & cinema interplayed with & affected the changing times."CLOSENUF performs Charity Benefit Concert to help local organ transplant girl: CLOSENUF performs at The 2007 Concert For Care: CLOSENUF signs Rights & Clearances to solicit tunes for Film and TV usage: CLOSENUF asked to perform in the 2007 M.E.A.N.Y. Fest Competition: CLOSENUF chosen to perform in The 14th Annual Long Island Music Festival: CLOSENUF appears on The Media Factory Show on PATV: CLOSENUF chosen to perform at the 2007 Goodstock Festival in Summersville, WV: CLOSENUF asked to perform in the OS National Band Search Series: CLOSENUF Music Receives U.S. National Coast To Coast CHR/POP & AAA Radio Airplay: CLOSENUF appears on The Dr. Lou's House of Blues Radio Show: CLOSENUF Nominated for a 2006 DigiFestival Award: "On 8/17/06, The DigiFestival Committee has nominated CLOSENUF (Wayne Olsen - Director) for an Absolute Winner 2006 Edition Award for their music video ranking 7 th overall in International Voting (in the top 6%)." CLOSENUF Nominated for a 2006 IMMIE Award: "On 7/27/06, The Independent Music Conference Committee has nominated CLOSENUF (Wayne Olsen - Director) for the 2006 IMMIE Award (Independent Music Award) for Best Indie Music Video of the Year. " CLOSENUF's Music Video to Spin on ANTV, North Coast & Nextposure: "On 5/9/06, CLOSENUF signed clearances to allow Adrenaline Nation TV out of Holiday, FL to add their video to their current rotation. This add shortly followed clearances also requested for the video to air on Nextposure out of Vancouver, Canada & North Coast Stars Video Magazine out of Cleveland, OH." CLOSENUF plays to benefit Katrina victims: GarageBand.com's August 2005 Reviewer Awards granted to CLOSENUF: "Best Keyboards in Modern Rock Category, week of August 29th, 2005; CLOSENUF appears on The Joey Reynolds Show on WWOR National Radio: "On 5/31/05 & again on 12/14/05, CLOSENUF appeared on The Joey Reynolds Show on New York's WWOR Radio 710AM. The nationally syndicated Rock & Roll Hall of Fame DJ interviewed them twice for their album release, and Grammy Pre-Nomination, respectively." Aaron Joy, Music Critic for Roman Midnight Music's December 12th, 2011 Review focusing specifically on the Original Mixes of tunes represented with additional alternate mixes on their latest Album:"'Music Man' (The Barlotta Mix) is an upbeat pop tune that sounds like an opening to an 80's movie with its poppy bass line, keyboards & horns courtesy of Screamin' Steve of Gary U.S. Bonds. One can see Tom Hanks walking down a crowded street with "Music Man" playing over the falling titles & setting the stage to be faded out by a predictable dash of dialogue between Hanks & an inconspicuous street vender. This is not to say that the song sounds like it came out of the 80's, as it actually sounds like something that is just as much influenced by Motown, but is incredibly visual as it is "traveling the road from a smokehouse to a bar." "Alive Forever" (The Jerome Mix) is an old-fashioned heartfelt love song with rhythmic piano that comes out of the Neil Diamond or Boz Skaggs catalog that's not about sex or raunchiness but the old fashioned heart tug. "In The Eyes Of The Rose" (The Jerome Mix) became a surprise single in the Anthony J. Foti catalog after being debuted live early in his career & receiving a teary-eyed response. At the last minute it was tagged onto his releases with guest guitar by Jim Messina Band's Jeff Munzert & co-produced by Steve Jerome of Neil Diamond & Simon & Garfunkel fame & John Abbott who worked with Dionne Warwick. It's a hauntingly soft piece of acoustic guitars against a synthesizer in typical Foti fashion, but featuring probably some of his best singing on record. He can sing the pop tunes, but it's this slow contemplative moment that allows him more vocal control & thus expression. "At Night" (The Pitrelli Mix) is a hidden powerhouse & one might even say collector's item. It features on rhythm guitar & lead guitar in one of the best solos of his career Asia/Megadeth/Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Al Pitrelli rocking out against a seemingly simple acoustic folk tune. Pitrelli has also gone on to call it one of his favorite recordings. He's never sounded so relaxed. It also features drummer Vinny Conigliaro of Joe Lynn Turner & Joe Satriani & was produced by Dave Greenberg who co-produced with original Foreigner keyboardist Al Greenwood & later worked with Method Man. These 4 song versions lifted from the now out of print Anthony J. Foti's solo EP Fourword are all included by CLOSENUF on their 2009 compilation "...to a new beginning." Hunt up the latest release & enjoy both these original versions & harder rocking new versions by the band, plus a whole lot of other great tunes by Anthony J. Foti, CLOSENUF & friends." Mike SOS, Music Critic for Americore, Skratch, Crusher & Ear Candy Magazines' February 28th, 2011 Review of their latest Album:"CLOSENUF is a Brooklyn, NY based unit with a wealth of musical experience that shines through on their 18-track endeavor ...TO A NEW BEGINNING. Led by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Anthony J. Foti, this troupe maintains a balance between 70's soft rock and pristine pop a la Jackson Browne and Billy Joel with a slew of tasty nuances strewn in like the bluesy romp "Fertile Green" making everything go down smooth ("She's Leaving"). Interestingly including remixes of certain songs that really showcase each chosen song in a different light (most notably "At Night" as remixed by Al Pitrelli), CLOSENUF portrays the confidence to be able to alter their songs without recourse. Taking it back to the roots, CLOSENUF celebrates their new beginning by exhibiting a comprehensive lesson in the rudiments of rock 'n roll. [Album given 3 Lightning Bolts on their rating system for "Moments of Brilliance."]." Vasja Ivanovski, Music Director of MOJO ALT 94.1 FM Radio, Skopje, Macedonia, polling his audience on December 10th, 2009, while Spinning CLOSENUF Tracks: "I heard some nice comments including.Great sounding band that deserves attention for its original material, tight production, and fine performance." Helen Rosenbaum, Rock Music Author of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones & The Elvis Presley Trivia Quiz Books for Signet Publishing's October 18 th 2009 Quick Highlight Review of their Album: "A rockin' good time!...Pure Brooklyn bliss - and beyond!...Ready for prime time rockers!...They've nailed it - rock, stock and barrel!" StarPolish's Critic's Corner's February 2008 Review of their Album: "Hailing from Brooklyn, NY - CLOSENUF is a 5 piece pop rock band, with a singer-songwriter mentality. They're album on Brooklyn's Wreckords Records features original compositions that showcase classic rock influences. All the members of this act cut their teeth fronting their own bands, and the instrumental sections of the songs are strong and tight. In today's ever shifting trendy music scene, it's a relief to hear songs that aren't trying to be "Indie" or whatever the next buzzword is, but just focus on being concise melodic tunes." Brian Barry, Film Director & Producer's January 30th, 2008 Statement on Choosing CLOSENUF's Material for His Project: SongTiger's June 24th , 2007 Staff Review of their Album: "Universe" opens with all the mystery of Van Halen's "1984," and has these swirling keyboards that prepare you for something. You expect something grand. "Music Man," has a '60s feel to it. The melodies are catchy. The Rhodes reminds me of "Riders on the Storm." The background vocals are well placed and sound good. This album has a definite classic rock feel. I hear Bowie, The Who, and Tom Petty. There are some good instrumental hooks and solos. I think these guys have potential. This is a valiant effort." Good Times Magazine's June 19th, 2007 Review of the Live Cover & Originals Show: "Prepared with a set list to challenge any music lover's knowledge of classic rock, Brooklyn-based CLOSENUF took the stage at the newly renovated South Shore Club (D.J. Rider's Rhythm & Brews, Oceanside, NY). Quenching the audience's fever, the rockers opened with some well-placed cowbell, harnessing the southern rock feel of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Gimme Three Steps." The band's sets were mostly made up of covers (as the club dictated), but a handful of original songs were scattered throughout the evening; one track off their album included "The World Is Crying," which had a roadhouse-blues feel and strives for social consciousness and political awareness in its lyrics, as well as "At Night," a well-crafted song with wailing keyboards and a raw rock and roll sound. The original songs were overshadowed in number by covers, and one that stood out, and was possibly closest to the original, was The Animals' "House Of The Rising Sun," with church quaking keyboards and low, rumbling lead vocals that momentarily turned the bar into a gritty, soulful house of blues. Musically, all the covers were executed with expertise capturing the spirit of each original artist; CLOSENUF managed perfect carbon copies of each song. Hits by Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, The Cars, and Tom Petty, among others, all seemed to please the intimately gathered crowd at D.J. Rider's. CLOSENUF proved that their musical prowess is nothing short of perfect, however, the evening's set would have been better had it included more original songs, by far the most interesting material played all night." InterMixx Magazine's January 2007 Review of their Album: "I can hear years of experience in the performance of this band. The songs possess catchy melodies, tight musicianship, & mature arrangements. All the while there are some real, heartfelt, universal messages of love, loss, & heartbreak. The instrumental "Universe" takes you onto a trip of what a digital keyboard has to offer. An organ/guitar dual intro leads into the energetic "Music Man" which borrows from Paul Simon - CLOSENUF are ostensibly "music men" if they borrow from the best. "Alive Forever" explores a little less anxious tempo, giving us the perfect cross-country driving song. There is nobility in the melody, giving us the flatted 6th in the G major key. This can positively raise the sense of invincibility, as the song title explains..."Alive Forever." The pulsing, again "Cure-ish" drum intro of "The World Is Crying" provides the perfect segue way from one rocker into another. "The World Is Crying" takes a darker look at the problems with the world. The spooky rocker "At Night" reminds me of a stalker on a rainy night...waiting, watching, scheming. "In the Eyes of the Rose" gives a colorful comparison of love to the life of a rose. It is the obvious ballad on the disc, but doesn't get too sappy or sweet. "Buy the Boat" is a mixed tempo/mixed feel that marries a '60s kinda "pop" feel in the choruses & counterbalances the verses out with a slower, "Journey-ish" feel. Until the end of the song cleverly switches it around. But wait! The exit is back up to the high pop energy. CLOSENUF doesn't leave you on a downer. Don't wait to get this CD! (3 J J J Smileys out of a possible 5)." 20th Century Guitar Magazine's January 2006 Review of their Album: "One of the finest pop-rock bands to come out of Brooklyn and Long Island in recent memory, CLOSENUF releases their CDs on their own Wreckords Records imprint. Blessed with a convincing lead singer in Anthony J. Foti, the five-piece lineup spotlights guitars and keyboards. Musically, Foti & company excel in a hard rocking, wide screen, early '60s-inspired vision of a sound Phil Spector would, no doubt, have approved of. Reminiscent of The Cars, with a retro touch of The Ramones and Velvet Underground, the CLOSENUF album is well recorded and rocks on an artful musical level." Steve Jerome, Award winning producer and recording engineer's August 16th, 2005 Review of their Album: "First off, I have to state that this band is very, very good and their potential level is very high. When asked who they remind me of, all I can say is that they have their own sound, and when I hear a band with an original sound, the record companies and public will seek them out. I can't say how much I love this album. I give "Alive Forever" a 10 [out of 10] for hit potential. Don't ask me why, in my gut I just know. "In the Eyes of the Rose" gets a 9 and is also an absolute hit, as well as my favorite song on the album! "Buy the Boat" gets a 10 being a very, very solidly good cut - catchy to the point where people just can't turn away, and the group's versatility is shown and the range of their repertoire comes shining through. Something you just don't find with today's bands. Their musicianship is excellent overall, and the album is recorded very well - I only wish I could have been in on a project like this. In my personal opinion, once this work gets to the airwaves, it makes a statement to the listeners of the group's potential which makes one look forward to their next release." Mike SOS, Music Critic for Americore, Skratch, Crusher & Ear Candy Magazines' July 30th, 2005 Review of their Album: "CLOSENUF is a NYC outfit whose middle of the road approach to rock is suitable for all ages, based on the outfit's disc. Sounding like a cross between Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Billy Joel, and Grand Funk Railroad, this quintet's pristine sound and stellar performances shine on tracks like the hypnotic "At Night." Aimed with a lighter approach, and armed with accomplished musicians whose musical prowess harkens back to the days of the soft rock of the '70s, CLOSENUF is a band that you and your older relatives would probably agree on. [Album given 3 Lightning Bolts on their rating system for "Moments of Brilliance."]." Chuck Eddy, Music Critic for the Village Voice's June 1st, 2005 Quick Highlight Review of their Album: "Jazz-and-blues-skirting rock from Brooklyn, with shades of Steely Dan, Dire Straits, Scorpions, Ambrosia, Kenny Loggins, Huey Lewis. One dedicated to Elvis and Eddie Cochran. Liner note: 'Remember, say no to drugs always!'" Brooklyn College Kingsman's May 16th, 2005 Review of their Album: "Sweet, simple and electric, CLOSENUF is a mixture of rock 'n roll, shredding guitar solos, and Billy Joel-esque piano compositions that fuses together Americana nostalgia and showtune melodies. On "Music Man," the classic rock rhythms that have influenced the band are immediately drawn out; with a sweet melody, an intoxicating charm and a synthesizing sound, "Music Man" is a mutation of 1960's California rock and Southern soul. CLOSENUF has also dedicated a song on the album, "Buy the Boat," to rockers Elvis Presley and Eddie Cochran. Be it the style, the lyrics, or the whole ambience of the song, "Buy the Boat" is a Southern rock gem with sliding guitars and rock-a-billy influences that will be sure to make you shake your hips. There is a chorus of harmonizing vocals, a catchy rhythm, and a vibrant, rich melody. It's fast paced, upbeat, and the most rockin' of all the songs." HISTORICAL REVIEWS : Anthony J. Foti's work: "Semi-finalist in the Northeast Independent Music World Series." - Disc Makers & TAXI 9/04 "Winner - Honorable Mention - for 'Music Man (The Barlotta Mix)' in the 9th Annual Billboard World Songwriting Contest." - Billboard Magazine 7/99 (CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ACTUAL AWARD SCAN) "The single, 'In the Eyes of the Rose,' receives U.S. National Airplay as several radio stations (MO, WY, KY, GA, SD, TX) add to Top 40 play list rotation." - The Gavin Report 9/94 "Granted 3 out of 5 stars overall at The Big Noise Song Slam Live Performance Showcase." - Sony A & R Executives 8/98 "Authored Children's Songs purchased by International Toy Company for inclusion in their product line." - Loveable Lola, LLC 12/13 "[His] voice is quite powerful; there's a lot of talent there, and [he's] got a good thing going." - Ari Nisman, Degy Entertainment 10/04 "Pleasant male vox, and well arranged tracks. Very strong melodic presence, very good production." - The Musician's Exchange 7/96 "Highly skilled songwriting ability. *** 1/2" - The Musician's Exchange/Music Paper 12/94 "'At Night' was the best song on his first album!" - Al Pitrelli, guitarist for Asia & Alice Cooper 9/94 "Big things will come from him!" - Steve Jerome, Nationwide Digital Studios (with John Abbott) 9/94 "To me, [he's] the next Jackson Browne." - Eve Nelson, Entertainment Attorney 7/94 "It is a pleasure to work with such a professional." - Dave Greenberg, Green Machine Productions (with Al Greenwood) 6/94 "For the Starlight Concert Series, a highly energetic and crowd pleasing performance." "He's got what it takes." - Hannah Hall (Pace University) and Rick Stone (Jazzand Records) 6/89 |
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For all other CLOSENUF souvenirs:
CLOSENUF...to a new beginning - Album - Credits:
They are CLOSENUF: They will always be CLOSENUF: Producers: Art Direction & Design: Wayne Olsen, CLOSENUF wishes to thank: Track 1 (as well as this entire release) - For further info & booking, please log on to: www.closenuf.com © 2009 Wreckords Records release, Brooklyn, NY. Video Credits:
"Music Man" (A.J. Foti) - 3:11 Website Credits: |
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Hear CLOSENUF mentioned by Classic Rock DJ Maria Milito from WAXQ FM 104.3 - Q104.3 Classic Rock - NY, NY
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Hear CLOSENUF's requested Radio Drop for WDYN.NET 100.1 - Dynamic Independent Radio - Rochester, NY
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Hear CLOSENUF's requested Radio Drop for D'ART RADIO - Internet Webcast - Keasbey, NJ
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Please note pages contains references to CLOSENUF membership prior to 2008.
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