2nd Best

2nd Best formed in the Quad Cities of Iowa/Illinois along the Mississippi River. Founding member TJ Mapes played drums and recruited many members throughout the 6 year life of the band. The most successful and well-received formation of the band consisted of the three-piece of TJ, guitarist Shane Sikkema, and bassist Paul friemel. This period was from mid 2001-2003. Notable accomplishments of the band were opening for pop-rock act Eve 6, debuting "Put You Heart Where Your Mouth Is" at #16 most added in CMJ without any label backing whatsoever, and playing 2 dates on the 2002 Vans Warped Tour on the Drive Thru Records stage. The band saw moderate success throughout the midwest, especially in Iowa and Minnesota. The band honed it's pop-punk style and modeled it after many Drive-Thru Records bands and other punk/emo acts of the time. The live show was quite lively and at times included a dancing gorilla wearing a 2nd Best shirt. This gorilla was featured in the official music video for "Pretty Penny" that can be found on the DVD "That's What Happens When You're Badass." The band had trouble after the departure of Shane Sikkema in the summer of 2003. Bassist Paul Friemel took over most vocal duties and guitar players became somewhat of a revolving door. Post Sikkema guitar players included Neil Kuhlman, Jordan Mayland, Cam Houseman, but most notably Jeff Langmaid. Jeff was the only guitar player to be featured in recordings after the depature of Shane. These recordings resulted in 3 songs that can be found on a split CD with Minneapolis based Lesser Known Saint titled "Steps." The band finally dissolved in 2004 after playing its final show at the Iowa State Veishea Battle of the Bands. In a twist of fate, 2nd Best finally won first place during their final performance. The win was bittersweet as it marked the end of the band, however with the winnings, (free time at renowned recording studio, Catamount in Cedar Falls, IA) one final song was recording by Mapes and Friemel alone. The song was titled Ciao Bela. Notable fan favorite songs include Slacker, Iguana, Addicted, These Autumn Stars and the song that sparked most of the band's success, 928. There has been rumors of a band reunion of the trio but members of the band say that things just won't work out for the time being.