Search - Soft Boys :: 1976-1981

These guys are seriously underrated.

Chris Carter | my music room | 05/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Or under the radar. This is a fantastic collection of rare schtuff from their early days (mostly). Robyn Hitchcock is one of my favorite songwriters - he's witty, surreal, hilarious, and very melodic. That's not to say some songs aren't somewhat atonal in places too, but that's within the context of quirky pop songs. They were just so unique and accomplished. The very early songs are charming and not as aggressive/abrasive as some of their later material. I prefer the early home recordings and the first EP, both included here. I Want To Be An Anglepoise Lamp is one of the greatest power-pop numbers of all time!

Just great, unusual, occasionally psychedelic pop songs. You may find yourself singing emphatically about the weirdest subject matter! I was so lucky to pick this up for FREE when a local radio station was getting rid of their CD collection (somehow I doubt they ever played any of this) and I spotted it. I'm having a hard time thinking of any points of reference to clue you into what this sounds like, which is probably a good thing, meaning they were very original. I wonder if some New Zealand bands weren't influenced by this stuff (The Moles, The Chills, etc.) - they bear a resemblance to The Soft Boys. I would think if you like The Beatles & The Byrds circa 1966, you'd probably get into this as well, even tho it's more progressive. They would be way up on my "Most Underrated Bands" list. It's not easy to locate their CD's, so good luck!"