That's right.... Anatomy 101 is back in session. I had such fun doing this last time that I decided to have another go at it. I imagine it might be a bit boring for some folks, but the responses I received from the last "dissection" were pretty positive, so I think this may become a fairly regular feature. There's just something about taking a deeper look into a band you love that sort of forces you to examine what it is about their sound, their lyrics, style, etc, that attracts you to them in the first place. ~ And in the process, if you're really lucky, you discover new layers to what they are about. And of course, to a music nerd, such as myself, this type of exploration is truly delightful. So... pull on the rubber gloves people, and pass me the scalpel. Today's Subject: [url=http://www.kpunk.com/softies/...]The Softies.[/url]
[u][b]History:[/b][/u] It was 1994 when Rose Melberg & Jen Sbragia joined forces to create The Softies ~ a twee kissed guitar duo that has endured 10 years of transition without ever sacrificing their sound. The two had been friends for some time prior to their collaboration, but each was committed to other solo projects that delayed their ability to play together... for a little while anyway.
After their self titled first LP, [u]The Softies,[/u] was released on [url=http://www.dropbeat.com/slrla...]Slumberland Records[/url], The Softies earned a reputation as a solid live act by touring vigorously up and down the west-coast. One reviewer of their live show said "their performances are meant for small venues that echo the intimacy of their music." Later, their second release, [u]It's Love [/u]would land them in Olympia, WA and with the label that would become their musical home, [url=http://www.kpunk.com/]K-records[/url] .
Two releases later --[u]Winter Pageant [/u]and [u]Holiday In Rhode Island[/u]-- finds these girls 10 years into their collaboration and still going strong despite both player's numerous other solo projects. (source:http://www.kpunk.com/softies/...)
[u][b]Description[/b][/u] : If ever a band's name was better suited to its music than that of The Softies, then I do not know what it is. The Softies' sound is simple twee-pop in its purest form... boiled down to the very essence of what makes pop music so engaging: deliciously simple melodies, effortless hooks and sweet lyrics all wrapped up in delicate, tempting vocals. Don’t get me wrong, unless it’s your local college station, this is definitely not radio ready, but there’s no denying the sweetness of what The Softies offer. Even the most melancholy of their lyrics are delivered with a spoonful of sugar, (to help the medicine go down, of course):
[i]There's no competing with him. I can't keep you warm like that. I can't love you the way he does. I can only love you more.
There's no convincing me that you'll still talk to me like you did. I can't bear to see you like this. It makes me love you more.
And more than anything ever you're beautiful and always so clever. You're everything good, I hope that I might be ~ I hope he sees even half of what I see.
There's nothing keeping you with me. You can go away with him. There's no sense in rubbing it in, it makes me love you more.
I can't compete with that boy I can't make you feel like that I can't love you the way he does I can only love you more
And more each time you ignore me. This jealousy is starting to bore me. You can have him and I'll have my own, or maybe I'd just rather end up alone. ~ I Love You More from [u]It’s Love[/u][/i]
With every note of their two girls and a guitar sound, The Softies prove that less really is more. There's something absolutely infectious about their music, and I find it the perfect soundtrack to warm summer nights with the top down - and only the highway stretched before you. Yummy.
[u][b]Recommendations[/b] [/u]: All of The Softies' four releases offer something beautiful and unique while at once being familiar. One of the great strengths of this band is their ability to be fresh without ever significantly changing their sound. There's definitely no mistaking The Softies for another band. Once you've heard these sugar coated lovelies, you'll never accidently credit one of their songs to someone else. However, my two favorite releases are definitely [u]It's Love [/u]and [u]Winter Pageant[/u]. Favorite tracks include:
I Love You More - [u]It's Love[/u] It's Love - [u]It's Love[/u] Until You Tell - [u]It's Love[/u] Fragile - [u]It's Love[/u] Excellent - [u]Winter Pageant[/u] The Best Days - [u]Winter Pageant[/u] Winter Pageant - [u]Winter Pageant[/u]
I think fans of [url=www.thearrogants.com]The Arrogants[/url] , [url=www.theinnocencemission.com]Innocence Mission [/url] and even [url=http://www.shink.dircon.co.uk...]The Field Mice [/url] would love The Softies. I know I do.
[u][b]Personal Note[/b][/u]: If you're ever planning to give The Softies as a gift, I suggest wrapping them in paper covered with cut out pictures of Ford Mustangs. That how I first received them, and I can hardly imagine anything more perfect. :)
posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 05.14.04 (9:56 pm)
I should check in to these guys. They sound nice. Strange way to deliver as a gift, but that sounds nice as well.
I am going to check this group out. It is a sound that I enjoy--thanks for the recommendation. (Mr, B, Craig, irishred)
:)
posted by: brogonzo (reply)
post date: 05.18.04 (6:33 pm)
Can't say they sound like my style, but I sure appreciated your dissection of them! Great job... even though I've never heard the Softies, I feel as though I could pick them out if I were to hear them now.
posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 05.21.04 (9:28 am)
After their self titled first LP, [u]The Softies,[/u] was released on [url