Neo-psychedelic rocker Robyn Hitchcock got his start in the Soft Boys, who came to relative prominence (meaning, not much at all) during the explosion of post-punk and new wave bands in late-‘70s England. The sound of their debut, A Can of Bees (1979), reflects that context, with abrasive, angular guitar and driven tempos. Yet even their early singles showed a hint of trippiness, and the psychedelic influences began to emerge with their second, final album, Underwater Moonlight (1980). Hitchcock’s solo work would delve even deeper. (But that’s a matter for another artist spotlight, another time.) History has been kinder to the band than their present was.
Here’s a CD-length sampling of Soft Boys.
Playlist Note: I could not find the original version of “(I Want to Be An) Anglepoise Lamp” (should’ve been track 2, before the Can of Bees tracks). I found a solid live version, which I tacked onto the end of the playlist as a substitute.
Cover Art:
- A Can of Bees and Invisible Hits: Source, Discogs.com, Fair use.
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