The Soft Boys – Underwater Moonlight
I’m sure you’ve all heard albums like this: released with little to no commercial success, positive reviews, fading into obscurity, treasured by those fortunate enough to find it. While this isn’t exactly an obscure gem, it definitely is a drastically underappreciated highlight of the entire post-punk genre. The second album from Robyn Hitchcock and Kimberly Rew’s The Soft Boys, Underwater Moonlight stands as one of the most consistent, enjoyable and overall best albums of the post-punk variety. Taking influence from The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, Underwater Moonlight is filled with 60’s psychedelia, timeless jangle pop, a whimsical post-punk attitude and Robyn Hitchcock’s humorous lyrics, which range from absurdities within English culture to the surreal. And for those of you who aren’t convinced yet, take a look at some of the artists vocal about the influence of The Soft Boys: Pavement, Guided By Voices, Yo La Tengo and the Pixies. If you still aren’t convinced, the track “Positive Vibrations” features a (very short) sitar solo! I have uploaded the original album, though it has been reissued with a second disc …And How It Got There, which I did not include because it’s mostly bonus tracks and rehearsal tapes. If you are/become a die-hard fan and really want the tracks, leave a comment and I will gladly upload them for you.
-Max
