Clem Snide

Soft Spot

[spinART; 2003]

Styles: indie rock
Others: (smog), Lambchop, Son Volt

First things first: if you’re expecting another Ghost of Fashion this is not it. This album is much softer and slower and well, rosy than GoF— they weren’t lying in the marketing on that one, no sir-ee. 

However, don’t stop reading quite yet. The album has its high points and is so honest it would impress your mother. “Happy Birthday” explains it all perfectly (as I’m sure has been quoted in every review to date) with the line “never have I been made to feel less cynical." You get the feeling that Eef (Barzelay) has “seen the light” so to speak with the birth of his son and changed his ways, and I’m not the only one hoping it’s not a permanent change. 

But that’s not what you want to know either, is it? Is this album good: yes. Musically it is what defines Clem Snide, if a little more like the ballads than the others. If you like them for the music and not the lyrics, you will like this album after a few begrudging listens; and really, we’re all in it for the music, right? Right? Okay, I miss the irony and cynicism, too, but if you can handle the sappy sweetness then grab your sweetie, pop in Soft Spot and curl up on the couch your next lazy Sunday. 

1. Forever, Now and Then
2. Tuesday, October 24th
3. All Green
4. Close the Door
5. Action
6. Find Love
7. There Is Nothing
8. Strong Enough
9. Happy Birthday
10. Fontanelle
11. Every Moment

by Katiedid

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