The Muffs Part 1

Less than a year ago, fun-loving 90’s band the Muffs came on my radar. I don’t know why I was unaware all this time, but it happens. I put the first Muffs album on my Christmas list (and my family dutifully bought it for me), and I’ve been listening to it a bunch since then. A couple of weeks ago it clicked that I really liked the album, and I’m currently in the ‘I play this album every day’ phase of the relationship.

The band in its current form is fronted by Kim Shattuck (formerly of the the Pandoras) on guitar and vocals, with Ron Barnett on bass guitar and Roy McDonald on drums.

I’m just going to talk about The Muffs self-titled first album, since that’s the only one I know at this time. However, I intend to buy the second and third Muffs albums, Blonder and Blonder, and Happy Birthday to Me at a minimum, since they seem equally well-loved, and there are many newer ones to discover as well.

I don’t think I can get all music critic poetic in this moment, but there’s something about this album that just feels like coming home – like settling in to 16 satisfying cuts of succinct, pure and satisfying rock and roll. It is Ramones-like in the sense that nothing is wasted, and every note contributes to the effect.

Shattuck’s voice kind of has one raspy, loud timbre that rarely varies, yet every lyric is delivered with clarity and a brassy smile. She sings like she’s enjoying herself. And I guess there’s a forthright, happiness about this Muffs album that makes me feel good.

And can they write hooks? Standouts on this album include “Everywhere I Go”, “Baby Go Round” and “All for Nothing”, but really there are so many great songs on this album that I could practically list them all.

So if you haven’t been exposed to The Muffs yet, and could use a dose of pure, happy tunes, you could do worse than to pick up The Muffs first album and give it a spin. And they are still performing, so by all means if you get the chance, go to a show. I plan to next chance I get.

Muffs website https://www.facebook.com/TheMuffsMusic/

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