Definitely can be described by that most cliched music critique word - “saccharine”. Not sure what I expected from a band called “Sugar”. Pretty good song though.
Tried to get into them in the mid-'90s. A couple friends, always on the lookout--on my behalf--for new power pop type songs/artists for me, tipped me off back in the day! While I wasn't completely turned off, I appreciated Mould's influences and songwriting style.
While not falling in love, I certainly found them to be power pop-adjacent and very listenable, in much the same way as the Smithereens (whom I REALLY liked/like...to the point of doing a couple of their songs in karaoke!) and Bob's good friends, DG & Foo Fighters, both who sound somewhat similar, to my auditory organs, in their pop-leaning musical heft. Anyway, enjoyed the song, Kevin, and was happy to be reminded of Bob and Sugar!
This album and Sugar are something I know I passed by often in the used CD racks. Hearing it now, it sounds like something I should have always loved. I LIVE for that clean, tight mid-90s guitar sound and it's got brilliant hooks.
In the mid-nineties in Ireland we had a Metal/Hard Rock themed show on one of our big Radio stations. It was on a Sunday evening and two hours long. It was a really big deal for hard rock fans back then. It was literally the only time in the week we could hear our music broadcast. I entered a quiz on the show one time. I won! I forget what the question was, but I do remember the correct answer was Judas Priest. When my name was announced as a winner, I was expecting 'Metal Works '73–'93' to arrive by mail. Instead the DJ decided to send me some Husker Du! I recall I wasn't too enamoured with them, but it led to my discovery of Sugar for which I am forever grateful.
These are my favorite kinds of stories! Not sure how they drew a line between Judas Priest and Husker Du, but I'd love to know. It's wild how many times/ways we accidentally discover bands that totally change the direction of our listening.
Husker Du was such a seminal band for me that I resisted the fluffier offerings of Sugar, but then I had kids and got divorced and Copper Blue was in heavy rotation on days when my kids were with me. A friend gave Bob a copy of my book. Haven't heard from him as to whether he read it or liked it, but one of the stories in it was partially inspired by him.
Such an awesome song! I love Gee Angel as well. This album is my teenage years in a nutshell lol
Definitely can be described by that most cliched music critique word - “saccharine”. Not sure what I expected from a band called “Sugar”. Pretty good song though.
Ha! I'm glad you liked it.
Sounds...generic. Maybe I should listen to their other tracks but this one was forgettable.
Definitely check some other tracks out when you have time.
Tried to get into them in the mid-'90s. A couple friends, always on the lookout--on my behalf--for new power pop type songs/artists for me, tipped me off back in the day! While I wasn't completely turned off, I appreciated Mould's influences and songwriting style.
While not falling in love, I certainly found them to be power pop-adjacent and very listenable, in much the same way as the Smithereens (whom I REALLY liked/like...to the point of doing a couple of their songs in karaoke!) and Bob's good friends, DG & Foo Fighters, both who sound somewhat similar, to my auditory organs, in their pop-leaning musical heft. Anyway, enjoyed the song, Kevin, and was happy to be reminded of Bob and Sugar!
Right on! That comparison to The Smithereens is one I hadn't thought of before!
This album and Sugar are something I know I passed by often in the used CD racks. Hearing it now, it sounds like something I should have always loved. I LIVE for that clean, tight mid-90s guitar sound and it's got brilliant hooks.
That sound is like catnip for me too. This record (and Copper Blue, for that matter) are full of those sorts of hooks.
Never heard this but will give a listen when toddler nap time is over.
Haha. Definitely wait...his'll definitely wake them up. :)
In the mid-nineties in Ireland we had a Metal/Hard Rock themed show on one of our big Radio stations. It was on a Sunday evening and two hours long. It was a really big deal for hard rock fans back then. It was literally the only time in the week we could hear our music broadcast. I entered a quiz on the show one time. I won! I forget what the question was, but I do remember the correct answer was Judas Priest. When my name was announced as a winner, I was expecting 'Metal Works '73–'93' to arrive by mail. Instead the DJ decided to send me some Husker Du! I recall I wasn't too enamoured with them, but it led to my discovery of Sugar for which I am forever grateful.
These are my favorite kinds of stories! Not sure how they drew a line between Judas Priest and Husker Du, but I'd love to know. It's wild how many times/ways we accidentally discover bands that totally change the direction of our listening.
Husker Du was such a seminal band for me that I resisted the fluffier offerings of Sugar, but then I had kids and got divorced and Copper Blue was in heavy rotation on days when my kids were with me. A friend gave Bob a copy of my book. Haven't heard from him as to whether he read it or liked it, but one of the stories in it was partially inspired by him.
Maybe one of his later songs was inspired by your book? How cool would that be?!