The Bible of Bop

Kimberly Rew worked with Robyn Hitchcock in the Soft Boys and eventually went on to helm Katrina & The Waves. But in the time between the release of the Soft Boys classic Underwater Moonlight and Katrina’s big hit with “Walking On Sunshine,” Rew was adrift, recording when convenient at the studios of like-minded individuals such as the dB’s Peter Holsapple and Will Rigby, and Let’s Active’s Mitch Easter. These recordings capture that raw, pop energy that have since established Rew as a cult hero among those who know their underground pop history. These songs are unusual and strong. Many of the early tracks feature Hitchcock and enjoy psychedelic guitar battles (“Fighting Someone’s War”) and a slashing wit (“Nothing’s Going to Change”). The dB’s backed material, “My Baby Does Her Hairdo Long” and “Walking In the Dew,” exploit tight power- pop harmonies and rhythms. Even the mid-tempo “Fishing” floats with a sweet, disarming melodicism. “Hey, War Pig!” kicks with an aggression that inspired Guided By Voices.