If you look at the musical yearbook from 1980, you’ll smile as you remember an incoming, “freshman” band named U2, and you’ll also see older, cool kids like the Clash and Talking Heads. But wait, who were…the Soft Boys? This band might not have received much attention, and didn’t last long. But they carved out a unique lane. They weren’t as angry as the Clash, they weren’t as witty as Talking Heads—though they were a little of both. They also weren’t as serious-minded as U2, or as minimalist as some other bands in the post-punk world. But they combine all these elements into a rich, full sound and interesting songwriting. As it turns out, this was Robyn Hitchcock’s band… hmm, I've heard of that guy. Another band member formed Katrina and the Waves. It’s also said they were a big influence on R.E.M., which is believable based on those opening tracks. So a 4/5 for this pleasant surprise. It dips in the middle or I would have rounded up to 5.