Dim Pees | fr

The Sharpees were an American soul group with Vernon Guy, Benny Sharp, Stacy Johnson, and lead singer Herbert Reeves. Originally from St. Louis, they made their name in 1965 with the record "Do The 45". They stayed together in one form or another until 1972 when Herbert Reeves was murdered. They typified the harder edge sound of Chicago Soul. A super job by Eddie Silvers on the arrangement for the One-derful! Records of Chicago. .

A quite mysterious music project conceived by Yann Tomita. Almost totally unknown outside of (and inside?) Japan, but gained some cult status in certain circles. Doopees' music is not easy to describe. Their repertoire contains both Tomita's original works and cover versions of songs by Phil Spector and similar composers. The music is cute and funny beyond all belief, and at times seems to be a full-on parody of J-pop. The songs aren't tied into any particular genre, and that coupled with the strange universe the listener is dragged in makes Doopees something quite special. Doopees first appeared in 1994...

Review by Stewart Mason Strongly reminiscent of both mid-period Marshall Crenshaw and the cult-adored '80s pop/rockers Wednesday Week, the Astropuppees make a low-key, slightly country-tinged form of power pop that doesn't leap out of the speakers but subtly ingratiates itself with the listener over the course of a few spins. It's all in the details, like Kelley Ryan's sardonic second vocal track that runs subtly through the length of the opening "Underdog," commenting on both the subject of the song and her own lead vocals, or like Teri Ryan's keening high harmonies on the jangleriffic "She Can't Say No." Although...