What makes Soul Martini by Cavedogs notable?

The album received positive reviews from critics, helping to solidify Cavedogs' presence in the power pop genre during the early '90s. Its distinctive sound and catchy hooks contributed to the band's reputation, though it did not achieve commercial success on par with contemporaries like The Posies or Jellyfish. Soul Martini is the second album by Cavedogs, released in 1992 as a follow-up to their debut, Joy Rides for Shut-Ins. At this point in their career, the band was experimenting with a more polished sound while still retaining their quirky lyrical edge, aiming for wider recognition in the alternative rock scene.

How many songs are on Soul Martini?

Soul Martini has 12 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Soul Martini

Cavedogs · 1992

47 min · 12 tracks · power pop

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and infectious melodies that encapsulate the essence of early '90s power pop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Love Grenade — This opening track sets the tone with its explosive energy and clever lyrics, showcasing the band's knack for catchy hooks and wit.
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Boy in a Plastic Bubble — The song's introspective lyrics paired with an upbeat tempo highlight the juxtaposition of vulnerability and bravado present throughout the album.
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Sorrow (Boots of Pain) — With its darker themes wrapped in an accessible melody, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend serious subject matter with engaging music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

62 /100

Foothills

Higher than 24% of albums we've rated

The album showcases catchy melodies and varied arrangements but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with jangly guitars, while the second half shifts to a more introspective tone.
Several tracks incorporate layered harmonies that enhance the melodic hooks, particularly in 'Love Grenade' and 'Here Comes Rosie'.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Love Grenade 3:37
2 Here Comes Rosie 3:27
3 Sorrow (Boots of Pain) 4:25
4 As You Were 2:39
5 Boy in a Plastic Bubble 4:06
6 You're Put Away 5:26
7 Sonny Day 3:24
8 III 3:25
9 Murder 3:03
10 On for the Ride 4:19
11 Tarzan and His Arrowheads 4:02
12 Circus Song 5:09

What to play next

Go back to

Joy Rides for Shut-Ins

1990

Full Cavedogs discography Artists like Cavedogs

power pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata