As interest continues to surge in the softer sounds of yesteryear, it is apparent that a Soft Renaissance is upon us. This is no secret to deep diggers around the globe: rival collectors are frantically scouring the earth, scrambling to Out-Soft each other with unheard obscurities of extreme gentleness. Every now and then, the collecting world is set ablaze when a new record surfaces that is so soft, it literally sets a new standard for softness. Soft, it seems, IS the new Hard.

Presumably Bob Reidenbach had no idea of the power his ode to softness would retain some 30 odd years after recording this album, "a collection of gentle songs." He and his Kenosha based liturgical choir group released the album through the famed RPC (Recorded Publications Company) sometime in the mid-seventies. It is clear, both from the sounds and the words, that he was a true soft pioneer, with a rare feel for soft music. He sums up his intent nicely in his liner notes, "Please take our music to heart and mind and perhaps it will reveal within you, a newness . . . a gentleness."

If you have a candle, this would be an opportune time to dim the lights and let it burn.

It's taken me a good couple years to fully digest this lp, but I think I can now say with some degree of certainty that this is hands down one of the heaviest "non-music" lp's I've heard. I mean, how could a 60's record of ghetto kids interpreting the bible in jive talk be anything more than some kind of ironic novelty (at best)? Well, apparently the lord really does work in mysterious ways because it is a genuinely moving and totally fascinating listen. I could go on but feel that any analysis I could dredge up would ultimately pale in comparison to an actual listen, so here 'ya go…

SO THEY GIVETH UNTO HIM SOME FISH FRY

Lew is definitely one of the better random SSW dudes I've cluelessly picked up in the last few years. Good voice, good songs, good outfit on the cover… and some of more melancholy moments here almost remind me of a sort of budget Nick Drake. In fact, if the entire lp sounded more like the handful of stripped down acoustic tracks I think this could be gripped on big time with the proper endorsement. The problem is that the more than a few AOR-leaning full-band tracks (though actually really decent) kinda kill the loner rainy day vibes. I thought this was pretty unknown but when I dubbed it for a friend and loaded it into my itunes it's already done been track-listed, so at least someone is hep. A quick googling also reveals that he has a newer CD for sale.

Lew Jones: "Caught In A Dream"

Yet another selection of such firm mediocrity it seemed only fair to include it in the Waxidermical canon. It definitely has that can't-quit-put-my-finger-on-it quality that makes it hard to dismiss and harder still to actually compliment. Well, I guess I'm probably leaving out too many of the vitals for you the reader to draw your own conclusions from. Typical lounge duo girl singer/guy keyboard all (or most anyhow) covers affair - and not especially interesting covers at that - yet, there is something spooky and dreamlike about it…

Or maybe not… I honestly don't know anymore…

IT'S YOUR PROBLEM NOW.

Ella & Leroy: "Killing Me softly"

That one dude has a pot leaf on his tuba. How sweet is that? Anyhow, yeah, turned-on marching band plays the Dead, Stones, Santana, Chicago, etc, etc. Betcha each and every one of them made a bong in ceramics class.

TRUCKIN'