Search - Pee Shy :: Don't Get Too Comfortable

On the strength of their sprightly lead-off song "Mr. Whisper," Tampa's Pee Shy (now there's a name middle America might have trouble cozying up to) have snapped up some air time on the local alt-radio station, which is a good thing. On the surface, they seem no different than scores of other femme rockers inspired by Liz Phair, The Breeders, and less-inspired derivations like Veruca Salt. Yet Pee Shy score points for remaining consistently infectious even after the single has faded out--a bright, polished apple with cracking lines like "You were holding up the bank of me/nothing larger than twenties please". Their use of unlikely instruments in a pop context is appealing, like the playful marimba set against a mournful clarinet on "Bathroom Floor," or the blustery accordion in "Fear." Primary singer-songwriter Cindy Wheeler has a fully stocked arsenal of wit and wisdom, dishing out the praises of her favorite rock star in the gorgeous, dream-boat love song "Jad Fair"--Criminy! That makes two songs written about the singer from Half Japanese. Remember Rebecca Gates's "Jad Fair Drives Women Wild?"--while guitarist Jenny Morrison has a few choice words about the dumb boys she's been been locked up with in "Much Obliged" and "Too Punk." The music is lush, propulsive, and stormy; a little cocktail elegance here, some snarly guitar there, all wrapped up in one delirious package. A winsome winner from start to finish. --John Chandler