I Own that CD! - The Cavedogs

Today, I’m debuting a brand new category on Dave’s Mixtape – I Own That CD!

Of the many home projects I’ve taken on during the pandemic, one of the more enjoyable ones has been rediscovering the massive amounts of CDs I own (stored in large bins in closets and under beds). Browsing through the bins is taking a step back in time. All these CDs were bought for various reason – the majority of which I’m pleased to have spent money on (there are a few headscratchers).

So let’s dive into today’s featured CD – Joy Rides for Shut-Ins by The Cavedogs.

A power pop band formed in Boston in the early 1980s, The Cavedogs were an important part of the Boston music scene along with bands like Gigolo Aunts, Blake Babies and Buffalo Tom.

The trios sound was pure power pop with catchy, jangly guitar sounds married with a Merseybeat style. You’d fit this CD right next to The La’s, Big Star or Tommy Keene. Their melodies were more complex than many of their contemporaries.

Listen to “What In The World?”, "Leave Me Alone" and “Taking Up Space” and you’ll hear real maturity for a debut from a trio of 20-somethings. A lot of the credit goes to an incredible crew behind the board.

Ed Stasium was one of the go-to producers in the late-80s/early-90s. Working with many artists like The Smithereens, Living Colour and Ramones – It was a coup to get him to produce the CD. Sean Slade and Paul Kolderie worked with Stasium and at the time, were THE team to work with in the early 90s in alternative music. Working with such bands as The Lemonheads, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Belly.

The Cavedogs went on to release only one more CD (Soul Martini) that wasn’t nearly as good as their debut. After breaking up, the each found mild success working with other artists.

Take a listen on your favorite music streaming service – or if you’ve got a CD player, you can borrow my copy.