Twee pop

Twee pop is a type of indie pop that is known for simple, sweet melodies and lyrics, often combined with jangling guitars. While groups in this style had existed previously, twee pop was first recognised as a dis

Twee pop is a type of indie pop that is known for simple, sweet melodies and lyrics, often combined with jangling guitars. While groups in this style had existed previously, twee pop was first recognised as a distinct genre in 1986, when a number of these bands, including Shop Assistants, Primal Scream and The Pastels, emerged simultaneously, and were showcased on C86, a compilation released by mail-order through New Musical Express (see 1986 in music).

While the roots of the genre can be traced back to groups of the late 1960s like The Byrds and The Lovin' Spoonful, the clearest influence on twee pop comes from Post-Punk artists of the late 1970s and early 1980s who mixed a do-it-yourself approach with a rejection of chest-beating rock machismo - especially Orange Juice, Television Personalities and Jonathan Richman. Twee pop bands who use 'buzzsaw' rather than jangling guitars, such as Shonen Knife and the Beatnik Termites, tend also to be influenced by Buzzcocks and The Ramones.