This cassette release features songs from various seven-inch singles as well as outtakes and alternate takes from different recording sessions. For example, "(Let it) Ricochet" and "Straight Line" made up Side A and B on the first Soft Targets seven-inch. It was recorded along with a version of "Systems" which had never been released although a different version would later appear on the Softie's debut full-length, We Hate You Soft Targets.
The Monkees-inspired "Don't Ask Why" was the b-side to the "The Kid's Want Action" seven-inch released on local Chicago label Loud Devices. "Bitter Pill" was an outtake from the same recording session.
There's a slower version of "Apocalypse" with Tina Finch on backing vocals and an alternate version of "Frustration" with multiple guitar leads from Adam Scott. Finally, "Cylon Tina" (misspelled on the cover as "Cylon Tina"), is messin' around with her backing track to "Western Civ" from the Destroyed record.
Soft Targets - The Rise & Fall of Soft Targets - Cassette Tape
"I am always surprised when I get a tape to review that is not some crazy harsh noise drone thing, so Soft Targets was a huge surprise. As the first song started I immediately thought Mission of Burma, Lync, Crackerbash, Naked Raygun, and early SST records all at once.
It's fast, jangling pop with a noisy, punk sensibility. Not pop punk though. There is no NOFX crud here. This is closer to garage rock with a lot of volume. If you look these guys up online you will be floored by how rad they look. I know that doesn't matter but I was picturing a bunch of kids who discovered everything that ruled about Chicago in the 80s through the early 90's but these are the guys who were making that scene.
I don't love every song. Not that they are bad but some just don't really do it for me. Still it's a pretty damn good cassette. If you are my age or older and ever got a chance to see any of this stuff when it was happening I think Soft Targets will totally make your day. The design on this cassette is excellent. Strong typography and simple imagery that totally works. Good job guys." — Demian Johnston, Dead Formats review blog
