For those who are unfamiliar, twee — most specifically in music — is a genre that is characterized by innocence and sentimentalism. Filled with soft, harmonious melodies shadowed by jangly tunes of the guitar, it is the type of music that will transport you into bittersweet feelings of childish naiveté and melt your hardened heart of cynicism to complete and utter goo. Although the music associated with this style sounds soft and quaint, the lyrics are profoundly heartbreaking as they deal with the perils of love (often unrequited) and the pathos of adolescence.
Twee pop is a subsection of the bigger, more popular genre of indie pop. Originating in the UK in the '80s, twee traveled to the United States and developed well throughout the '90s. Even so, because of the music’s imitation of cute, innocent melodies, the term “twee” (mispronunciation of the word ‘sweet’ as said by children) was used pejoratively toward those who characterized themselves as twee. However, in an era that was suffocated by the masculinity of punk, twee pop provided an alternative where bands could take pride in being “uncool” and opt for a more vulnerable, sensitive outlook on life with the same usage of DIY and grassroots aesthetic. Additionally, twee defied gender norms by not only providing a space for boys who didn't fit into the traditional masculinity mold, but by fully integrating girls who wanted to participate in music (in a similar but different style from the Riot Grrrls).
Twee is soft, intimate, poignant. It’s what I listen to when I’m happy or when I just need to cry. It comforts me because it embodies what I’m feeling. The simplicity of it makes it seem as if it’s the most beautiful thing in the world, and as a result, I want to share the gift of twee pop with you.
So, in twee fashion, I’ve made a "mixtape" containing some of my personal favorite songs of essential twee bands. Here they are:
Heavenly - C is the Heavenly Option
The Field Mice - Between Hello and Goodbye
Another Sunny Day- I'm in Love With a Girl Who Doesn’t Know I Exist
The Pastels - Sometimes I Think About You
Talula Gosh - Just A Dream
The Glo-Worm - Useless
Belle and Sebastian - She's Losing It
Beat Happening - Noise
Tiger Trap - Words and Smiles
The Field Mice - Willow
Dolly Mixture - Understanding
The Softies - Sleep Away Your Troubles
Belle and Sebastian - The Rollercoaster Ride
