The Simple Ones (bassist Jim McDermott, drummer Roy Berry, and guitarist/singer Jared McStay) had humble beginnings in the band's home of Memphis, TN. Their debut full-length, Worth the Weight, was released in 1995. After the short instrumental first track, "Hubba Hubba," the sly coolness of "Rift City" and "The Wrath of God" introduce the listener to the Simple Ones and their reserved and relaxed variety of mid-'90s southern indie rock. Taking some obvious cues from fellow Memphis band the Grifters (Tripp Lamkins of the Grifters makes an appearance on the disc), Worth the Weight was a debut that showcased the band's confident and unpolished sound. The distortion and fuzzy sounds are slightly cleaner than the Grifters, but the focused and playful attitude hidden behind the sound is easily comparable to the Grifters. The pace finally slows down on the sixth song, "Left in Space." The song features modest acoustic guitar at the beginning, with more instruments being added to the mix throughout. The song is followed by the distorted instrumental "Disco Infernal." The disc hits its stride on tracks 11 and 12 with the songs "Ms. Ogyny" and "T-Shirt (Hell on Wheels)." The band's calm yet rollicking musical demeanor is seemingly effortlessly executed, which is admirable. The catchy "Toothpaste" was previously a single on Shangri-La Records. The disc comes to a close with the inventive and chaotic "Clearly, Hebert." The album was recorded at Easley Studios in Memphis, in addition to other locations. ~ Stephen Cramer, All Music Guide
