Au Pairs "It's Obvious"

"It's Obvious" is a standout track by British post-punk band Au Pairs, featured on their acclaimed 1981 debut album Playing with a Different Sex. The band, formed in Birmingham in 1978, was known for their incisive, politically charged lyrics and their pioneering approach to gender and sexual politics in music12.

Musical Style and Sound
The song exemplifies the Au Pairs’ signature sound: a taut, funky rhythm section influenced by James Brown and Funkadelic, combined with scratchy, angular guitar lines reminiscent of Gang of Four and Subway Sect2. Lesley Woods’ commanding, dispassionate vocals and the interplay between male and female musicians gave the band a unique edge in the post-punk scene12.

Lyrics and Themes
"It's Obvious" is a dry, sarcastic examination of gender relations and sexual politics, a recurring theme throughout Playing with a Different Sex12. The lyrics critique the clichés and power dynamics of contemporary relationships, delivered with biting wit and a sense of anger that was both of its time and ahead of it13. The band’s approach was revolutionary, blending feminist commentary with infectious, danceable post-punk23.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

• The Au Pairs were praised for their "viciously well-observed lyrics on contemporary life and love and the role of women"1.
• Their work, including "It's Obvious," influenced later feminist and riot grrrl movements, and their collaborative mix of male and female musicians was seen as groundbreaking2.
• The song remains a classic example of early '80s post-punk that challenged both musical and social conventions.

Key Facts Table

Summary
"It's Obvious" is a sharp, rhythmic post-punk anthem that uses wit and anger to dissect gender and sexual politics. With its tight, funky instrumentation and Lesley Woods’ powerful vocals, the song stands as a pioneering work in feminist rock and remains a touchstone of the early '80s post-punk era123.