Customer Reviews

Another Happy Ending

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First, I think I should state that the only reason I'd even consider attempting to do justice to this album (and the band, for that matter), is my semi-shock at not finding a review of Another Happy Ending posted yet. I've been following the Clarks for only about a year, but now, almost reluctantly (I'm from Philly, they're from Pittsburgh...if you've ever spent time at Penn State, no more need be said) admit, that they're the best true rock band around. They adhere strictly to their own distinctive sound, a blend of classic rock riffs & modern rock hooks. Coupled with a listener posessing any knowledge of rock history, they quickly become the most addictive sound out there.
Going through the previous few albums, I've picked up on a progression from a mellow, slower sound to more of an upbeat & aggressive tune. (Listen to the self titled 'The Clarks', their second release, then move onto 'Let it Go', one of their more recent albums, and its tough not to notice). This doesn't bother me at all, but a few hard-core fans I know seem to be rubbed the wrong way by this. Another Happy Ending would apparently determine to them whether the Clarks were still the Clarks they've known since their days playing seedy Pitt bars.
Happily, it splits it right down the middle. Tunes like "Maybe", "Boys Lie", and the outrageously addictive "Hey You" seem to fall into the same upbeat and catchy basket as 'Let it Go', while the old-school fans were ecstatic to find them mixed with songs like "Twist My Arm", "Inside You", and "So You Can Sleep At Night".
Perhaps the Clarks' most impressive talent is their ability to write lyrics pertaining to relationships that run the gamut from bitter, angry and vengeful, to completely over-the-top in love. Being a great college band, the audience has really siezed on this, and, regardless of your current relationship status, its impossible not to be moved and sing along with "This Old House..." and "Love is What You Need". Scott Blasey and Greg Joseph penned the lyrics on everything on A.H.E., and these guys have either been through everything you have and more, or are aliens assimmilated into society who can read your mind.
Blasey, as always, is terrific as lead vocalist. The accompanying harmonies and beats complement the songs without ever overwhelming. On "On Saturday", the Clarks implement an off-the-wall bassline that sucks you in, and totally makes the song click.
Bottom line: they're still the Clarks. They're still the best rock band to ever come out of PA, and A.H.E. will undoubtedly get me through many late nights, coming home from the bars, happy or sad.

This is the first review I've ever done and am doing it because I feel that it is the least I could do for a band that put out such an outstanding album.

My introduction to The Clarks was back in the early 90's when my band opened for them at IUP. I didn't know their music then and therefore didn't get into their live show as much as I should have. The band seemed nice, but really didn't want to be bothered with talking to us prior to the show. I left that show with a mediocre feeling about the band and didn't understand the hype.

A few months ago I picked up Another Happy Ending in Philly when I recognized the band name, but did not expect much. I could believe they were still plugging away and had to hear what they were up to. Another Happy Ending is the best CD I have picked up since purchasing The Rave-Ups 2nd album The Book Of Your Regrets years ago. Both albums are sincere, have a country twang at times, but rock out at others. Playing and production on the album is outstanding and I have a newfound respect for the band and hope they make it big. The CD has not left my car stereo in the past few months and I can still listen to it from start to finish. Every song is a keeper. I also picked up their previous album which is also very good.

Good luck guys! You made a believer out of me.

There is no band in America that is more true to basic rock and roll than the Clarks. The music is simple, but creative. It's easy to relate to the lyrics and the beat is always up tempo. "Another Happy Ending" is by far their best album to date (even better than "Let It Go", which was hard to top). Their latest, "Fast Moving Cars", is good, but doesn't measure up to this masterpiece.

I have to admit that I'm a little biased when it comes to The Clarks. (I grew up in Western PA, the area The Clarks came from, and people around here have a great deal of local pride.) But, this cd is, in my opinion, the best cd they have put out yet and one of my favorite cds of all time.

Let me give you an idea of what to expect if you've never heard of The Clarks before: Some of the most unique breakup songs you've ever heard, lots of references to cigarettes, and some absolutely amazing rock.

The Clarks have been making great music for years, yet until quite recently, they haven't had much success nationally. But, staying under the radar for so many years has really given them a chance to polish their sound. To me, the thing that makes Another Happy Ending stand out from every other Clarks cd is that polish combined with a good balance of fast and slow songs, each of with stands out as a really good song on its own.

Instead of going into detail on all the songs on this album, I'll just highlight a couple of my favorites. Going into depth on all of them would take forever.

I really like "Saturday." Like most Clarks songs, it's about a break up. The guy in the song is upset because his girlfriend's moving out on Saturday, but it's very upbeat song with some fun lines: "She said `It's not you, I just need my space'/I said, `it is me just say it to my face' ... She said it was you and I found somebody new'/She said, `that's not the color I wanted I said blue'" Nothing beats seeing The Clarks perform this one live, but the cd comes awfully close to being just as good.

It wouldn't be fair of me to write a review and not mention "Hey You." No, it's not a cover of the Pink Floyd song of the same name. I can't say it's a personal favorite since there are so many other great songs on this cd, but I know a lot of other people really love this one. It can really speak to you when you're feeling down. I have to admit, I do love the line: "Things will go your way, in another year or two, in a hundred years or two, in a thousand years or two." Another reviewer called this song a 9/11 tribute, but I have no idea where he got that. The lyrics don't really suggest it at all, and this cd came out June 2002, so I doubt that it is.

Another favorite of mine is "This Old House is Burning Down Tonight." Basically, the guy in the song burns down the house that he and his girlfriend (wife?) were living in. The concept is a little disturbing, but it's a fun song - a bit slower than some of the other Clarks songs that I'd consider to be fun, but fun none the less.

If you're still not convinced, check out clarksonline.com for song samples and lyrics.

If you liked Another Happy Ending, you'll probably also enjoy the cds that came right before and right after it, Let It Go and Fast Moving Cars. Like Another Happy Ending, both contain some amazing songs that really stand out, but I didn't think Let I Go flowed as well, and Fast Moving Cars contains too many slower songs for my taste. If you limit yourself to newer Clarks cds, you'll be missing some real classic songs like "Cigarette" and "Penny On the Floor," but I think newer fans are most likely to enjoy the more polished, more recent cds.

These guys are amazing! Their catchy lyrics keep you singing along and also make you laugh in songs like "Boys Lie." The music itself will leave you humming or tapping your foot. This album is a good mix of solid rock songs like "Hey You" and "On Saturday" and slower ballads like, "Love is What you Need" and "Inside You". Can't tell you who they sound like because the Clarks have a sound all of their own! These guys are smart and very talented. The Clarks are a Pittsburgh favorite but have been kept relatively hidden from national fame. Tell your friends to take a listen and be the one who gets credit for discovering the next best thing.

While I don't think that Another Happy Ending is quite as good as The Clark's previous release, Let it Go, it is definitely a testament to their evolving style and musical talent. While this cd has a much more mellow feel than previous efforts, almost every tune still retains that catchy/sing along feel that usually accompanies a Clarks song. After only listening to the disc one time I found myself unable to stop--the songs run through my head all day.
When comparing Another Happy Ending to older releases you can definitely sense that The Clarks have grown into one of the great musically talented groups--song writing, guitar, beats and singing all mesh perfectly on this cd--a real joy to listen to.

Many things change over a period of time, but for the last 15 years one thing has been consistent- The Clarks ! With the release of the newest CD "Another Happy Ending"- Pittsburgh's BEST kept secret will be a secret no longer ! From the reflections of September 11th in "Hey You" to the tongue in cheek bad relationship in "This Old House Is Burning Down Tonight"- The Clarks and producer Justin Niebank reach a new level in modern rock 'n roll ! If you've heard and enjoy The Clarks, you'll want to buy this CD- If you've NEVER heard of The Clarks, you'll NEED to buy this CD !

This newest CD from the Clarks seems to be their most laid back, but definitely does not disappoint. It includes an all new dose of what they do best, heart-felt lyrics, catchy rhymes, and amazing guitar work. They sneak in a little funk at the end of "On Saturday", and get you in a dancing mood with "Boys Lie". They have managed to put together yet another CD that you just can't stop listening to.

I must admit that being a long time Clarks fan (and Pittsburgh music scene fan) for over a decade I have just been waiting for these guys to strike it big. Watching their evolution has been amazing. They've went from being a heavy power chords Indiana Pa. University party band, to a finely polished studio band with an unbelievable gritty live edge. Five years ago, if you wanted me to describe the Clarks it would have been The Replacements meet Tom Petty. But with the release of Another Happy Ending I would have to lean toward, are you ready for this, more of U2 type vibe. They've kept their heartland folky rock roots and blended more melodic and harmonic guitar work w/ a funkier bass appraoch to create a real gem. I think this album is a sleeper for the year. I didnt intially like the album, but after about the third listening to, I was hooked. Give it a shot!

What has always attracted me to the Clarks is the mixing of styles that has been present in their music. This album is great, whether you're into Radio Rock, Pop, Country, Emo, Prog, Funk or Alternative music. Certainly, I was not disappointed by Another Happy Ending, as this album shows more variety and progression than any of their previous albums (all of which I enjoy).
The first time I listed to this album, I must admit that I didn't think it was the same caliber of their last album, Let It Go. Let It Go, with some incredibly catchy tunes, has more of a pop feel than this album. However, upon listening to Another Happy Ending a few more times, I am sure it is another step forward for a band that seems to progress more and more with every album. While there is not quite as much of the Clarks signature sound, the new sounds that the band leans toward make this album worth purchasing.
There are several stand out tracks, including "Hey You." Their first single off the album, "Hey You" is an astounding song echoing the events of September 11th with a melancholy optimism. Other stand-outs are "Boys Lie" and "Twist My Arm." "Maybe" and "This old House is Burning Down Tonight" are also catchy songs that are more reminiscent of past Clarks tunes than are other tracks on this album. Overall, this album is a must-have for Clarks fans. Even if you aren't a Clarks fan, this album is one of the best albums of the year. If you like honest, American music, this album should be added to your collection.