Customer Reviews

The Happenings: Psycle

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

 

 

It doesn't happen often, matter of fact I can count on one hand the number of times a remake outshines the original, and this is one of those times. "See you in September" is a great fun summer song that is way better than the original by the Tempos, matter of fact its worth buying this album for this song alone... but it gets better. The first album which the single was taken from is simply a fun album, they dont take life too seriously and it shows in songs like Tea Time and the liner notes of the albums. Still there is some great love songs too notably Girl on a Swing (recorded by Gerry and the Pacemakers also)which was written by Bob Miranda one of the Happenings. They also do a great job on Go Away Little Girl. Psycle is not as great but still it has its moments. In my opinion they were getting a little too heavy into the "standards" This could album could have easily been titled "The Happenings sing the Judy Garland Songbook". But still the harmony is solid. Buy this album.

The Happenings impress me with their sophisticated phrasing, timing and their excellent diction. They consistently handled complex tempo and key changes like the pros they were and still remain and that's grand. Indeed, they are touring to this day with original member Bob Miranda. Catch them in concert if you can!

On this twofer CD we get the songs from two of their record albums entitled "Bye, Bye, So Long, Farewell" and "Psycle." The melodies to these songs are catchy with a distinct `60s flavor that is simply irresistible! "See You in September" is a wonderful ballad especially when The Happenings perform it; this song has a lush musical arrangement as do many of their tunes. I also like "Girl on a Swing" and "If You Love Me Really Love Me." "Go Away Little Girl" showcases their fine ability to take a classic pop vocal song and give it a soft rock twist while "Sealed with a Kiss" and "Tea Time" charm me with their beauty. "I Got Rhythm" has The Happenings doing this one up right; I love every minute of their rendition of this classic ballad! "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" is also very well done; the key modulations create a great sound for this tune and it highlights The Happenings' ability to perform faultlessly.

"I Believe in Nothing" has these men singing squarely front and center; the music that accompanies their vocals fits in perfectly with the lyrics to this song. Listen also for The Happenings to outdo even themselves on "When I Lock My Door;" "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" and "When the Summer Is Through."

The CD ends strong with The Happenings performing "Bye Bye Blackbird." Terrific!

This is a fine CD and it's a must-have for any fan of The Happenings. It's also a great place to start for newcomers just discovering the magical artistry of this group. In addition, people who enjoy classic pop vocals with a `60s twist will not be disappointed.

When I was about 14 (1972 or so), my mom bought me a copy of their "Psycle" LP that I'm sure she found in a cutout bin, to prove that she was in touch with the young, hip sounds the kids were listening to. She meant well, but despite the groovy cover, they were still a doo-wop group from New Jersey. This is the album that had "I Got Rhythm", as well as covers of "Bye Bye Blackbird" and "My Mammy". Covering Al Jolson was not hip. They were produced by the Tokens and sound pretty much like them. Nice voices, but the music hasn't aged all that well, IMHO. I'm not familiar with the first album, except for the big hit "See You in September", but I'm sure that it's similar. A pleasant enough artifact from the days of Top 40 AM radio, but that's about it.

One mystery musically for me is why I love some vocal bands and hate some others


Hand me an album by the Letterman and it is worthless. For a big kiss, fork me over anything by the Free Design. There was an entire range of vocal groups in the 1960s that ranged from lullaby music to jazz

The Happenings to me fall in the middle. They, vocally, remind me of the Four Seasons, to the point where, into my early adult hood, I thought the Four had done "See You In September"

Over the years if you collect music you'll by anything for a buck, and these two Happenings albums qualified.

Do I like it: probably not. The treatment on this music is way to poppy and coated with sugar. And who can blame The Happenings. AM radio was the ticket to instant stardom when these albums were made, and the Happenings were--definitively--a singles band.

Ok. I have learned as a reviewer that knocking someone else's style just because you don't like it is a game of diminishing returns. Especially when a band has talent, and the Happenings indisputably did.

Which also adds to my frustration. I wonder what sounds would have emerged had, say, Bob Theile or Curt Boucher or Ennoch Light gotten their hands on these guys. With vocal bands, the treatments are the whole sound game, and the Happenings definitely had the chops for real jazz, psychedelia, all kinds of approaches. They stay glued to one.

What it is.