Happyness

The Aluminum Group | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 22, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Empyrean Records
• ASIN: B00006JC7R
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #358,024 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

They have created a sound that's simultaneously futuristic and retro, a potent cocktail of atmospheric electronica, slinky soul and old school easy listening. With band members of Tortoise, The Sea And Cake, Rebecca Gates of the Spinanes and many more. Di

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My 2nd Alumium album, February 4, 2003

By 

Travis M. Owens (Syracuse, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Happyness (Audio CD)

On their previous album I wanted a bit more lyrics and it seems I got what I wanted in this album, and realized it's not what I wanted. I do like the singer's voice but it can get repetitive after you hear it in every song but I still really liked this album, especially the last track which is my favorite Aluminum track. Some of the tracks are really upbeat, which is refreshing and prevents this album from feeling too much the same. I would say this album is a must buy for Aluminum fans, but a first time buyer might be overwelmed with this album so I recomment you purchase their older CD titled 'Pelo' as your first steps into The Aluminum Group.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cool, November 19, 2002

By 

WrtnWrd "Hankman" (Northridge, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Happyness (Audio CD)

With "Happyness", their fifth release, the Aluminum Group refines the lush cocktail pop they introduced on Plano. John and Frank Navin, the Chicago-based architects of this sound, augment their Brasil 66-Burt Bacharach style by dropping in faddish elements such as the light drums'n'bass skiffle of "Tiny Kisses", the trance harmonies on the elegant drone "We're Both Hiding", and subtle touches of electroclash - mostly percussion -on any number of tracks. The surface of these songs are smooth, the vocals - and vocal harmonies - deadpan. Yet there are (barely hinted at) tensions underneath, the isolating detritus of modern love. There are times when the Aluminum Group sound like nothing more than a postmodern version of The Association. More often, they invoke the chill out room at the hippest club in the coolest city in the world.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Aluminum Group are heavenly., October 26, 2002

By 

Noah Wilson (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Happyness (Audio CD)

WOW. All I can say is wow. The Navins have outdone themselves this time. Their songwriting is right on. Their use of electronics is much more focused than it was on Pelo and this should suit all their fans perfectly. Their lyrics, as always, are clever "as far as I'm concerned you can find yourself another unmarked hotel" - We're Both Hiding. Their voices and harmonies are lush and as crystal clear as ever. The instrumentation is perfect. Automatically gets my vote for album of the year. I am thrilled that this is only the first in a proposed trilogy! My only complaint is that this album is far too short with only 10 tracks. Other than that, great job guys. Favorite song: "Two Lights" - Classic Aluminum Group genius (as is this entire CD)