Spring Break
'Happiness Ltd.' Is Not So Happy
Melissa Vega
Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: Focus
Hot Hot Heat fans may want to stay seated for this new album. The long anticipated release of their new CD, "Happiness Ltd," falls short of what is usually expected of this quirky, original band. The follow-up to their 2005 release, "Elevator," is shockingly disappointing. It provokes the yearning for them to return to the "Middle of Nowhere." Their first track of the CD, which also shares the title of the album, begins with the lyrics, "Happiness is limited, but misery has no end," which can basically sum up the entire album.
Every song was confusing and felt oddly out of place save for one song entitled, "Outta Heart." This seemed to be the only track that had emotion and music that was satisfying enough to listen to for a second time. Sadly, the entire disc fails to measure up to their last two releases. The songs, one after another, do not seem to have any particular direction, nor do they contain the original, vibrant music that was prevalent on the band's former albums.
This is especially nauseating in the song, "Give Up?" The song has the repeating lyrics, "Frustration, Frustration, I hate this vacation" and while lead singer Steve Bays' angst in the song is understandable, it may be because the song simply doesn't seem to end. As for the non-lyrical aspect of the album, there are some interesting guitar and bass riffs, but nothing comes together to rise to expectations. The opening track is a perfect example, with the bass overpowering the message of the song.
The one positive thing that needs to be said about the album is that it does inspire something. It inspires the hope that the group will consider getting back into the studio after this albums release, and return to a more pleasing sound like the distinguishing music of their first album, 2002's "Make Up The Breakdown." Surprisingly, all is not lost for this normally-exceptional group of musicians; almost every band has had to pick themselves up after a flop. However, fingers should be crossed, considering this record is what one would consider simply disastrous.
Despite this horrendous release, Hot Hot Heat's tour picks up in early September in Los Angeles. The band will be touring the East Coast with a show in Boston on Oct. 11. They will wrap up their visit in Baltimore Oct. 15 before heading down to Atlanta. Perhaps their songs will have a different sound live, and the band will be able to explain the flow of the new album; for now, fans of Hot Hot Heat should be more than prepared with an open mind, and unfortunately, the stop button.
Every song was confusing and felt oddly out of place save for one song entitled, "Outta Heart." This seemed to be the only track that had emotion and music that was satisfying enough to listen to for a second time. Sadly, the entire disc fails to measure up to their last two releases. The songs, one after another, do not seem to have any particular direction, nor do they contain the original, vibrant music that was prevalent on the band's former albums.
This is especially nauseating in the song, "Give Up?" The song has the repeating lyrics, "Frustration, Frustration, I hate this vacation" and while lead singer Steve Bays' angst in the song is understandable, it may be because the song simply doesn't seem to end. As for the non-lyrical aspect of the album, there are some interesting guitar and bass riffs, but nothing comes together to rise to expectations. The opening track is a perfect example, with the bass overpowering the message of the song.
The one positive thing that needs to be said about the album is that it does inspire something. It inspires the hope that the group will consider getting back into the studio after this albums release, and return to a more pleasing sound like the distinguishing music of their first album, 2002's "Make Up The Breakdown." Surprisingly, all is not lost for this normally-exceptional group of musicians; almost every band has had to pick themselves up after a flop. However, fingers should be crossed, considering this record is what one would consider simply disastrous.
Despite this horrendous release, Hot Hot Heat's tour picks up in early September in Los Angeles. The band will be touring the East Coast with a show in Boston on Oct. 11. They will wrap up their visit in Baltimore Oct. 15 before heading down to Atlanta. Perhaps their songs will have a different sound live, and the band will be able to explain the flow of the new album; for now, fans of Hot Hot Heat should be more than prepared with an open mind, and unfortunately, the stop button.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Mary
posted 9/13/07 @ 10:49 AM EST
You just don't get it. The CF has that indie edge but is more musical in many ways. The drums are better than ever, there are many different instruments plus other choir type voices in one of the tracks and Steve's voice has matured and is used in different and fresh ways. (Continued…)
anonymous
posted 6/09/08 @ 4:53 PM EST
what a crappy review...Hot Hot Heat is more mature...get over it. And if this album is a flop, may I be struck dead...now...
wait, I'm still alive!
Post a Comment