Mogwai
Happy Songs for Happy People
2003
After listening to almost exclusively nu-metal in high school, the first genre that really caught my attention was post rock most likely because of its grandiose, dramatic and emotive qualities. Unfortunately, I caught the tail end of the genre’s prime with the likes of Sigur Rós, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Tortoise and Mogwai. Ever since it has been somewhat watered down with Explosions in the Sky clones.
Anyway, I first listened to this album when I thought places like Borders and Barnes & Noble were the ideal locations to find CDs by relatively lesser-known artists. Unfortunately, at this point I did not trust ordering music online, but I digress. Happy Songs was one of the first records of my collection and so I hold a fondness of the album. It was an easy transition from hard rock as songs like “Ratts of the Capital” indicate how loud and intense Mogwai could be and hints at the more metal-based subsequent releases. It would also be wrong of me to talk about Happy Songs without mentioning my favorite track, “I Know You Are but What Am I” with its methodical and melancholy piano build. This track alone evokes a wave of high school nostalgia. -R.C.
This album is a real hit or miss for me. Certain tracks, such as “Kids Will Be Skeletons” and “Golden Porsche,” instill powerfully sentimental emotions in me, like I’m living in the best romantic scene ever made. Others, however, feel really straightforward and shallow; instead of feeling how Mogwai wants me to feel I simply recognize how Mogwai wants me to feel…and just listen respectfully. - Phil
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