Happyhead
Give Happyhead (Eastwest) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Since dropping out of British dance unit Shriekback in the mid-1980s, vocalist-guitarist Carl Marsh foundered, looking for the right vehicle for his electronic-based music. In Marsh`s new conceptualization, Happyhead (which includes producer/keyboardist David Barratt), a marriage of house and rap with more traditional rock elements proves a winner. Funky and smart, not to mention streetwise, Marsh bites down on advertising and conspicuous consumption in the snide song ”Fabulous.” His spewing lyrics bring in a little Johnny (”Rotten”) Lydon and the Psychedelic Furs` Robert Butler and even a little Leon Redbone (on ”Baby USA”). Excellent opening tracks, especially ”Digital Love Thing” and ”Atomic Candy,” more than compensate for Marsh`s failure to catch a second wind on later ”Give Happyhead” tracks. Ratings:
Excellent (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Good (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
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Fair (STAR)(STAR)
Poor (STAR)